Australia's Few. 7 September 1940

And so, the Luftwaffe turned its attention from the airfields and attempted to strike at the heart of the British: London. 7 September 1940 was the opening of the Blitz. 

234 Squadron was ordered to patrol Kenley and Biggin Hill. They took off at 17.35 p.m. When they arrived at the patrol position they encountered a large number of enemy aircraft, so many that no one at the time could hazard a guess as to how many. It was just recorded as ‘large formations’ and an ‘unascertained number’. 234’s pilots participated in furious fighting against overwhelming numbers between 18.00 and 18.30 p.m.

Pat, again flying Spitfire X4009, lined up a Dornier that was straggling behind and beneath the main formation. He made a successful quarter attack on it. Large pieces flew off and the wing crumpled. The stricken Dornier plunged into a fatal spin. And so too did Pat’s Spitfire. X4009 had lost about a third of a wing. It crashed at Darks Farm, Bessels Green; Pat fell in a nearby garden.

Pat was credited with the destruction of the Dornier. His final personal tally was now two third shares, one third share unconfirmed, one 1/2 share, and 14 destroyed and one probably destroyed. With all the part shares, he was well over a triple ace and Australia’s highest scoring Battle of Britain pilot.

It was a bad day for 234 Squadron. As well as losing Pat, they also lost Squadron Leader O’Brien. They had a healthy scoreboard but the loss of these two men was devastating. Four days later 234 Squadron returned to St Eval to rest and reform.

 

 

Vale good and brave men.