[Peter Cook]

Thank you for your input in the Do 17 attacks Robert.

I am still perplexed by the reports of Ju 88s and He 111s taking part in the first attack on Biggin Hill at 13.00. With claims for He 111s and Ju 88s made by P/O Clifton, P/O Nowak and S/L Gleave of 253 Squadron, and by S/L Heyworth of 79 Squadron, P/O Ellacombe of 151 Squadron, and P/O Witorzenc of 501 Squadron. I find it hard to believe that these six pilots misidentified Do 17s as He 111s or Ju 88s – twin tail versus single rudder. A Ju 88 was also claimed at 18.25 during the second attack on Biggin Hill by Sgt Proctor of 602 Squadron.
The second raid is described in RAF Biggin Hill – the Other Side of the Bump, p. 288-9 by Peter Osborne, who reproduces the following account:

Diary of F/L R J B Jackson, Biggin Hill Sector and Station Engineering Officer
Saturday August, 31st
18.00 hrs.
High level pattern bombing attack by aircraft followed immediately by dive bombing attack with J.U. 88's and 109's by aircraft, and ground strafing with Cannon fire by 109's. Further severe damage by direct hits on Hangars and other buildings... etc.

Any thoughts?

Peter