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Diary Of WW2 — Day 156

Feb 03, 12:00 PM

• Saturday 3rd February 1940*

Off the eastern coast of Britain, about 20 German bombers attack shipping, sinking two ships and losing three aircraft.

As a result of this action, the first enemy aircraft crashes on England, near Whitby. (One has already crashed in Scotland). The Heinkel He111H is shot down by a Hurricane of No 43 Squadron based at Acklington. Two crewmen are killed and one seriously injured. Though they set fire to the plane, the blaze was put out and the damaged aircraft salvaged.





Ian Kennedy’s illustration shows Heinkel 111s in action


Another 111 shot down by Hurricanes of 43 Squadron crashes into the sea off Tynemouth. Three crewmen captured, two killed, the body of one of them was recovered from the sea and is buried at Grimsby. 43’s last victim is another He111 which goes into the sea at Druridge Bay.

The Germans sink the Norwegian ship SS Tempo off St Abbs Head. The crew abandon ship. The captain and some of the crew land safely at Eyemouth in a lifeboat. A second boat with six survivors aboard drifts towards Berwick but is dashed against rocks near the shore. Only one man survives when it capsizes.

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