14 September 1940

After a flying visit to Chalfont St Giles, John Crossman was back at Stapleford Tawney at 1.00 p.m. on 14 September. Billy Pattullo has also recently arrived at 46 Squadron and Stapleford Tawney. On 11 September, while flying with 249 Squadron, he had shared in the destruction of a Heinkel He 111. That afternoon he, like John, was posted to 46 Squadron as a replacement pilot. By now, Billy had left his ‘new boy’ status behind but was willing to offer a helping hand to another and so, he came up to John and asked if he could show him round. There was not much time for the grand tour, however, just ‘40 minutes to have a look at the place’. Tour over, John and Billy discovered that ‘the squadron had just taken off. They returned soon, no luck’.

 

Billy Pattullo

It wasn’t long before there was another flap. 46 Squadron was ordered to rendezvous with 504 Squadron and proceed to Maidstone. John, newly allocated to B Flight, was one of the eleven who took off at 18.00 p.m. and before long, was ‘in action for first time today.’

Near Biggin Hill, a formation of Me 109s was sighted heading west.

‘We attacked a formation of about 60 ME 109s at 20,000. I got one decent burst into a 109 but was unable to see if I got him as had to get out of the way of a few more. Jerries turned tail and we came home.’

Despite being so anxious for so long to get into combat, this first experience was not an easy one for John. He confessed that he ‘was scared sick and panicky’. There is a true courage in admitting your own failings; fear especially is one that has to be acknowledged in order to break through it. John did not flinch from the most basic of human frailties and accepted his fear. ‘I can honestly say I’ve never had the wind up more in my life. Worst part was just before we attacked.’  

 

 

John Crossman