Messerschmitt Me110
U8+FK of 1./ZG 26
Crew: Oberfeldwebel Hans Tiepelt (killed)
Unteroffizier Herbert Borsig (killed)
Date: 27th September 1940
Place: Filton, Bristol

After an unopposed and devastating raid on the Bristol Aeroplane Company works at Filton on 25th September 1940, the Luftwaffe attempted to repeat their success just two days later. This time, however, the Messerschmitt Me 110s of 1./ZG 26 met an unwelcome surprise. Hurricanes of 504 Squadron had transferred to RAF Filton the previous night to provide fighter defence.

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book captures the moment:

27 September 1940:

“Convoy arrives at 02.30. Personnel sleep in the coaches and start unloading after breakfast. Before we settle in the following morning at 11.30, Sqn. take off to intercept raid and climb over base. At 11.45 E/A arrive and start bombing station but are attacked by Sqn. The surprise to the enemy is complete. Only about 12 bombs are dropped doing little damage to the station. The raid is completely broken up and chased away in a few minutes as by 12.00 our aircraft start returning. Five E/A are claimed as certainties and three probables…

P/O Frisby, the leader of the ‘weavers’, having more height than the others, dived right into and through the leading formation, probably shooting down the enemy leader. This attack, delivered single-handed, was the start of the enemy’s rout. Sgt. Haw reported bringing down another, so our bag today is six.“

The following day’s entry records local appreciation:

28 September:

“The Squadron effort of yesterday has been much appreciated locally. Gifts of cigarettes, a barrel of beer and various other tokens are sent along.

‘B’ Flight, 504 Squadron, was led by Flight Lieutenant Royce. His combat report provides a vivid account of the engagement:

Squadron was ordered to patrol Milk B line at 20,000’. I was leading Squadron when, at 10,000’, sighted enemy 1,000’ above us and on the same course as ourselves. The Squadron turned towards enemy and, as they were above us, I ordered individual attacks. As soon as we attacked the formation broke up and individual dogfights ensued. I fired a short and ineffective burst at the nearest target and continued to follow enemy who had now turned S.E. and were climbing full out.

After a short time I noticed a Me110 turn to attack another Hurricane. I carried out a quarter astern and continued to fire until I was dead astern. During this time petrol appeared to be coming back from behind the engines and, when in dead astern position, partially obscured the target. I finished my ammunition and returned to base, landing at 12.10.“

The Me110s were chased and shot down over Bristol and the South West, before being further harried over Dorset and out to sea by Spitfires of 609 Squadron.

Bristol residents watched as one raider was brought down over the city, crashing in the grounds of a hospital in the Fishponds district. The aircraft, Me 110 U8+FK, had been shot down by Flt/Lt. Royce. Its crew, Oberfeldwebel Tiepelt and Unteroffizier Borsig, were both killed.

The wreckage remained beneath the tarmac of the Stapleton Institute until 2012, when redevelopment of the site allowed excavation of the scant surviving remains.