Picturing how hero saw off the Luftwaffe
you can see clearly the beach area of South Shields and part of the beach at Tynemouth, and given that on that day the weather was warm and sunny with cloud building up towards the South East, air raid sirens would have been put out in operation to warn people of the oncoming danger.
“You can imagine what it must have looked like being on many of the beaches along the North East coast, not only seeing an aerial dogfight taking place but being in mortal danger of being wiped out in a bombing raid.
“Through his action and that of other RAF pilots, the Luftwaffe made a hasty retreat having scored little success in bombing designated targets, and were seen dropping their bombs into the North Sea in fear of being shot down by the surprise attack of Spitfires and Hurricanes. He was a remarkable hero on a remarkable day.”
Denis read about the raid in two books – Harry’s autobiography and also 607 Squadron – Shade of Blue by Robert Dixon.
Harry’s reaction to his feat was also remarkable, Denis said.
“Maybe he was overcome by what he had done, but instead of heading towards his air base at Usworth, Harry flew up the Tyne in order to fly under the Tyne Bridge but wisely pulled out at the last minute and flew at rooftop level above Northumberland Street, waving to the people below and giving them a ‘victory roll’ display,” he said.
However when news of this action reached Usworth, his commanding officer, the gloriously named Flt Lt Francis Blackadder, was not amused.
“Fighter planes were a very valuable commodity,” said Denis.
The retired art and design teacher added: “Although most of the Battle of Britain took place in the South East of England in September 1940, the people of the North East were given an early warning of things to come. August 15 is a day we in the North East should always remember.”