Today in World War II History—August 13, 1940 & 1945
Spitfire pilot of RAF No.610 Squadron recounts how he shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110, Biggin Hill, September 1940 (Imperial War Museum: HU 104450)
85 Years Ago—Aug. 13, 1940: “Adlertag” (Day of the Eagle): In the Battle of Britain, Luftwaffe flies 1,485 sorties to Britain, destroying 47 RAF aircraft on the ground and 13 fighters in combat, but loses 45 aircraft.
Vichy France bans all political parties, Freemasonry, and secret societies, and orders arrest of communists.
80 Years Ago—Aug. 13, 1945: Lt. Oscar Perdomo of US 507th Fighter Group becomes the last ace of the war when he shoots down 5 Japanese fighters over Kyushu.
A US OA-10A aircraft rescues a downed air crew from inner Tokyo Bay, the first time a US plane has accomplished a rescue in those waters.
Movie premiere of musical Ziegfeld Follies, starring Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball, and an all-star cast.
