A selection of items from the current Sealion 'rumour mill'
At 04.00 on September 17th 1940 German paratroops attacked the forward fighter airfields of Lympne and Hawkinge in a coordinated manner. The defenders resisted with Major Whiteford reinforcing the British troops at Lympne.
By 05.00 the attack at Hawkinge had petered out and the German forces were in complete withdrawal. Defence commander, Capt. Slackbladder is jubilant at his men's sterling effort and has given his chaps a well earned rest for their spirited defence of the air strip.
The holy mothers of the Order of St. Giles the delirious of Christian rapture (or was it desirous of something or other?) have been seen out and about more regularly according to the Postmaster at Newbarn. He goes on to recall that he thought that the convent had burnt down years ago.......something to do with candle usage evidently. Must have been rebuilt or relocated perhaps?
Captain Slackbladder's carrier section commander, sergeant Nelson has radioed in a report that although they haven't seen any enemy, whilst parked up enjoying a brew he did see the no. 159 returning service from Postling to Folkestone shoot past his lads on the B2646 'on the bloody wrong side of the road most of the time!' The good sergeant also noted that although he thought all bus services had been suspended pending the invasion scare he remembered that the bus looked packed to the brim as well 'must be day trippers' he mused.
At 06.00 enemy invasion fleet spotted off of Hythe. Garrison declare that they are hopelessly outnumbered and ask permission to retire.
Also at 06.00 Major Whiteford and his men are still heavily engaged at Lympne.
