The first was mounted on 10 January 1941 and consisted of six Blenheims with an escort of six squadrons of Spitfires and Hurricanes. It cost the RAF one Hurricane shot down and two Spitfires written off in landing accidents, one pilot being fatally injured.
Quote:
On 7 August, six Blenheims were escorted by 18 squadrons of Spitfires and two of Hurricanes. The Luftwaffe refused to be drawn: nevertheless, five Spitfires and a Hurricane were lost.
2 July 1941 While escorting Blenheim bombers to Lille, France, No 71 is jumped by 25 to 30 Me 109Es. S/L Woodhouse destroyed a 109, Gus Daymond destroyed a 109, P/O Bill Dunn destroyed a 109, and Bob Mannix got a damaged. Bill Hall bailed and was taken POW.