Watch a WWII Dunkirk Spitfire Combat Film Recently Unearthed

Young Pilots at Dunkirk

This newly surfaced footage follows 74 Squadron, known as the Tigers, during the 1940 evacuation at Dunkirk. Just hours before flying into combat, young pilots posed for a group photo—many unaware it could be their last. Some of their Spitfires carried gun cameras, capturing rare footage of the chaos in the skies.

The German advance had reached the Channel coast by May 20, cutting off Allied forces. In response, RAF Fighter Command pulled Hurricanes from France and ordered squadrons like 74 to patrol from bases in southern England, covering the retreat. Over Dunkirk, radio contact was unreliable, leaving pilots with minimal guidance during intense encounters.

Combat Footage and First Losses

On one patrol, ‘A’ Flight found German bombers, including Heinkel 111s. Flight Commander Sailor Malan attacked with his section, and his camera caught the moment bullets hit the enemy plane, causing its landing gear to drop—a sign of damaged hydraulics. Both Heinkels were shot down, but the squadron lost Bertie Aubert, who landed out of fuel and was temporarily stranded.

Days later, they encountered a Henschel 126. It was shot down, but not before the rear gunner hit the squadron leader’s plane, forcing an emergency landing. Another pilot, Vincent Byrne, was captured after being hit by ground fire. A daring rescue followed, with 54 Squadron retrieving their downed leader under fire from enemy fighters.

Misidentified Aircraft and a Mystery

A famous combat film shows a supposed Dornier 17 being shot down, but it was later suspected to be a Messerschmitt 110. No 74 Squadron pilot reported downing a 110, adding to the confusion. The enemy aircraft jettisoned long-range tanks, suggesting it was a rare reconnaissance version. Its crew survived, and researchers believe this may have been a new model under test.

More footage shows Paddy Treacy downing a Junkers 88 near Dunkirk, with surviving crew captured. But the Tigers were later attacked by German fighters. Treacy and Tony Mould bailed out and escaped by sea. Bertie Aubert, recently rescued, was shot down and killed. The squadron suffered but returned days later, downing several enemy planes, including one caught on film by Johnny Freeborn.

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