Civilian aircraft attacked, Kent, 1940

[John]

HC Deb 06 March 1940 vol 358 c364

Mr. Simmonds
asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement with regard to the attack on a British aircraft by British fighter aircraft over North Kent on Sunday, 3rd March?

Sir K. Wood
No, Sir. This regrettable accident is being investigated by a Court of Inquiry.
 
Mr. Simmonds
Will my right hon. Friend take care that it is not too readily assumed that this was only a human error, and will he carefully investigate the system and see whether any changes are necessary?

Sir K. Wood
Yes, Sir. an investigation will be made.

[pomme homme]

Whilst I haven't checked this and I'm relying on recollection, by March 1940 the only civilian aircraft likely to be flying over north Kent would be the few authorised scheduled airline services. All private civilian flying had, I believe, been curtailed by then. However the Hansard report refers only to "British aircraft" being attacked. So the victims may not necessarily have been civilian aircraft.

[John]

Quite right, thank you. I was jumping to conclusions.. I wonder what the full story is then. Another 'Battle of Barking Creek' incident, possibly?

[pomme homme]

I suspect that Mr Saunders is the man to reveal all here. Come in Andy!