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Capt Agnew’s flagship HMS Aurora
ROYAL NAVY SHIPS JOIN ANTI-CONVOY STRIKE FORCE
A special force of the Mediterranean Fleet begins operations from its new base in Malta today. Force K, under the command of Captain W G Agnew, has been deployed to the Island as a strike force to intensify attacks on Axis convoys to supply their forces in Libya.
The ships for the new Force, cruisers Aurora and Penelope, destroyers Lance and Lively, sailed into harbour from the west this morning, after an uneventful passage through the Mediterranean. It is believed that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is behind the establishment of the strike force. As well as their role in attacking enemy convoys, it is believed that the presence of Force K will act as an additional deterrent for convoy traffic to Tripoli which has notably declined in recent days.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 21 OCTOBER TO DAWN 22 OCTOBER 1941
Weather Fine.
0822-0847 hrs; 1023-1040 hrs; 1328-1342 hrs Air raid alerts: two for single enemy aircraft which pass close to the coast. On the third alert two enemy fighters cross the Island at 30000 feet.
Ten Hurricanes are scrambled at a time but there are no interceptions.
1835-1901 hrs Air raid alert for six enemy bombers approaching from the north singly. Only two cross the coast and 500kg drop bombs in the Mosta-Naxxar-Gharghur area and in the sea. Two Hurricanes are scrambled but there are no interceptions.
Military casualties Aircraftsman David B Long, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 21 OCTOBER 1941
ROYAL NAVY Unique returned from patrol off Naples having sunk a Citta AMS. Aurora, Penelope, Lance and Lively of Force K arrived.
AIR HQ Arrivals 4 Wellington. Departures 3 Beaufort. 38 Squadron 11 Wellingtons attacked a storage depot at Naples. 69 Squadron Marylands special patrols; Maryland special search. 1 Blenheim patrol east Sicilian coast. 104 Squadron 13 Wellingtons attacked a storage depot at Naples. 107 Squadron 6 Blenheims attacked two merchant vessels north east of Ras Maamoura.
1st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT No 4 (carrier) Platoon and details proceeded to Gozo.
FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB reported 0; dealt with 1 (250kg).
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