Australia's Few. 2 October 1940

At North Weald, Bill Millington was busy carrying out patrols. He had flown three on 1 October, the first, lead by North Weald Station CO Wing Commander Beamish, was of Rochford, the second was of Wickford and the third was again of Rochford. A number of Messerschmitt 109s flying at high altitude were sighted but there were no engagements.

The next day, Bill fronted up for three more patrols all of the Hornchurch–Biggin Hill line. None were dawn or early morning sorties—the earliest had him taking to the air at 9.50 a.m.—but each patrol was over an hour long, with less than an hour on the ground in between, making for tiring days where he had to be on the alert constantly.

Bill’s Hurricane, V6614, was obviously a sturdy machine as it flew all six of these patrols in two days.

 

There was no opportunity to relax after work was completed on the 2nd. It was best behaviour when Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding, Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Fighter Command visited the squadron and spoke with all of the pilots.