[Chris Goss]

The attack on Southampton was carried out at 1730 hrs (German time) by 18 He 111s from I/KG 55 (with 80 SC 250 bombs) & 19 from II/KG 55 with 132 SC 250 & 6 SC 250 LZZ as well as 14 Bf 110s from ErPrGr 210 (who dropped 26 SC 500s at 1725 hrs. Meanwhile 10 He 111s from III/KG 55 carried out an ineffectual diversionary attack on Portland. They all reported being intercepted by 40-50 Spitfires 20 kms off the coast and claimed to have shot down 6 Hurricanes & 14 Spitfires (!!). RAF claims were similarly exaggerated. However, 229 Sqn claimed a He 111 probable; 303 (9), 238 (2) & 602 (2), 607 (1) & 609 (1) Sqns each claimed to have destroyed He 111s-German losses were only 1 He 111 & 2 Bf 110s missing