Image via Wikipediathe Air Staff Operational Summary records:
Between 0600 and 0900 hours a number of raids by single aircraft were carried out between YARMOUTH and FLAMBOROUGH HEAD and inland.
Bombs were dropped at several places including the R.E. Headquarters at MELBOURNE in DERBYSHIRE, and at BRIDLINGTON where a truck containing ammunition was blown up. Although weather conditions were not good, a DO.17 was intercepted by fighters and shot down off CROMER by No. 242 Squadron. One of our HURRICANES was shot down during the combat but the pilot is reported safe. In the South, attacks were reported on shipping off the ISLE OF WIGHT and at 0741 hours a raid of six aircraft appeared in the CHERBOURG area. Three sections of fighters were ordered to patrol POOLE and on the approach of the enemy were reinforced by a further Squadron. A fight ensued and 604 Squadron shot down a JU.87 confirmed and possibly an additional JU.87 unconfirmed.
Between 0900-1100 hours, there was little activity, probably due to the bad weather. Of four raids however, one, a DO.17, was intercepted by No. 601 Squadron and shot down off SELSEY BILL. Another raid bombed SWANSEA and carried out a shipping reconnaissance of MILFORD HAVEN.
After 1100 hours considerable activity started with an attack on PORTLAND and a convoy off the Coast, some fifty enemy aircraft taking part. These aircraft were plotted from CAP HAGUE and JERSEY. Five of our Squadrons intercepted and succeeded in shooting down 8 ME.110's for certain and 8 ME.110's and 1 JU.87 probable. In addition, one Hurricane which attacked one of our sections and which bore red and blue checked markings on the wings was shot down.
The A.A. at PORTLAND shot down three enemy aircraft, one HE.111, 1 JU.88 confirmed and one unidentified enemy aircraft unconfirmed. As a result of this engagement, an ME.110 landed near WEYMOUTH practically undamaged and the occupants arrested before they could destroy the aircraft.
In the afternoon several attacks on convoys off SUFFOLK were reported. Continuous fighter patrols were maintained over these convoys and no reports of damage have been received. One enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance over ALDERSHOT, UPPER HEYFORD and out over NORFOLK.
At 1744 hours, a raid of some fifty aircraft attacked PORTSMOUTH. Guided by accurate A.A. fire, two of our Squadrons intercepted th enemy and in the ensuing combat, No. 601 Squadron shot down 4 HE.111's and 1 ME.110 for cetain and 4 He.111's probable. No. 145 Squadron shot down 1 ME.110 and 3 HE.111's for certain and lost one Hurricane (pilot safe).
Bombs fell in PORTSMOUTH setting fire to the gas works and causing some casualties. Pilots report that during this engagement, enemy bombers threw out various objects some of which appeared to be metal turnings, plates and wire, in great quantity.
One raid was plotted North of GLASGOW at 1913 hours and was tracked East over the FIRTH OF FORTH and out to sea. This is considered significant in view of a raid which was plotted at about 2330 hours on the night 10/11th July going westwards over the same route with no trace of its return.
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