One of the squadrons (10 Supermarine Spitfires of No.72 Squadron RAF) met them but shortly after take off his flight and their escort were attacked by enemy fighters of JG 2 and JG 26.
One of the fighter squadrons (10 Supermarine Spitfires of No.72 Squadron RAF) did rendevous with Esmonde's squadron. The two squadrons were later attacked by enemy fighters of JG 2 and JG 26.