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Fuel shortages result in curfew for private cars
CURFEW FOR PRIVATE CARS
To conserve fuel for essential supply and public transport services, Private cars have been banned from use after midnight unless carrying a special permit. The measure has been brought in to conserve fuel for essential supply and for public transport services.
MALTA PROPOSAL TO JAM GERMAN PROPAGANDA
The British Ambassador at Cairo has made a request to the Admiralty in London that Malta’s wireless telegraph station should be used to jam German propaganda broadcasts to the Near East. However, the Commander in Chief Mediterranean has raised concerns that this might provoke a counter action against Naval wireless telegraph communications.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 30 JUNE TO DAWN 1 JULY 1940
Weather Fine.
Italian SM 79
0940–1015 hrs Air raid alert for two formations, each of four Italian SM79 aircraft, fly over the Island, dropping a total of 42 bombs. Two Hurricane aircraft are scrambled but do not intercept. One formation crosses the Island from Marsascala, dropping bombs on San Pawl tat Targa seriously wounding a farmer, another near a water reservoir at Naxxar, four on roads between Birkirkara and Mosta and six near Ta Qali reservoir, wounding five civilians. The raiders turn and head for St Paul’s Bay, dropping their remaining bombs in the sea. The second formation comes in from Grand Harbour, dropping bombs on San Pietru, Kalkara and San Rocco, then head for Hal Far, dropping some 17 bombs, and on to Mqabba and Zurrieq before crossing the coast south of Dingli. Two civilians are killed and four wounded.
Civilian casualties Birkirkara Joseph Genovese, age 21.
OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 30 JUNE 1940
AIR HQ 1947-2215 hrs Five Swordfish dive bombed oil refinery and oil tanks at Augusta, causing a fire. Anti-aircraft only active after first bombs. Bomb load carried: 12 x 250lb, 4 x 500lb, 20 incendiary. All aircraft returned safely. Reconnaissance by Hudson over Messina, Augusta and Syracuse. Ack ack fire from cruisers at Messina very accurate at 20,000 feet.
KALAFRANA Further patrols by 3 Sunderlands of 228 and 230 Squadrons. During June many personnel were posted, attached or loaned to other units. Newly enlisted Maltese recruits continued to arrive, some for disciplinary course, others for fitting out in preparation for posting to Middle East. Three airmen from workshops interviewed and complimented by AOC for untiring energy and excellent work in carrying out important urgent repairs to the Radio Station. AC Mifsud admitted Military Hospital, Imtarfa.
LUQA LAC G W Simon attached to Luqa from Kalafrana.
2nd Bn DEVONSHIRE REGIMENT The Bishop of Gibraltar conducted Divine Service at Battalion HQ with 50 Other Ranks and ten officers attending.
2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT Unloading party at Marsaxlokk.
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Malta: War Diary 