Lysander Squadron Losses, May/June 1940

[B.F.M. Droog]

Some sources state that the Lysander squadrons (No 2, No 4, No 13, No 16 and No 26) were decimated and because of that were - in a early stage of the Battle of France - withdrawn to England.

Yet after comparing my notes and Peter Cornwell's 'The Battle of France Then and Now' I found this:

2 Sqdn: 9 a/c lost; 3 KIA, 3 MIA, 1 WIA
4 Sqdn: 11 a/c lost; 14 KIA, 3 MIA (+ 5 ground crew fatalities)
13 Sqdn: 4 a/c lost; 6 KIA, 1 DOW (+ 1 ground crew fatality)
16 Sqdn: 8 or 9 a/c lost; 7 KIA, 6 MIA, 3 WIA
26 Sqdn: 13 a/c lost; 16 KIA, 1 MIA, 1 DOW, 2 POW?

Most of the losses occurred after the withdrawal.

The losses were heavy indeed (every squadron started on 10/05/1940 with 18 a/c), but compared to losses of the Battle, Blenheim and Hurricane Squadrons I don't get it why it has been said that they were extremely heavy. Does anyone know when the claims of the excessive losses for the Lysander squadrons started, and by which source?

Regards,

Bart