11 August 1942 During Operation Bellows: a further 37 Supermarine Spitfires arrive by air on Malta from the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle. However, later on this day the Eagle is struck by four torpedoes fired by the German submarine U73 and sinks within five minutes.
11 August 1943 A posthumous Victoria Cross is awarded to Flying Officer L.A. Trigg of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) for sinking the U-boat 'U-468' south west of Dakar. Trigg's aircraft was a Consolidated Liberator (BZ832 'D') of No.200 Squadron.
August 11, 1943 Germans begin to evacuate Sicily On this day in 1943, German forces begin a six-day evacuation of the Italian island of Sicily, having been beaten back by the Allies, who invaded the island in July. The Germans had maintained a presence in Sicily since the earliest days of the war. But with the arrival of Gen. George S. Patton and his 7th Army and Gen. Bernard Montgomery and his 8th Army, the Germans could no longer hold their position. The race began for the Strait of Messina, the 2-mile wide body of water that separated Sicily from the Italian mainland. The Germans needed to get out of Sicily and onto the Italian peninsula. While Patton had already reached his goal, Palermo, the Sicilian capital, on July 22 (to a hero's welcome, as the Sicilian people were more than happy to see an end to fascist rule), Montgomery, determined to head off the Germans at Messina, didn't make his goal in time. The German 29th Panzergrenadier Division and the 14th Panzer Corps were brought over from Africa for the sole purpose of slowing the Allies' progress and allowing the bulk of the German forces to get off the island. The delaying tactic succeeded. Despite the heavy bombing of railways leading to Messina, the Germans made it to the strait on August 11. Over six days and seven nights, the Germans led 39,569 soldiers, 47 tanks, 94 heavy guns, 9,605 vehicles, and more than 2,000 tons of ammunition onto the Italian mainland. (Not to mention the 60,000 Italian soldiers who were also evacuated, in order to elude capture by the Allies.) Although the United States and Britain had succeeded in conquering Sicily, the Germans were now reinforced and heavily supplied, making the race for Rome more problematic.
August 12, 1938 Hitler institutes the Mother's Cross On this day in 1938, Adolf Hitler institutes the Mother's Cross, to encourage German women to have more children, to be awarded each year on August 12, Hitler's mother's birthday. The German Reich needed a robust and growing population and encouraged couples to have large families. It started such encouragement early. Once members of the distaff wing of the Hitler Youth movement, the League of German Girls, turned 18, they became eligible for a branch called Faith and Beauty, which trained these girls in the art of becoming ideal mothers. One component of that ideal was fecundity. And so each year, in honor of his beloved mother, Klara, and in memory of her birthday, a gold medal was awarded to women with seven children, a silver to women with six, and a bronze to women with five.
Battle of Britain Campaign Diary Date: 12 August 1940 Weather: Fine with some mist patches. Day: Heavy raid on Portsmouth. Convoy in Thames Estuary, radar stations and coastal airfields attacked. Night: Widespread harassing raids. Daily audio broadcasts, taken from the official Fighter Command Daily Summaries, giving the news highlights of each days action in the Battle of Britain are now available FREE and streamed direct to your PC every day. Find out more information on Radio1940, download the software and hear daily the Battle of Britain news as it happened 60 years ago to the day. Enemy action by day Great activity was experienced, the main features of which were a heavy attack on Dover between 0720 and 0840 hours; attacks on convoys in the Thames Estuary at about 1100 hours; a strong attack on the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton at noon; an attack on Manston Aerodrome at 1245 hours; an extensive search in force off the mid-Straits of Dover at about 1400 hours; a further attack on Dover and also on Hawkinge and Lympne at about 1730 hours. Thames Estuary At 1101 hours, two raids were plotted approaching Deal. They combined to form a raid of 25+ aircraft which turned north and entered the Thames Estuary where two convoys were attacked. The enemy were intercepted by our fighters and casualties were inflicted. Attack on Manston Aerodrome At 1245 hours, the aerodrome at Manston was attacked by 50 enemy aircraft and damage done to the aerodrome and hangars. Four squadrons and one section of fighters engaged the enemy. Dover Area At 0720 hours, a large-scale attack began to develop on Dover and continued until about 0840 hours. There were 11 raids in all, consisting of about 200 aircraft, some of which are reported to been camouflaged in a manner similar to our fighters. RAF establishments at Dover, Rye and Pevensey were attacked but not seriously damaged. The four squadrons sent up to intercept shot down several enemy aircraft. Our own casualties were extremely slight. From 1400 to 1500 hours, a strong reconnaissance was plotted in the Straits of Dover and carried out and extensive search without approaching the English Coast. From 1700 hours onwards, about 17 raids were concerned in a further attack on Dover and district. A considerable battle developed during which enemy aircraft were active over Hawkinge and Lympne. Our fighters again intercepted and destroyed many enemy aircraft. During the period of these attacks on the South East Coast, two patrols of about 20 aircraft each were maintained by the enemy in the Straits about 10 miles south of Dover. Portsmouth Area Shortly after 0930 hours, one raid unsuccessfully attacked an RAF establishment at Poling. At 1151 hours, a raid of 150+ aircraft was plotted 30 miles north of Cherbourg. This raid split into a number of smaller raids which approached on a wide front. Some reached Portsmouth and Southampton where damage was done. Others flew over convoys off the Isle of Wight but no damage to shipping is reported. An RAF establishment at Ventnor was bombed and damaged at about 1300 hours. In the above raids the enemy were engaged by our fighters and suffered further losses. Reconnaissances There have been a number of reconnaissances searching for shipping off the East Coast. The was one reconnaissance from Shoreham up to Northolt and one over South Wales and Somerset and it is reported that one aircraft flew over the north of Scotland to 250 miles out into the Atlantic thence down the West Coast of Ireland. By night Widespread raids in small numbers occurred over the country. Minelaying was suspected off the North East and East Coasts and in the Thames Estuary and Bristol Channel. Enemy aircraft were active near Bircham Newton, towards Nottingham and in the Blackpool district. About 6 raids approached Norwich but did not appear to penetrate far inland. Statistics Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 12 August 1940 Blenheim - 60 Spitire - 248 Hurricane - 363 Defiant - 24 Gladiator - 4 Total - 699 Casualties: Enemy Losses By Squadron No. Destroyed Probable Damaged 615 Sqn (Hurricanes) 2 Me109 1 Me109 1 Me109 152 Sqn (Spitfires) 4 Ju88 1 Ju88 5 Ju88 1 Me110 213 Sqn (Hurricanes) 1 Me110 9 Me110 609 Sqn (Spitfires) 3 Me109 3 Me110 1 Ju88 3 Me110 1 Me110 1 Do17 32 Sqn (Hurricanes) 6 Me109 2 Me109 1 Me109 2 Do215 64 Sqn (Spitfires) 2 Me110 1 Do215 1 Do215 56 Sqn (Hurricanes) 2 Me109 1 Do215 610 Sqn (Spitfires) 3 Me109 4 Me109 3 Me109 501 Sqn (Hurricanes) 6 Ju87 1 Me109 2 Ju87 1 He113 2 Me110 1 Me110 54 Sqn (Spitfires) 6 Me109 1 Me109 1 Me109 43 Sqn (Hurricanes) 1 Ju88 3 He111 145 Sqn (Hurricanes) 2 Ju88 1 Ju88 1 Me110 1 Do17 257 Sqn (Hurricanes) 3 Do17 3 Do17 1 Me110 2 He111 65 Sqn (Hurricanes) 2 Me109 4 Me109 4 Me109 266 Sqn (Spitfires) 2 Ju88 1 Ju88 5 Ju88 1 Me110 1 Me110 4 Me110 1 Do17 By AA 7 aircraft TOTAL 62 36 39 Own: No 501 Squadron - 2 Hurricanes, 1 pilot safe No 145 Squadron - 3 Hurricanes No 257 Squadron - 2 Hurricanes No 266 Squadron - 1 Spitfire No 152 Squadron - 2 Spitfires No 213 Squadron - 2 Hurricanes No 64 Squadron - 3 Spitfires Patrols: 196 patrols despatched involving 798 aircraft. Balloons: Flying 1466. Casualties 44. Aerodromes: No reports. Organisation: No 607 Squadron operational by day only. Air Intelligence Reports No reports. Home Security Reports Date: 12th/13th August 1940 General Summary The raids on the 12th August were on a considerably larger scale than any yet attempted on this country. Apart from those during the night of 11th/12th August, of which there are further particulars in yesterday's report, the main objectives appear to have been aerodromes, RAF establishments, Portsmouth Harbour and in particular the county of Kent has received much attention from the enemy, not only in aircraft attacks but by shelling. Considering the extent of the raids, casualties, although fairly serious, were not actually numerous. Portsmouth in this respect suffered rather heavily In the Isle of Wight widespread damage was done but as so far reported, not of a major nature. In this area, machine-gunning was reported in addition to a large number of bombs being dropped. Amongst the aerodromes attacked, Manston and Hawkinge appear to have suffered the most. [*]Detailed Summary In the south-eastern region, Lympne Aerodrome was attacked on two occasions on the 12th and considerable damage was done to hangars and premises. Hawkinge Aerodrome also suffered considerable damage from an attack at 1743 hours when seven hangars and several lorries, services and telephone phones, quarters and buildings were seriously affected. Manston Aerodrome was also visited by the enemy when two hangars were damaged and the aerodrome rendered temporarily unserviceable by a number of craters. Workshops were also damaged and it was reported that various offices and quarters were affected. Casualties are said to be four dead killed and eight injured. Four bombs were reported on Bircham Newton Aerodrome at 2215 hours. Other attacks on or near aerodromes and RAF establishments include:- Pevensey, Dunkirk (Kent), Brookland (Sussex), Poling (sussex), near Thorney Island, at Bosham, near Canterbury, at Bekesbourne, at Ipswich airport, north-west of Martlesham, east of Coltishall, near Wattisham and south of Sutton Bridge. With reference to the Canterbury area, it is reported that between 2250 and 2310 hours on the 12th, over 200 HE and 3 DA as well as some IB bombs were dropped and the main Dover line is blocked. Further details not yet to hand. Other areas which have been visited by enemy aircraft are somewhat widespread in the counties of Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Suffolk, Somerset, Devonshire and in South Wales at Cardiff and Neath. Portsmouth At about 1201 hours on the 12th August, a raid by a large number of enemy aircraft was made on Portsmouth and district. The harbour railway station was badly damaged, the pier was demolished, a pontoon dock holed and badly strained and fires, which we later got under control, broke out in several buildings including a brewery in the old town. Casualties are reported to number eight killed and seventy-five injured. Gosport district was also bombed and although details of the full extent of the damage are lacking, casualties are reported to amount to fifteen killed and twenty-four injured, including twelve RAF personnel killed. In the Isle of Wight bombs were dropped at approximately midday on the 12th in the Ventnor area and a total number of 72 HE and 10 DA are reported. Damage was done to houses in Ventnor and Bonchurch and the railway line at Shanklin and Wroxhall was damaged. The number of injured is reported as six. [*]Enemy Attacks by Shell-fire Reports have been received of shells falling on the South East Coast between 1020 and 1115 hours on the 12th when the railway line near Sandwich was damaged, some house property and telephone wires at Dover, houses demolished and damaged at Folkestone and barracks hit and minor damage to property at Deal and Walmer. [/LIST]
12-13 August 1941 RAF Bomber Command drops 82 tons of High Explosive on Berlin, in the heaviest raid on the German capital to that date.
12-13 August 1943 A posthumous Victoria Cross is awarded to Flight Sergeant A.L. Aaron for his actions during a mission to attack Turin in Italy. The aircraft involved was Short Stirling EF452 'HA-O' of No.218 Squadron, RAF Bomber Command.
12 August 1940 The Victoria Cross is awarded to Flight Lieutenant R.A.B Learoyd for a bombing attack on the Dortmund-Ems canal. Handley Page Hampden P4403, No.49 Squadron, RAF Bomber Command.
August 13, 1940 The Battle of Britain begins On this day in 1940, German aircraft begin the bombing of southern England, and the Battle of Britain, which will last until October 31, begins. The Germans called it "the Day of the Eagle," the first day of the Luftwaffe's campaign to destroy the RAF, the British Royal Air Force, and knock out British radar stations, in preparation for Operation Sea Lion, the amphibious invasion of Britain. Almost 1,500 German aircraft took off the first day of the air raid, and 45 were shot down. Britain lost 13 fighters in the air and another 47 on the ground. But most important for the future, the Luftwaffe managed to take out only one radar station, on the Isle of Wight, and damage five others. This was considered more trouble than it was worth by Herman Goering, commander of the Luftwaffe, who decided to forgo further targeting of British radar stations because "not one of those attacked so far has been put out of operation." Historians agree that this was a monumental mistake on the part of the Germans. Had Goering and the Luftwaffe persisted in attacking British radar, the RAF would not have been able to get the information necessary to successfully intercept incoming German bombers. "Here, early in the battle, we get a glimpse of fuddled thinking at the highest level in the German camp," comments historian Peter Fleming. Even the Blitz, the intensive and successive bombing of London that would begin in the last days of the Battle of Britain, could not compensate for such thinking. There would be no Operation Sea Lion. There would be no invasion of Britain. The RAF would not be defeated.
Battle of Britain Campaign Diary Date: 13 August 1940 Weather: Mainly fair. Early morning mist and slight drizzle in places and some cloud in the Channel. Day: Opening of 'Eagle Day' misfires. Heavy raid on Eastchurch followed by afternoon raids on Portland, Southampton and airfields in Kent and Hampshire. 1,485 German sorties. Night: Light attacks on Midlands, Wales and the West Country. 'Adler Tag' ('Eagle Day') - the original date set by Hitler for the invasion of Britain. Daily audio broadcasts, taken from the official Fighter Command Daily Summaries, giving the news highlights of each days action in the Battle of Britain are now available FREE and streamed direct to your PC every day. Find out more information on Radio1940, download the software and hear daily the Battle of Britain news as it happened 60 years ago to the day. Enemy action by day The main effort of the enemy was directed to attacks all along the South Coast from Weymouth to the Thames Estuary. Heavy attacks were made: i. About 0530 hours on the South East Coast. Aircraft crossed the coast from Dungeness to North Foreland and some penetrated to the Thames Estuary. ii. At 0600 hours, when the coast was crossed west of Beachy Head. These raids split up into several sections which flew about 25 miles inland. iii. At 0612 hours on Southampton and its vicinity. The attack lasted for one hour. iv. Commencing at 1525 hours from Portland along the coast to the Thames Estuary. Massed attacks appear to have been timed to take place simultaneously at 1600 hours. All these raids were intercepted by our fighters which suffered very few losses but inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. South West and South At 0612 hours, four raids totalling 250 aircraft made for Portsmouth on a front stretching from the Isle of Wight to Selsey Bill. The attack lasted for one hour and the aircraft finally dispersed at 0720 hours. Fighters intercepted and casualties were inflicted. At 1205 hours, a raid of ten aircraft came in east of Portland at 20,000 feet and was joined by another raid of 12 aircraft and went inland for about five miles. Casualties were again inflicted by our fighters. At 1600 hours, six raids, consisting of some 150 aircraft, approached Poole, Portland and Portsmouth. These aircraft flew towards Middle Wallop and around the district and one raid flew on to Bristol. These raids were made in conjunction with other s further east (see South East below). A big battle ensued and the enemy suffered severely. Southampton is reported to have been heavily bombed and an attack was also made on Andover Aerodrome. South East At about 0530 hours, raids crossed the coast between Dungeness and North Foreland, some aircraft flying up the Thames Estuary and towards a convoy. At 0600 hours, other raids crossed the coast west of Beachy Head where they split up into sections which flew inland some 25 miles on a northerly and north-westerly course. At 0951 hours, a reconnaissance was made off Dungeness. At 1600 hours, some 150 aircraft in conjunction with the raids further west (see South West and South above) made for Deal and Dover. Many aircraft passed inland and were active over the East Kent area. Detling Aerodrome was attacked by dive bombers and Eastchurch Aerodrome was also bombed. Damage was also caused to both places. Elsewhere inland, material damage was also inflicted. Oil bombs with a splash of 75 yards are reported to have been dropped at Ramsgate. Fighters intercepted these raids with good effect. At 1839 hours, a raid was tracked into the Thames Estuary as far as Sheppey but the aircraft, after being pursued by fighters, evaded them in clouds. At 1920 hours, a report was received that seaplanes were flying very low in the neighbourhood of Dover, probably searching for surface vessels. East Between 0935 and 0955 hours, the reconnaissance flights were plotted off East Anglia. At 1725 hours, a convoy was shadowed off Flamborough Head but the enemy aircraft evaded fighters in the clouds. At 1936 hours, enemy aircraft which attacked a convoy off East Anglia were engaged by our fighters. By night Many small raids of 1 and 1+ aircraft were distributed over most parts of the country. One raid crossed the coast near Cromer and made an extensive patrol over North Norfolk and Digby districts. There were about 11 raids in an area north east of Duncansby Head to Kinnaird's Head and Aberdeen and about 10 raids were in the Thames Estuary and the area south of Harwich. Raids were also over Wiltshire and the Birmingham districts and one or two penetrated into Wales. At 035 hours, a "Help" signal was received from a convoy 5 miles north of Kinnaird's Head. Statistics Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 13 August 1940 Blenheim - 71 Spitfire - 226 Hurricane - 353 Defiant - 26 Gladiator - 2 Total - 678 Casualties: Enemy Losses By Squadron No. Destroyed Probable Damaged Time 74 Sqn (Spitfires) 4 Do17 3 Do17 2 Do17 0535 2 Do215 43 Sqn (Hurricanes) 1 He111 2 Ju88 1 Me110 0625 1 Me109 1 Do17 5 Ju88 3 Ju88 1 Do17 64 Sqn (Spitfires) 1 Do215 2 Do215 0640 151 Sqn (Hurricanes) 3 Do215 1 Do215 0521 601 Sqn (Hurricanes) 3 Ju88 7 Ju88 4 Ju88 0630 1 Me110 111 Sqn (Hurricanes) 5 Do215 5 Do215 0630 257 Sqn (Hurricanes) 1 Ju88 0617 601 Sqn (Hurricanes) 5 Me110 3 Me110 6 Me110 1150 145 Sqn (Hurricanes) 1 Ju88 1617 65 Sqn (Spitfires) 3 Me109 3 Me109 3 Me109 1455 56 Sqn (Hurricanes) 4 Me110 5 Me110 1550 43 Sqn (Hurricanes) 1 Ju88 5 Me110 1600 1 Do17 257 Sqn (Hurricanes) 1 Ju88 1509 601 Sqn (Hurricanes) 5 Me110 4 Me110 2 Me110 1535 1 Ju88 1 He113 87 Sqn (Hurricanes) 1 Ju88 0642 213 Sqn (Hurricanes) 1 Ju88 1158 1 Me109 238 Sqn (Hurricanes) 4 Me110 2 Me110 1155 213 Sqn (Hurricanes) 3 Me109 1 Me109 1526 1 Me110 238 Sqn (Hurricanes) 3 Me110 4 Me110 1528 1 Me109 609 Sqn (Spitfires) 4 Me109 2 Ju87 2 Ju87 1533 9 Ju87 1 Me109 1 Me110 1 Me109 152 Sqn (Spitfires) 1 Me110 2 Me110 1500 92 Sqn (Spitfires) 1 Ju88 1545 By AA 2 Ju86 2 unknown 2 unknown TOTAL 78 33 49 Own: No 74 Squadron - 2 Spitfires, pilots safe No 43 Squadron - 1 Hurricane, pilot safe No 601 Squadron - 1 Hurricane, pilot safe No 56 Squadron - 4 Hurricanes, 2 pilots safe, 2 pilots wounded No 238 Squadron - 3 Hurricanes, 2 pilots safe No 87 Squadron - 1 Hurricane No 213 Squadron - 1 Hurricane Patrols: 192 patrols despatched involving 916 aircraft. Balloons: Flying 1501. Casualties 41. Aerodromes: Abbotsinch and Hartlepool are unserviceable by night. Organisation: No 602 Squadron has moved from Drem to Tangmere No 607 Squadron is operational by day only Air Intelligence Reports No reports. Home Security Reports Date: 13 August 1940 General Summary Since early on the 13th August, enemy aircraft activity over this country has been on a scale far in excess of anything hitherto carried out. It extended over a wide area from Aberdeenshire to Wigtownshire as far west as Stranaer - possibly to Belfast - to Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Devonshire and South Wales. Attacks continued from the first hours of that day throughout the early morning and were renewed in the afternoon and again renewed at approximately 2200 hours and continued into the early hours of the 14th August. Aerodromes, shipping and industrial centres have been the principal targets and attacks have been attended with probably more enemy success than hitherto, although not considered to be proportionate to the reported number of aircraft engaged. Apart from aerodromes attacked, it would appear that the most serious effect of bombing has occurred at Southampton and in the neighbourhood of Birmingham where the Nuffield Aero Works has suffered considerable damage. [*]Detailed Summary The absence of fully detailed information precludes a reliable account of the effect of enemy attacks. Southampton At 1623 hours on the 13th August, major damage was caused to the docks and several fires were started in which were involved Pickford's Depository, Raleigh Cycle Works and the cold storage depot at the Old Docks; the latter is understood to be completely destroyed. Casualties so far reported to be very slight. [*]Erdington (Birmingham) The Nuffield Aeroplane Factory was hit by several bombs reported to have been dropped by 10 Heinkel aircraft at 2310 hours on the 13th. Considerable damage was caused to three blocks of buildings but to what extent is not yet fully known nor is the result on production yet ascertained. Casualties reported to be approximately 30. [*]Aerodromes It would appear from reports to hand that Detling suffered the most severely. Several buildings were hit - 8 Blenheims are reported to have been destroyed and the casualties are said to be 10 killed and more than 40 injured. Andover was also attacked at 1700 hours on the 13th when approximately 12 bombs were dropped. Headquarters offices and officer's quarters were extensively damaged. One aircraft also damaged. The casualties are reported to be 2 killed and 1 injured. [*]Eastchurch A heavy scale attack was reported and approximately 12 large craters and 6 small ones were made on the aerodrome. Aircraft at dispersal points were undamaged. [*]Further reports will be issued as and when details are to hand. [*]Casualties on Ground by Enemy Action: To RAF Personnel - 12 killed, 41 injured. To others - 23 killed, 177 injured. [/LIST]
HMS MANCHESTER (August 13, 1942) British light cruiser (9,400 tons) launched in April, 1937 and torpedoed four miles east of Kelibia, Tunisia, North Africa, by Italian torpedo boats, MAS-16 and MAS-22. The cruiser was engaged in escorting the great 'Pedestal' convoy to Malta at the time of the attack. Badly damaged, the ship had to be scuttled by her crew. A total of 150 men lost their lives. Three officers and 375 ratings landed on the Tunisian coast and were interned by the Vichy French authorities.
13 August 1943 The campaign in Sicily ends with the Allied capture of Messina. During the course of the campaign, the Allies destroyed more than 1,000 Axis aircraft on the ground and 740 in the air. Allied losses amounted to 385, of which 25 were lost to 'friendly fire' over the assault beaches.
Battle of Britain Campaign Diary Date: 14 August 1940 Weather: Mainly cloudy with bright patches and cloud in the Channel. Day: Targets in south-east England, airfields and communications facilities along with airfields in the west. Night: Little activity. Daily audio broadcasts, taken from the official Fighter Command Daily Summaries, giving the news highlights of each days action in the Battle of Britain are now available FREE and streamed direct to your PC every day. Find out more information on Radio1940, download the software and hear daily the Battle of Britain news as it happened 60 years ago to the day. Enemy action by day In the early hours activity was limited to small patrols off Gris Nez, and one or two reconnaissance flights off the coast. At about midday, large raids approached the Kent coast and attacked Manston, Dover, Folkestone and Deal areas. These raids were intercepted and casualties inflicted. There was again a lull until 1600 hours, when a large number of small raids crossed the coast in the region of Weymouth and Lyme Bay and proceeded to the South Wales, Gloucester and Middle Wallop areas. North and East Coasts Only two raids were plotted in this area during the day, one of which crossed inland in the vicinity of Whitby, but flew out to sea again and faded shortly afterwards. Two sections of fighters failed to intercept. South East Coast At 1200 hours, five raids totalling some 300 aircraft approached the Kentish Coast between North Foreland and Dover, and it was reported that Dover and Folkestone were dive-bombed, and an attack was made on Manston Aerodrome. Eight balloons were shot down at Dover, and a Lightship was sunk off Folkestone. Our fighters intercepted these raids and inflicted casualties. The Bofors Guns at Manston shot down two Me110. After these raids had retired a considerable number of plots were detected in the Channel, which appeared to be enemy aircraft engaged on salvage operations. It was reported that an enemy surface craft and two hospital planes escorted by fighters were seen in a position off the North Goodwins Light Vessel. Of other raids plotted in this area, one appeared to make a reconnaissance of Manston and another bombed the RAF Station at Pevensey. Other raids penetrated to Kenley and Maidstone areas. One of these raids was intercepted on its way back off Dungeness, but without conclusive results. South and West In the morning, reconnaissances were made of Portland and Weymouth and several between Cherbourg and The Lizard. From 1600 hours, a large number of small raids of one to three aircraft came from the Cherbourg area and crossed the coast to South Wales, Gloucester and Middle Wallop areas. By night There was very slight enemy activity, but a He111, which appeared in North Wales, was subsequently shot down near Sealand by anti-aircraft fire. There were a few raids in Aberdeenshire and over convoys off Kinnaird's Head. Statistics Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 14 August 1940 Blenheim - 59 Spitfire - 219 Hurricane - 342 Defiant - 25 Gladiator - 2 Total - 647 Casualties: Enemy Losses By Fighters Destroyed Probable Damaged 7 Me109 5 Me109 2 Me109 1 Me110 2 Ju87 2 Ju87 1 He113 1 He111 3 He111 6 Ju87 1 Do215 5 Ju88 1 Do17 1 Do17 1 He111 1 unknown 23 8 9 By Anti-Aircraft Destroyed Probable Damaged 2 Ju87 1 Do17 2 Me110 1 He111 1 unknown 7 Own: No 151 Squadron - 1 Hurricane, pilot wounded. No 615 Squadron - 2 Hurricanes, pilots missing. No 610 Squadron - 1 Spitfire, pilot wounded. No 32 Squadron - 1 Hurricane, pilot safe. No 43 Squadron - 1 Hurricane, pilot missing. No 609 Squadron - 1 Spitfire, pilot missing. No 65 Squadron - 1 Spitfire, pilot killed. In addition, three Blenheims of No 600 Squadron were destroyed by bombs at Manston. Patrols: Own 132 patrols despatched involving 520 aircraft. Enemy It is estimated that about 600 enemy aircraft were engaged in operations over Great Britain between 1800 hours on 13th August and 1800 on 14th August. Balloons: Flying 1465. Casualties 32. Aerodromes: Abbotsinch, Hartlepool, Manston and Hawkinge are unserviceable by night. Organisation: No 602 Squadron has moved from Drem to Tangmere No 607 Squadron is operational by day only Air Intelligence Reports No reports. Home Security Reports Date: 14th/15th August 1940 General Summary Daylight raids were on a somewhat reduced scale during this period, but a number of attacks were made mainly in the coastal districts of Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset and in South Wales. Some factories were hit and railway tracks suffered some damage but casualties were small and production does not seem to have been affected. Many attacks were made on aerodromes during this period, and some damage is reported to hangars, W/T installations and landing grounds. Casualties to RAF personnel were, however, small. During the small hours of August 14th/15th little activity took place, but enemy aircraft are reported to have dropped bombs on the Banffshire and Kincardineshire coasts and at Montrose early on August 15th. [*]Detailed Summary Manston Aerodrome was raided at 1215 hours, and two hangars are reported to have been badly damaged, and some cottages and a farmhouse nearby partially destroyed by blast. Bomb craters have been found in a field near Swingate Aerodrome, and some telephone wires are damaged. Two HE bombs fell on Cardiff Airport at 1730 hours but only craters were caused and no casualties are reported. At 1750 hours, a single enemy aircraft dropped 5 HE bombs on Colerne Aerodrome, causing severe damage to the canteen and some to a storehouse. 1 airman was killed. Kemble Aerodrome reports 14 HE and 4 IB at 1803 hours, but damage reports have yet been received. Yeovilton Aerodrome was attacked at 1815 hours, six HE being dropped by a single enemy aircraft. Material damage was slight. Hullavington RAF Station is reported to have been attacked at 1853 hours, 12 HE bombs being dropped. A hangar was hit and set on fire - several casualties being trapped in the wreckage. Seven dead and six seriously hurt are reported. Middle Wallop Aerodrome was attacked four times between 1707 and 1935 hours. About 20 HE were dropped and two hangars are reported to have been seriously damaged. Three airmen and one civilian were killed. During the same period, Andover Aerodrome was also attacked, 15 HE bombs being dropped which destroyed a transmitting set in the centre of a group of W/T masts, and killed a civilian operator. Kemble RAF Station is reported to have been attacked, but no details are available. About 20 HE were dropped in the St Denys area of Southampton at 1705 hours causing damage to the main railway tracks and to rolling stock. The main line is blocked but it is expected that normal working will be restored this morning. Some damage to property is known but only four slight casualties are reported. At 1705 hours, 14 HE caused damage over a wide area in the Portland - Weymouth district including the Naval base. Only one casualty is reported, but damage was done to some roads, the jetty, gas and water mains and post office cables. About 250 IB were dropped at the Blaenavon Iron and Steel Works at 1800 hours causing a fire at the Napthalene plant and at a house. Both fires are under control and the output is not likely to be materially affected. A number of HE bombs were dropped at 1803 hours at Yate near Bristol, causing damage to Newman Industries Plant which will stop production for three or four days. Between 2040 and 2100 hours, HE bombs fell on the landing ground and RAF Station Sealand, Flintshire. Serious damage was done to the Sergeant's Mess, Sick Quarters and the Guard Room; military casualties are known to be one killed, seven injured. Six HE bombs dropped at 1800 hours near Frome (Somerset), one of which hit the GWR avoiding line. Both tracks were blown up but main line traffic is proceeding via Frome station. Casualties on Ground by Enemy Action: To RAF Personnel - 4 killed, 4 injured. To others - 12 killed, 41 injured [/LIST]
14 August 1942 The two surviving merchantmen from the Pedestal convoy carrying essential supplies, the Brisbane Star and the tanker Ohio, limp into harbour at Malta. The convoy had been subjected to intense attack during its passage from the Straits of Gibraltar.
14-15 August 1944 Operation Dragoon: the Allied invasion of the south of France, begins with a parachute assault at night, in thick fog, to the west of St Raphael.
August 14, 1945 Japan's surrender made public On this day in 1945, an official announcement of Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allies is made public to the Japanese people. Even though Japan's War Council, urged by Emperor Hirohito, had already submitted a formal declaration of surrender to the Allies, via ambassadors, on August 10, fighting continued between the Japanese and the Soviets in Manchuria and between the Japanese and the United States in the South Pacific. In fact, two days after the Council agreed to surrender, a Japanese submarine sank the Oak Hill, an American landing ship, and the Thomas F. Nickel, an American destroyer, both east of Okinawa. In the afternoon of August 14, Japanese radio announced that an Imperial Proclamation was soon to be made, accepting the terms of unconditional surrender drawn up at the Potsdam Conference. That proclamation had already been recorded by the emperor. The news did not go over well, as more than 1,000 Japanese soldiers stormed the Imperial Palace in an attempt to find the proclamation and prevent its being transmitted to the Allies. Soldiers still loyal to Emperor Hirohito repulsed the attackers. That evening, General Anami, the member of the War Council most adamant against surrender, committed suicide. His reason: to atone for the Japanese army's defeat, and to be spared having to hear his emperor speak the words of surrender.
Battle of Britain Campaign Diary Date: 15th August 1940 Weather: High pressure giving fine, warm weather although some cloud remained in the Channel area. Day: Decisive raids by German aircraft during their most intensive period of the battle to date. Seventy-five aircraft are lost during the day with airfields as their main targets. Night: Little activity. Enemy action by day There were five major actions as follows: i. At 1100 hours over the coast between Dover and Hawkinge where about 100+ enemy aircraft were involved. ii. At about 1200 hours in the Newcastle - Sunderland - Driffield area where 70+ enemy aircraft were involved. iii. At 1430 hours over Martlesham, Dover, Deal and Lympne involving 200 enemy aircraft. iv. From 1720 to 1810 hours in the Portsmouth, Weymouth and Middle Wallop areas involving 300 - 400 enemy aircraft. v. From 1810 to 1930 hours from Dungeness to Kenley and Biggin Hill involving 60 to 70 enemy aircraft. Aerodromes appeared to be the principal objectives. Industrial targets and coastal towns were also attacked. In the combats resulting from the above actions the number of enemy aircraft destroyed reached the record figure of 161. North and East Coasts From 0751 to 0900 hours, a hostile reconnaissance was plotted east of the Wash. This aircraft circled for some time over a position about 30 miles north-east of Cromer. At 1300 hours about 64+ enemy aircraft crossed the coast near Newcastle and attacked the aerodrome at Newcastle and targets in Sunderland. At the same time, 17 aircraft flew in from Flamborough Head and attacked Driffield RAF Station. In ensuing combats, our fighters destroyed about 40 enemy aircraft including 10 Ju88s. These latter aircraft were destroyed out to sea off Flamborough Head soon after the termination of the attack on Driffield. South East and East Coasts A hostile reconnaissance of the Thames Estuary was followed at 100 hours by two reconnaissances of the Dover Downs area. No contact was effected. At 1100 hours, about 100 aircraft attacked Hawkinge aerodrome. RAF wireless stations in this area were out of action for a time owing to the electric mains having been cut by enemy bombs. At about 1430 hours, some 200 enemy aircraft concentrated in the Calais - Boulogne area and at 1500 hours simultaneously attacked the RAF Station at Martlesham, RAF establishments at Bawdsey, Dover, deal and Lympne, but with comparatively little success. Eight squadrons met this attack and 15 enemy were destroyed. At about 1800 hours, four raids of 70+ aircraft crossed the coast at Dungeness and attacked targets at Rochester and RAF stations at West Malling and Croydon. Seven squadrons intercepted and destroyed about 17 enemy aircraft. At about 2100 hours, eight raids came in from the Dutch Islands, penetrated inland to the North Weald area and are reported to have bombed Harwich. South and South West Coasts During the morning enemy reconnaissances were carried out in the Portland, Bristol, Cardiff and Newport areas and also in the Bristol Channel and off Falmouth, while from 1300 to 1400 hours enemy patrols were maintained in the Channel. At about 1720 hours, formations totalling 150+ aircraft approached the Isle of Wight and Weymouth areas. These raids penetrated inland as far as Middle Wallop and were followed by other raids until enemy raids in this area totalled from 200 to 300. Targets were attacked at Portsmouth, Portland, Middle Wallop and in other scattered areas. Ten of our squadrons succeeded in destroying some 60 enemy aircraft. Between 1800 and 2000 hours, formations totalling 100+ massed over Calais - Boulogne and flew to Dover. Of these, a number penetrated as far as Croydon and attacked. This raid, which turned London Central 'Red', cost the enemy 14 aircraft. By night Enemy activity was comparatively slight. Between 2200 and 2330 hours, a number of small raids crossed the coast between The Wash and Scarborough. Attacks on aerodromes in this area are reported and one raid penetrated as far as Wittering. There were also a few raids in Somerset and the Bristol Channel. Between 0020 and 0100 hours, diminished hostile activity was confined to the coast between Lincolnshire and the Isle of Wight. Between 0100 and 0400 hours, some raids penetrated inland to Liverpool, Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Hereford and the Leconfield area. Statistics Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 15 August 1940 Blenheim - 61 Spitfire - 233 Hurricane - 351 Defiant - 25 Gladiator - 2 Total - 672 Casualties: Enemy Losses By Fighters Destroyed Probable Damaged 19 Me109 4 Me109 6 Me109 38 Me110 7 Me110 11 Me110 4 He111 3 He113 1 He111 2 He115 3 Ju87 4 Ju87 21 Ju87 13 Ju88 11 Ju88 26 Ju88 1 Do17 7 Do17 5 Do17 3 Do215 18 unknown 4 Do215 21 unknown 34 unknown 153 55 58 By Anti-Aircraft Destroyed Probable Damaged 8 unknown 6 unknown 8 6 Own: 34 aircraft of which 18 pilots are killed or missing. Patrols: Own 227 patrols despatched involving 1,320 aircraft. Enemy It was estimated that about 2,000 enemy aircraft were engaged in operations over Great Britain between 1800 hours and on the 14th August and 1800 hours on the 15th August. Balloons: Flying 1472. Casualties 48 (11 by enemy action and 37 repairable). Aerodromes: No reports. Organisation: No 257 Squadron moved from Northolt to Debden. No 74 Squadron moved from Eastchurch to Wittering. No 249 Squadron moved from Church Fenton to Boscombe Down. Air Intelligence Reports It is reported that work in Essen factories continues during the air raids but that off-duty men arrive late in the morning owing to lack of sleep. It is also stated that lack of nourishment and nervous strain are telling on production. (Source: H.M. Minister, Belgrade) The 'Kolnische Zeitung' of 3/8/40 publishes the fact that those who lose wages through air raid warnings and cannot make up for this by putting in overtime must make efforts under the ordinance of 6th July to avoid such loss of wages by employing themselves in salvage and reconstruction work. It states that this work may be undertaken at their own place of employment or elsewhere. The following information is from a RAF Officer captured by the Germans in France towards the end of May who subsequently escaped: "I was most impressed by the work of the night bombers. I formed the opinion that they must on occasions have found their objectives and their operation throughout the night must have detrimental effect on German morale. I had an opportunity of inspecting a railway station and marshalling yard on the Somme shortly after it had been bombed and there is no doubt the damage was terrific. Trucks and engines had been lifted bodily off the track, thrown on their sides, many of them had been set on fire and the permanent way had been torn up, railway lines buckled and point communication broken. The general appearance was utter chaos and confusion and reminded one of H.G. Wells' film 'Things to Come'." Home Security Reports Date: 15th/16th August 1940 General Summary During the day large forces of enemy aircraft were active over the coastal districts of Southern England, and some raids penetrated inland to drop bombs on aerodromes and industrial targets. The north-east coast was visited, but apart from some success attacking aerodromes, no military and very little industrial damage was caused, though there were some casualties. During the night of 15th/16th August, bombs were dropped in Essex, Suffolk and the Birmingham and Bristol districts where scattered damage to property was caused but as yet there are no reports of serious industrial damage. South Wales experienced raids during this period but these appear to have been ineffective. Some reports of parachutists have been received during the period under review, but these lack confirmation and it is thought that in many cases the observers have seen crews of aircraft baling out. [*]Detailed Summary Hawkinge Aerodrome was attacked at 1130 hours, 15 to 20 bombs being used. Some damage was done to hangars and buildings and a few fires started which soon came under control. At Lympne Aerodrome, heavy calibre bombs were dropped at 1130 hours causing considerable damage to hangars and hutments. Water supply, telephones and electric supply are affected. Driffield Aerodrome was bombed at 1330 hours by 17 enemy aircraft which dropped about 32 HE bombs causing extensive damage to four hangars and three blocks of buildings. Fires were started, seven Whitleys and one Magister were destroyed, with damage to a further five Whitleys. A farmhouse nearby was partially demolished. Casualties to RAF personnel were six killed, twenty injured. Martlesham Aerodrome was attacked by enemy dive-bombers at 1515 hours, and a number of HE bombs caused damage to hangars, the Officer's Mess and to some aircraft on the ground. Fires were started but these were quickly extinguished. Eight Service casualties are reported. At Rochester very severe damage was caused when 20 enemy aircraft made a dive-bombing attack at 1558 hours. Pobjoy's Aircraft Factory and Short's Works were hit and a fire was caused at the latter by HE bombs. Serious damage to the plant and office buildings and to aircraft under construction took place and production is likely to be seriously affected. At Worthy Down Aerodrome about six bombs were dropped between 1730 and 1830 hours but no casualties were caused and no damage has been reported. Middle Wallop Aerodrome was attacked by four Ju88s at 1800 hours, about 24 bombs causing damage to two hangars and destroying one aircraft, damaging five others. At 1905 hours, a bombing attack was made upon Croydon Aerodrome which resulted in the destruction of the H.E. Rollason Aircraft Works and severe damage to the British N.S.F. Factory. The terminal airport buildings were partially destroyed but no damage was caused to the aerodrome surface or to aircraft on the aerodrome. Casualties to RAF personnel were five killed and a number of injured not yet assessed. Twenty-four houses at Sunderland were demolished when sixty HE bombs fell soon after noon. Many other houses were damaged but no industrial premises were hit. At 1300 hours, HE bombs caused fires near an ammunition dump at Burton Agnes near Bridlington. Some ammunition was ignited and a few army cars were destroyed. In the Folkestone, Cheriton and Sandgate district serious damage was done to property and mains at about 1540 hours. Some casualties took place and there was a failure of the electricity supply. At Easington (180 degrees Seaham harbour, 4 miles) HE bombs fell on the fever hospital. Electric mains were blocked at Easington Colliery and a road was blocked. Only 10 minor casualties were caused. At Marsden near South Shields, 10 HE bombs caused serious damage to the Coastguard's hut and to telephone communication. One HE bomb was reported at the Bristol Aeroplane Company's works but as far as can be ascertained no serious damage resulted. The time of the occurrence was 0025 hours on 16th August. At 0149 hours, 16th August, damage is reported from Saltley, Birmingham, where bombs fell in close proximity to the Morris Commercial Car works. Overhead cables are down and mains damaged but further details are not yet available. Casualties on Ground by Enemy Action: To RAF Personnel - 7 killed, 25 injured. To others - 25 killed, 145 injured [/LIST]
SS BAEPENDY (August 15, 1942) Brazilian passenger and cargo ship (4,801 tons) now serving as a troop transport, sunk by the U-507 (Korvkpt. Harro Schacht) off the mouth of the Real River between Rio de Janeiro and Manaus. There were over 700 troops on board of which 270 died. Also sunk was the Annibal Benevolo, another Brazilian passenger ship, with a loss of 150 and the Araraquara with 131 passengers and crew lost, both sunk on the August 16, 1942. The U-507 was later sunk on January 13, 1943, by depth charges from a US Catalina flying boat in the South Atlantic. The entire crew of 54 perished. The sinking of these passenger ships caused Brazil to declare war on Germany on August 22nd.
15 August 1942 The Pathfinder Force (PFF) is formed, under the command of Group Captain D.C.T. Bennett, as a specialised target-marking force within RAF Bomber Command. The Pathfinder Force subsequently acquires group status as No.8 Group, RAF Bomber Command, on 13 January 1943.
