23/09/2025
The 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝗳 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 🇬🇧 continues, Day 76, September 23, 1940.
RAF squadrons engaged in intense battles during the Battle of Britain, with fighter sweeps towards London and night attacks on London and Merseyside.
Despite fine weather conditions, the RAF scrambled multiple squadrons to intercept over 200 German aircraft entering English airspace. The engagements resulted in losses on both sides, with notable victories and captures on each.
During the morning, RAF squadrons from No. 11 Group, including Hurricanes from Nos. 257, 73, 229, and 303 (Polish) Squadrons, along with Spitfires from Nos. 41, 72, 92, and 603 Squadrons, engaged the German fighters over Kent and the estuary between 09:30 and 10:30 hours.
The combat over Herne Bay, Gravesend, and the Isle of Sheppey resulted in a series of intense dogfights.
Multiple dogfights ensued, resulting in RAF losses and measurable damage inflicted on the Luftwaffe.
Spitfires of No. 72 Squadron claimed a Bf 109 off Folkestone, and
No. 303 (Polish) Squadron reported two victories over the Thames Estuary.
Additional kills were credited to Nos. 257 and 605 Squadrons.
On that day No. 303 (Polish) Squadron participated in an attack on enemy bombers, claiming seven enemy aircraft destroyed, one probably destroyed, and seven damaged, sharing this action with the 1st Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Throughout the rest of the day, further reconnaissance missions and interceptions took place, with both sides experiencing losses and successes.
Night operations saw waves of German bombers targeting London and surrounding areas, causing significant destruction and casualties.
The heavy raids continued into the night, with reports of major fires, explosions, and damage across various locations.
Despite some successes by ground defenses and AA fire, the RAF's limited night-fighting capabilities struggled against the sustained attacks.
In the final assessment, RAF squadrons were involved in intense aerial battles, resulting in losses on both sides during the daytime engagements.
German Losses:
Airmen: 14 | Aircraft: 17
British Losses:
Airmen: 3 | Aircraft: 11
Spitfire R6896, No. 234 Squadron
P/O T.M. Kane. Confirmed P.O.W. Was flying routine patrol but believed crashed in Channel off French Coast.
Spitfire P9371, No. 74 Squadron
Sgt D.H. Ayers. Listed as missing. Baled out into the sea south-east of Southwold, possibly hit by return fire from Do 17. Body recovered on 4/10/40.
Spitfire R7016, No. 152 Squadron
P/O W. Beaumont. Listed as missing. Failed to return from operational sortie. Last seen over the Channel.
📷 Pilot František’s aircraft R4175 RF-R being examined, was subsequently repaired and returned to 303 Squadron afterwards.
