25 July 1940: Hurricanes Heading for Malta Delayed

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OPERATION ‘HURRY’ HELD UP AT GIBRALTAR

An operation to move twelve Hurricanes through the Mediterranean to Malta has had to be postponed. Under Operation ‘Hurry’, it was planned to transport the much-needed fighters from Gibraltar by aircraft carrier through the western Mediterranean to a point from which they can fly the remaining distance to reach the Island.  

Aircraft Carrier HMS Argus

The Hurricanes sailed today aboard carrier HMS Argus sailed today from the United Kingdom as planned for Gibraltar.  However, the operation to move the aircraft onward from Gibraltar to Malta, planned for 28 July, has had to be postponed.  The earliest expected date is now 31 July.  Stores and personnel for the new Squadron will be transported as originally planned by submarines Proteus and Pandora for passage to Malta. 

CULTURAL DIFFICULTIES AFFECT TROOP MANAGEMENT

Malta’s infantry commanders are facing challenges in the management of expanding Maltese units due to differences in language and legal procedures.  The Island’s Governor and C in C proposes to appoint a senior Maltese officer, Lt Col Vella of King’s Own Malta Regiment, to the position of Administrative Command of all Maltese infantry and volunteers.  He will be assisted by one British and one Maltese officer and two civilian clerks.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 25 JULY TO DAWN 26 JULY 1940

Weather  Fine and warm.  

No air raids.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 25 JULY 1940

AIR HQ  0430-1500 hrs  One Sunderland on reconnaissance patrol.  Nothing observed at Augusta or Syracuse.  1525-1850 hrs  A second Sunderland on reconnaissance over Augusta, Syracuse, Cape Parsaro, Cape Maddalena: small craft sighted but nothing of importance.

KALAFRANA  Sunderland aircraft of 228 and 230 Squadrons operating 12 hour naval patrols over wide area covering Greek coast, south Italian coast and Sicily under direct instructions from Middle East and HQ Mediterranean.

8^th Bn MANCHESTER REGIMENT  Major General S J P Scobell this morning inspected posts of the Battalion.

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