Attack on Eastbourne - 26 October 1940

[Andy Saunders]

Can anyone identify the unit involved when a single Do 17 attacked Eastbourne from approx 500ft and dropped a number of bombs on the town at around 08.50 hours.

[Peter Cornwell]

Andy,

Most of southern England was 'socked-in' that day and a number of aircraft reported 'Hastings' as an alternative target but none of them Do17s and not that early I'm afraid.

[Andy Saunders]

Peter

Thank you for that.

Reason for my interest is that I have been asked to put something together locally on the Eastbourne attack that took place on that date. As a result of the raid, three bomb disposal men and a local Police Sgt were killed dealing with a UXB.

I have the ARP file on the event which is quite a comprehensive document and times the attack quite precisely. According to information in the file (seemingly confirmed by ROC) the aircraft was identified as a Dornier 17, although there could have been some mis-identification going on.

I agree that the weather was not good and there was little activity. However, I am certain about the date and timings even if there must be some query over the aircraft type.

The Hastings attack that day (I have no time) resulted in a "salvo" of bombs being dropped in Priory Road and the Halton district of the town from what is described as "a lone bomber". There were four casualties - two serious.

Is there any known Luftwaffe activity by other a/c types or units at this time on this date that you have recorded?

PS - Just found the timing of the Hastings attack which was 13.43 hrs.

[Peter Cornwell]

Andy,

Nothing recorded at that time on that date I'm afraid.

Peter