Battle of Britain Album #33: Gun Camera Photos

Camera gun footage: Heinkel He 111. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1828.

 

Camera gun footage: Heinkel He 111. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1825.

 

A still from camera-gun film taken from a Spitfire flown by the CO of No. 609 Squadron, Squadron Leader H S Darley, as he opens fire amongst a formation of Heinkel He 111s of KG 55 which have just bombed the Supermarine aircraft works at Woolston, Southampton, 26 September 1940.

 

Camera gun footage: a Dornier Do 17Z being attacked. Dark object on the left is one of the crew baling out. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1831.

 

Camera gun footage: Heinkel He 111 on fire. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1833.

 

Camera gun footage: Dornier Do 17Z. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1824.

 

Camera gun footage: Dornier Do 17Z. Retouched photo. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1835.

 

Still from camera gun footage taken by Pilot Officer Keith 'Skeets' Ogilvie of No. 609 Squadron showing a Dornier Do 17Z (F1+FH) of 1./KG 76 piloted by Oberleutnant Robert Zehbe under attack, 15 September 1940. The aircraft was later abandoned and flew on until being rammed over central London by Sergeant Ray Holmes of No. 504 Squadron. It crashed on Victoria station with two of the crew baling out. Zehbe was attacked by civilians and died of his injuries the following day. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1821.

 

A still from camera-gun film taken from a Spitfire of No. 609 Squadron flown by Flying Officer Tadeusz "Novi" Nowierski (formerly Polish Air Force) as he closes in on a formation of Dornier Do 17Zs of KG3 south-west of London at approximately 5.45 pm on 7 September 1940, the first day of the Blitz. Tracer bullets from the intercepting Spitfires can be seen traveling towards the enemy aircraft which were heading back to their base after bombing East London and the docks. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1820.

 

A still from camera-gun film taken from a Spitfire of No. 609 Squadron, flown by by Pilot Officer J D Bisdee, as he dived on a formation of Heinkel He IIIs of KG 55 which had just bombed the Supermarine aircraft works at Woolston, Southampton, 26 September 1940. Tracer bullets can be seen heading towards the formation as Bisdee opens fire. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1832.

 

A formation of Heinkel He 111 bombers viewed through the gun camera of an attacking Royal Air Force fighter.

 

A still from camera gun film shows tracer ammunition from a Supermarine Spitfire Mark I of No. 609 Squadron RAF, flown by Flight Lieutenant J H G McArthur, hitting a Heinkel He 111 on its starboard quarter. These aircraft were part of a large formation from KG 53 and KG 55 which attacked the Bristol Aeroplane Company's works at Filton, Bristol, just before midday on 25 September 1940. No. 609 Squadron were based at Middle Wallop, Hampshire. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1823.

 

Camera gun film still of Luftwaffe Heinkel He 111 bombers under attack, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1822.

 

A still from camera gun footage taken from a Supermarine Spitfire Mark I of No. 609 Squadron RAF flown by Pilot Officer R.F.G. Miller, showing a Heinkel He 111 of KG 53 or KG 55 taking hits in the port engine from Miller's machine guns. The aircraft was one of a force which bombed the Bristol Aeroplane Company's factory at Filton, Bristol. Miller was killed two days later when he collided head on with a Messerschmitt Me 110 of III/ZG 26 over Cheselbourne, Dorset. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1830.

 

A still from camera-gun film taken from a Spitfire of No. 609 Squadron, flown by by Pilot Officer J D Bisdee, as he dives on a formation of Heinkel He IIIs of KG 55 which had just bombed the Supermarine aircraft works at Woolston, Southampton, 26 September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1826.

 

Camera gun footage of a Ju 87 Stuka being shot down by an RAF fighter, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo C 2418.

 

 

Battle of Britain Album #32: Polish Air Force in Britain

RAF instructor of No. 18 Operational Training Unit showing a drogue, which received a generous peppering of bullets during a training flight, to Polish airmen at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. The airmen operated a Vickers K-type gas-operated machine gun from the rear gun position of a Fairey Battle light bomber during the flight. They are probably future members of No. 301 Bomber Squadron. The airman third from the left is Sergeant Kazimierz Sawicz. Imperial War Museum photo CH 580.

 

RAF instructors of No. 18 Operational Training Unit lecturing Polish armorers (probably future ground crew of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) how to fuse smoke bombs for target practice at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. No. 18 OTU was formed from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 581.

 

Two airmen of the Polish Air Force Depot at RAF Blackpool receiving instruction on the controls of an aircraft, probably a Vickers Wellington medium bomber, during ground training at Squires Gate aerodrome, 27 August 1940.

 

Fairey Battle Mk. I light bomber (L5271 'U') of No. 18 Operational Training Unit with a Polish trainee (probably a future member of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) on board circling the airfield prior to landing at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. No. 18 OTU was formed from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 589.

 

A Polish air gunner (probably a future member of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) shooting a Vickers K-type gas-operated machine gun from the rear gun position of a Fairey Battle light bomber of No. 18 Operational Training Unit during a training flight at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. He is shooting at a drogue towed by another aircraft. No. 18 OTU was formed from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 576.

 

A Polish air gunner (probably a future member of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) shooting a Vickers K-type gas-operated machine gun from the rear gun position of a Fairey Battle light bomber of No. 18 Operational Training Unit during a training flight at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. He is shooting at a drogue towed by another aircraft. No. 18 OTU was formed from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 577.

 

A Polish pilot (probably a future member of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) of No. 18 Operational Training Unit putting undercarriage and flaps down of his Fairey Battle Mk. I light bomber preparatory to landing after a bombing exercise over the Cardigan Bay at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. No. 18 OTU was formed from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. The aircraft on the ground is a Handley Page Harrow I, serial number K6955, of No. 75 Squadron. Imperial War Museum photo CH 590.

 

Fairey Battle Mk. I light bombers (L5136 ‘S’ and N2045) of No. 18 Operational Training Unit with Polish trainees (probably future members of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) on board on the way to the bombing range over Cardigan Bay during a training session from No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. No. 18 OTU was formed from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 588.

 

A distant photograph of a Polish air gunner (probably a future member of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) shooting a Vickers K-type gas-operated machine gun from the rear gun position of a Fairey Battle light bomber of No. 18 Operational Training Unit during a training flight at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. He is shooting at a drogue towed by another aircraft. No. 18 OTU was formed from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 578.

 

A Fairey Battle Mk. I light bomber of No. 18 Operational Training Unit with a Polish trainee (probably a future member of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) on board banking away from a low level attack on the bombing range over Cardigan Bay during a training session, 14 July 1940. Its first bomb burst near the target floating on the surface of the sea. No. 18 OTU was formed at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 586.

 

A Fairey Battle Mk. I light bomber of No. 18 Operational Training Unit with a Polish trainee (probably a future member of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) on board scoring almost a direct hit on the bombing range over Cardigan Bay during a training session, 14 July 1940. No. 18 OTU was formed at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 585.

 

RAF instructor of No. 18 Operational Training Unit analyzing the results of a bombing exercise over the Cardigan Bay with Polish trainee airmen (probably future members of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. The exercise was carried on Fairey Battle Mk. I light bombers. No. 18 OTU was formed from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 587.

 

A Polish instructor (or translator) of No. 18 Operational Training Unit lecturing Polish airmen (all probably future members of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) on the .303 Vickers K-type gas-operated machine gun at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. The airman operating the gun is Sergeant Kazimierz Sawicz. No. 18 OTU was formed from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 573.

 

Instructor of No. 18 Operational Training Unit lecturing Polish airmen (all probably future members of No. 301 Bomber Squadron) on the .303 Vickers K-type gas-operated machine gun at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School at RAF Penrhos, 14 July 1940. The airman operating the gun is Sergeant Kazimierz Sawicz. No. 18 OTU was formed from the Polish Training Unit in No. 6 Group, Bomber Command, in June 1940 to train light bomber crews for Polish operational squadrons. Imperial War Museum photo CH 574.

 

 

Battle of Britain Album #31: Royal New Zealand Air Force in Britain

A further contingent of airmen of the RNZAF has arrived in Britain to serve with the RAF. The men are armorers, and wireless operators for ground duties. This image was taken when the airmen were welcomed on their arrival by the High Commissioner for New Zealand. Members of the Naval Volunteer Reserve also arrived on the same ship. This image shows the cheering New Zealander airmen. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1224.

 

The reluctant celebrity: New Zealand fighter ace Alan Deere is greeted enthusiastically by female workers at the HMV Gramophone Factory in London. HMV produced radar and communications equipment during the Second World War. Alan Christopher Deere is possibly New Zealand’s most famous Second World War fighter pilot. He was also one of the luckiest, surviving several near-death experiences to become one of the outstanding pilots of the Battle of Britain.

 

 

Battle of Britain Album #30: No. 1 Squadron RCAF

A group of pilots of No 1 Squadron RCAF, gather round one of their Hawker Hurricane Mark Is at Prestwick, Scotland. The Squadron Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader E A McNab, stands fifth from the right, wearing a forage cap. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1733.

 

 

Battle of Britain Album #29: No. 616 Squadron RAF

Two Spitfires of No. 616 Squadron come in to land at Fowlmere, September 1940. The foreground aircraft is X4330 QJ-G. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1454.

 

A Spitfire Mk I of No. 616 Squadron comes in to land at Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1455.

 

Flight Lieutenant C A T (Cyril Arthur Trevor) Jones of No. 616 Squadron climbs out of his Spitfire (QJ-A) while a member of the ground staff refuels the aircraft, Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1358.

 

Flying Officer Kenneth 'Ken' Holden of No. 616 Squadron, Fowlmere, September 1940. CH 1396.

 

Spitfire pilots of No. 616 Squadron at Fowlmere, September 1940. On the left is Pilot Officer Philip 'Zeke' Leckrone, an American volunteer. In the center, Flight Lieutenant Cyril Arthur Jones. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1363.

 

Flight Lieutenant Colin H Macfie of No. 616 Squadron, Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1395.

 

Flight Lieutenant Colin H Macfie of No. 616 Squadron, Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1394.

 

Troops guard the burning remains of a Junkers Ju 88 of the KG 30, one of seven aircraft shot down during attacks on airfields in Yorkshire on 15 August 1940. Spitfires of No. 616 Squadron and Hurricanes of No. 73 Squadron intercepted the enemy formation as it approached the coast near Scarborough. Imperial War Museum photo HU 63859.

 

 

Battle of Britain Album #28: No. 610 Squadron RAF

Spitfire pilots of No. 610 Squadron relaxing between sorties at 'A' Flight dispersal at Hawkinge, 29 July 1940. HU 1062.

 

Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill, flying in formation, 24 July 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 745.

 

Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill, flying in 'vic' formation, 24 July 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 733.

 

Distant view of Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill, photographed from a Blenheim, 24 July 1940 Imperial War Museum photo CH 736.

 

German gunner's eye view of three Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron, 'attacking' a Blenheim, 24 July 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 737.

 

Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill, flying in 'vic' formation, 24 July 1940. N3289 DW-K and R6595 DW-O nearest. Imperial War Museum photo CH 739.

 

Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill, flying in 'vic' formation, 24 July 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 741.

 

Distant view of Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill, flying in 'vic' formation, 24 July 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 742.

 

Distant view of Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill, flying in 'vic' formation, 24 July 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 743.

 

Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill, flying in 'vic' formation, 24 July 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 744.