[Bruce Lander]

Hi Brian

from the 151 sq website it seems that the 110 claimed was in fact credited as confirmed destroyed :-


July 9
151 Squadron formed part of a force which was scrambled to deal with concentrations of enemy aircraft operating of f the Thames Estuary. They encountered a very strong force of He 111 and Ju 88 bombers with a fighter escort of Me 109 and MellO aircraft. Estimates put the total force of enemy aircraft as being approximately one hundred and flying in an effective battle formation.

In the battle which took place, which was very vicious, 151 Squadron were successful. They did lose one aircraft but the pilot was later picked up from the sea. F/Lt Ironside was wounded in the face when his aircraft cockpit cover was hit by enemy fire. Midshipman Wightman was the pilot shot down, and a trawler picked him up and took him to Sheerness.


Claims for the day were :-

F/O Milne 1 Me 109 destroyed
Midshipman Wightman 1 Me 109 destroyed
W/Cdr Beamish 1 Me 110 destroyed
F/O Forster
P/O Hamar

Bruce Lander