The majority of people living in the North-East on this August day were really unaware of the events being played out in the skies of south west Durham.  Bombs were dropped near Cockfield, Toft Hill, High Etherley and around Witton Park. 

Between 12.47 and 13.30 in the Cockfield district, 28 high explosive bombs were dropped between Gibbsneese and Summerson’s Quarry, causing limited damage.  At Cockfield, 170 windows were broken, 30 ceilings collapsed, a byre, garage and a small wooden tool shed were damaged. There were no casualties. 

60 high explosive and 100 incendiary bombs landed on High Etherley, Toft Hill, Woodside and California.  At High Etherley alone, 40 bombs were dropped, killing one boy and injuring another whilst a number of sheep and cattle in the surrounding fields sustained injuries. At California, Witton Park, one man was killed and four people injured.

Those who were killed were

• William Harrison aged 9, of Collingwood Street, Hebburn-on-Tyne an evacuee
• Levi Warton, aged 24 of Hecklewood Nook Farm near Witton Park

A Messerschmitt Bf 110D from 1/ZG76 was shot down and crashed at Streatlam near Barnard Castle at 13.36. The aircraft was destroyed, the crew were captured unhurt.

13.36. Steathlam. Enemy plane crashed at Steathlam near to site of New Military Camp. Both occupants of plane conveyed to Barnard Castle Police Station. When the plane crashed an explosion occurred and a workman on the site received slight injuries.