[Andy Fletcher]

Regards Dowding being aware of Spitfires being diverted to the PDU I would say he was fully aware. During the period in question the PDU, the parent unit Spitfires operating in France belonged to, was sub-ordinate to Fighter Command for administrative purposes. So personnel and equipment came from Dowding's Command. However, Fighter Command had no operational control over PR Spitfires in the UK or the Continent.

As to whether he agreed with this diversion of resources or even had any say I don't know. As stated previously by the time of the German invasion of France much higher authority than Dowding was taking notice of what was being achieved and resources were to be allocated accordingly whether AOC Fighter Command agreed or not.

Best regards

Andy Fletcher