CHANNEL PORTS, GERMANY
155 aircraft on widespread operations. The biggest effort was on the Channel ports; small raids made on many places in Germany. No losses.
Bomber Command's second Victoria Cross of the war was awarded for the actions of Sergeant John Hannah, the 18-year-old wireless operator in an 83 Squadron Hampden attacking invasion barges in docks at Antwerp. The Hampden was hit by Flak and set on fire. Sergeant Hannah could have baled out but stayed and was badly burned putting the fire out. The Hampden returned to its base.
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21 Blenheims on sea and coastal sweeps. 10 aircraft bombed shipping and barges in ports. No losses.
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An original Pathfinder squadron.
85 SQUADRON
SERVICE
Came from Air Defence of Great Britain (Fighter Command) on
