[Stephen M. Fochuk]

There was a lot going on this day.

Commencing at 1054 hours, 36 Beaufighters (12 of which were torpedo carrying) of No.16 Group C.C., escorted by 51 Spitfires V (L.R.) of 118, 402, 416 and 611 Squadrons, made R/V over Coltishall, and proceeded according to plan to attack a southbound convoy. This target, consisting of 18 ships steaming in 3 lines, was sighted south of Den Helder and attacked, one merchantmen of 2,000 tons being sunk, another probably sunk, one escort vessel sunk, another probably sunk and a third badly damaged. the escort engaged 8 Me.109's, 2 flying at the south end of the convoy and 6 more flying at the north end, with the result that 118 probably destroyed 1 Me.109, 402 destroyed 2 Me.109's, 416 destroyed another and shared another destroyed, all without loss.

Apparently no losses to the Beaufighters.

Stephen