The 23rd of May proved significant in that it was the first day in which the Germans encountered Spitfires in force over France. No. 92 Squadron, tasked with offensive patrols from Calais to Dunkirk, was one of four Spitfire squadrons involved. In the morning, its 12 spitfires were bounced by Bf 109s but managed to turn the tables, claiming five for the loss of one. Involved in the battle was soon-to-be-ace and legend, Flying Officer Bob Stanford Tuck, who shot down a Bf 109 in this, his first day of fighting.
