While operating the Hudson, Bulloch flew sorties over the Dutch, Belgian and French coasts – helping to support the British Expeditionary Force evacuate Dunkirk in May/June 1940. During this time, Bulloch shot down two German aircraft and was part of a detachment at RAF Aldergrove to flew anti-submarine sorties over the Atlantic. In September 1940, he attacked Channel ports that were being used in preparation for Operation Sea Lion. At the end of his first tour, Bulloch was awarded Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in October 1940, and was mentioned in dispatches the next month.