First Air Raid of WWII – 5

10:45 a second Heinkel is spotted and escapes

At 10.45 hours Green Section of 602 Squadron were also sent up from Drem to intercept unidentified aircraft. They were first vectored to Dunbar, then back to provide top cover over their own airfield when at 11.22 hours another sighting of a reconnaissance Heinkel He 111 was reported.

The CO of 602 Squadron and Glasgow city stockbroker, Squadron Leader Douglas Farquar, was informed by operations that he could investigate if he thought it necessary. The casual invitation needed little further prompting and minutes later he led Red Section away from Drem on a course to intercept, but unfortunately the enemy aircraft had already made good his getaway to the southeast.
It had last been seen circling the 360-foot masts carrying the transmitter aerials at Drone Hill before heading out to sea.
 
Having provided top cover for Drem, Green Section 602 Squadron were then ordered on a heading which took them out to sea before returning to their airfield to refuel prior to being sent off again, this time north towards RAF Montrose.

It was discovered that a number of plotting errors had led to the section being sent on reciprocal courses to the sightings, directly away from the unidentified aircraft!