They had only exploded when the rockets from the RAF fighter had hit nearby.

A total of 97 RAF fighters were to meet the attack.

They spotted No. 615 below them and bounced the RAF fighters.

An RAF fighter was shot down over the British lines.

That would leave 636 German raiders claimed by RAF fighters.

Of the five RAF fighters damaged by the bombers, two were write-offs.

Another 84 RAF fighters were claimed on the ground.

Only eight of the RAF fighters were shot down by the Luftwaffe.

It also speeded up the RAF fighters coming in from the north.

The RAF fighters claimed one destroyed and another damaged.