30 June 1941: Six Hurricanes & Pilots Lost From Malta Convoy

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HMS Furious

HURRICANE CRASH DURING OPERATION ‘RAILWAY’ PHASE 2

After successfully delivering 21 Hurricanes to Malta on Friday the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal returned to Gibraltar where another 26 aircraft were transferred from HMS Furious.  With 16 Hurricanes still on board, Furious sailed with Ark Royal yesterday escorted by cruisers Renown and Hermione with seven destroyers. 

This morning both carriers reached the rendezvous this morning and the Hurricanes began to take off in groups, each led by six Blenheims which would guide them to Malta. However, the tenth aircraft to take off from Furious had collided with the bridge of the carrier, starting a fire which killed three Fleet Air Arm officers, damaged five other Hurricanes and injured their pilots.  Accompanied by Ark Royal and escort the carrier turned back immediately for Gibraltar.

FURTHER ANTI-INVASION MEASURES IN PLACE

Anti-aircraft guns have been put in position to prevent the landing of enemy troop-carrying aircraft. Obstacles have also been erected around the coast with the same object.  Anti-shrapnel mines have been laid along ditches beside the Victoria Lines and also in the Ta Qali areas in the north.

ROYAL MALTA ARTILLERY SHORT OF OFFICERS

The Royal Malta Artillery has 20 fewer officers than it needs. The Governor and Commander in Chief has submitted an application to the War Office for approval to grant five immediate commissions.  Eleven cadets are currently under training at the local Artillery School. 

Approximately eight of a draft of 27 officers now believed to be in Egypt were originally asked for to cover RMA vacancies which it was anticipated could not be done from local resources. Lt Gen Dobbie is keen for additional officers to be provided from this source to make up the numbers to full strength.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 30 JUNE TO DAWN 1 JULY 1941

Weather  Very windy.

1200-1219 hrs  Air raid alert for 11 Macchi 200s which approach to within 25 miles north east of Malta in two formations.  Hurricanes 46 Squadron are scrambled and intercept just below cloud at 17000 feet, shooting down two Macchis.  A third is chased by a Hurricane to within 15-20 miles of Sicily, attacked and damaged. 

Enemy casualties  Tenente Armando Cibin, pilot of Macchi 200 fighter, 7o Gruppo, 54o Stormo, shot down and crashed into the sea.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 30 JUNE 1941

GENERAL STAFF  Improvement in mail deliveries and weekly broadcasts are much appreciated by all ranks.

ROYAL NAVY  Good progress was made in the month in clearing the corners of the harbours and the dangerous area of the North East Coast of enemy mines.

AIR HQ Arrivals 35 Hurricane, 6 Blenheim. Departures 3 Blenheim. 69 Squadron 6 Marylands sorties on reconnaissance. 82 Squadron 6 Blenheims made a low level attack on ships in Tripoli Harbour.  Six direct hits were made on a merchant vessel, probably the Erperia  and two on the Oceania or Neptunia.  Seaplanes on the water and disembarked troops were machine-gunned. 

KALAFRANA  June saw a considerable increase in the use of Kalafrana by flying boats on communication flights between the UK, Gibraltar and Middle East. There were 31 arrivals and departures during the month.  The increase in operations from the Island increased demand for services of the Marine Craft Section for search and rescue work.  15 patrols rescued 8 British personnel (1 dead) and 2 Italian (1 dead).  3 patrols by Swordfish resulted in the rescue of one Italian pilot.

TA QALI  46 Squadron arrived from Hal Far. 9 Hurricanes arrived ex HMS Furious, 12 ex Ark Royal.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal  Total unexploded bombs during month: reported 45; dealt with 36.

2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT  Strengths officers 27, other ranks 864.

 

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29 June 1941: Malta 12 Attacks on Axis Convoys & Bases in a Week

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BLENHEIMS, MARYLANDS, SWORDFISH AND WELLINGTONS ON RAIDS

In its weekly review of the progress of the war, the War Cabinet in London hears a report on attacks by aircraft operating from Malta on shipping between Sicily and North Africa and bombed objectives on the North African mainland.

At dusk on 25 June, four Marylands attacked a convoy of four large merchant vessels of about 20000 tons, escorted by six destroyers, and scored at least one direct hit. Later in the same evening seven Swordfish torpedoed two of the merchant vessels which probably sank, and possibly hit a third.  From these operations one Maryland and one Swordfish were reported missing.  Another convoy was attacked by three Marylands on 29 June, 30 miles off Tripoli, and near misses observed.

Wellingtons carried out five night attacks on Tripoli, in two of which they were supported by Swordfish. On one of these occasions seven Swordfish laid sea-mines in the harbour.  The Spanish and Karamanli Moles were hit many times and a number of fires were started.  Bombs were also seen to hit one large and one medium size merchant vessel, and a vessel of 6000 tons was set on fire.

Successful day attacks on Tripoli were also made by Blenheims and Marylands.

Today Blenheims failed to locate a convoy. As an alternative they bombed and completely destroyed a factory to the east of the town. 

AIR RAIDS DAWN 29 JUNE TO DAWN 30 JUNE 1941

Weather  Cloudy; humid.

No air raids.

Military casualties Sergeant John A Cover, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, 82 Squadron; Sergeant Richard G G Fairweather, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR), 82 Squadron; Sergeant Allan T Thomas, Observer, RAFVR, 82 Squadron.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 29 JUNE 1941

ROYAL NAVY  Urge successful attack on cruiser (believed to be Gorizia); two hits claimed, followed by a large explosion. 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm 6 Swordfish sent to attack Tripoli encountered severe weather and turned back. 

AIR HQ Arrivals 6 Wellington. Departures 2 Wellington. 69 Squadron Marylands on reconnaissance; 1 Hurricane on photo-reconnaissance.  3 Marylands made a high level (15-21000 ft) bombing raid on Tripoli Harbour in daylight; results not observed. 82 Squadron 9 Blenheims despatched to attack convoy approaching Tripoli.  One Blenheim received a direct hit by a bomb from another aircraft.  6 Blenheims went out again to attack merchant ships in Tripoli Harbour; one returned with engine trouble.  The remainder crossed the coast wide of the target and bombed Sorman aerodrome nearby, starting several fires among aircraft on the ground. 148 Squadron  7 Wellingtons sent to attack Spanish Quay and shipping in Tripoli Harbour encountered severe weather.  4 aircraft reached target and attacked, damaging quay and ships.

 

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28 June 1941: Thousands on the Move Again in Malta

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EVACUEES RETURN TO THREE CITIES WHILE OTHERS FLEE VALLETTA AND FLORIANA

Thousands of Maltese are on the move again, thanks to the increase in air raid shelters in target areas on the Island. During the past month alone more than 3000 evacuees have returning to their homes either because of the new provision, or the promise of air raid shelter accommodation in their home district.  All areas around Grand Harbour have registered increases in population.  A total of 41 people have moved back to Cottonera, 397 to Paola and Tarxien; 366 to Zabbar and 669 to the Sliema area.

Meanwhile others are still leaving danger areas due to continuous sleepless nights caused by air raids. During the month 159 have fled to safety from Valletta and Floriana, both of which have recently heavily bombed recently. 1790 have left from Qormi and 402 from Balzan.  375 have found refuge in Birkirkara, 353 in Mellieha, 150 in Zurrieq and 131 in Zebbug. (1)

NEW FIGHTER SQUADRON FOR MALTA

A new fighter squadron has been formed at Ta Qali today following the recent arrivals of new Hurricane aircraft on the Island. 126 Squadron will be led by Wing Commander Alexander C Rabagliati who arrived in Malta as part of Operation ‘Rocket’ on 6 June with other members of 46 Squadron, members of which will form the core of the new squadron.

W/Cdr Rabagliati has already been very active in fighter operations over Malta, having shared in the destruction of one SM79 and damaged two more, destroyed a CR42, destroyed one Macchi and damaged a second in just three weeks.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 28 JUNE TO DAWN 29 JUNE 1941

Weather  Hot and sunny.

No air raids.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 28 JUNE 1941

ROYAL NAVY  All available submarines (Union, Upright, Unique, Upholder) to patrol East of Messina to intercept Vichy French vessels thought likely to proceed to support Syria.

AIR HQ  Arrivals 6 Wellington, 1 Sunderland. 69 Squadron 5 Marylands on reconnaissance; 1 Hurricane on photo-reconnaissance. 

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS  Bomb Disposal UXB reported 1; dealt with 1 (130lb HE).

(1) When Malta Stood Alone, Joseph Micallef, Interprint Malta 1981

 

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27 June 1941: Malta Fighter Numbers Up As 21 Hurricanes Arrive

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OPERATION ‘RAILWAY’ PASSES SAFELY THROUGH MEDITERRANEAN

The first phase of a major operation to increase the fighter force on Malta was successfully completed today as 21 Hurricanes landed on the Island. The latest delivery followed the success of Operation ‘Rocket’ three weeks ago (6 June 1941 maltagc70). Having delivered her cargo to the Mediterranean, aircraft carrier HMS Furious returned to port in the Clyde to load up an even larger cargo of 64 Hurricanes and 9 Swordfish.  The carrier sailed for Gibraltar on 22 June where 22 Hurricanes for Malta were transferred to HMS Ark Royal.  Escorted by cruisers Renown and Hermione plus five destroyers, Ark Royal passed safely through the western Mediterranean to her rendezvous point early this morning.  Blenheim aircraft flew out from Gibraltar to the rendezvous to escort the Hurricanes onward to Malta.  One Hurricane failed to reach the Island and has been reported missing.  

GOZO TO HAVE PAID COAST WATCHERS

Malta’s sister Island of Gozo is to have its own band of paid coast watchers. The measure is part of a move to increase security in the light of an expected Axis invasion which may target Gozo as a possible foothold from which to launch a main attack on Malta.  The War Office has agreed to the recruitment of 70 coast watchers for the Island who will be paid from Army funds at a rate of 4 shillings per day. Each watcher will also be issued with one suit of denim battledress.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 27 JUNE TO DAWN 28 JUNE 1941

Weather  Hot and sunny.

1010 hrs  Hurricanes begin landing at Luqa from Operation Railway.

1146-1220 hrs  Air raid alert for a SM 79 bomber escorted by 25 Macchi 200 fighters which approach Grand Harbour from the north. Heavy anti-aircraft guns engage.  Hurricane fighters are scrambled and engage, destroying six Macchis confirmed, plus two probable, and damaging the SM 79 and other fighters.  Two Macchis are seen to crash; one near Birzebbuga is completely burned out and scattered over four fields.  The pilot bales out but the parachute fails to open; his body is found near Ta Karach and an ambulance attends the scene.  The second Macchi crashes into the sea; its pilot is rescued and taken prisoner.  P/O Barnes, who shot him down, visits the Italian pilot for afternoon tea.

2152-2220 hrs  Air raid alert for three enemy aircraft approaching from the north.  Seven heavy anti-aircraft guns launch a barrage and one aircraft recedes north.  The other crosses the coast north of Grand Harbour and drops 50kg bombs between Valletta and Sliema, including Pieta Creek.  One bomb demolishes a house in Pieta, where a crater in the road causes a traffic diversion.  One gunner is killed and three injured.  50kg bombs are also dropped in the sea off Salina Bay and St Thomas’ Bay.  Anti-aircraft guns launch a barrage; no claims.  Hurricane night fighters are scrambled but searchlights do not illuminate raiders and there are no interceptions.

0305-0350 hrs Air raid alert for a single enemy aircraft which approaches from the north and drops 50kg high explosive bombs on Zabbar and Marsa, as well as Ta Qali and in the sea off the north coast. One stick of bombs start a fire at Salvatore Gate which is soon under control.  Several unexploded bombs are reported on land.  Anti-aircraft guns open fire; no claims.  Malta night fighters do not intercept due to lack of searchlight illuminations.

Military casualties  Lance-Bombardier Frederick J Hopkinson, 7th HAA Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Enemy casualties  Sergente Alfredo Sclavo, pilot of Macchi 200, 90a Squadriglia, 10o Gruppo, 4o Stormo, shot down and died. Sottotenente Neri de Benedetti, pilot of Macchi 200, 90a Squadriglia, 10o Gruppo, 4o Stormo, shot down and taken prisoner.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 27 JUNE 1941

ROYAL NAVY  A convoy of four liners (same as  departed Naples 25 June) arrived in Taranto, but not known whether these were original four.  The ships were later attacked in harbour by Blenheim aircraft which claim to have damaged Esperia (causing slight damage) and Neptunia. 

AIR HQ  Arrivals 21 Hurricane, 4 Wellington. 69 Squadron 6 Maryland reconnaissance missions.  82 Squadron 3 Blenheims made a surprise low-level bombing attack on Tamet aerodrome, setting fire to three aircraft and machine-gunning others, as well as personnel on the ground. 148 Squadron 6 Wellingtons night bombing raid on Tripoli Harbour, especially Spanish Wharf and the main unloading facilities.

TA QALI  10 Hurricanes arrived ex Ark Royal. One overshot aerodrome on landing; pilot uninjured.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB reported 1; dealt with 1 (50kg removed for sterilising).

 

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26 June 1941: Five Hour ‘Nuisance’ Night Raids on Malta

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FIVE RAIDS SPREAD OVER AS MANY HOURS

Rev R M Nicholls describes the impact of Italian ‘nuisance raids’ and considers the invasion of Russia

“Ten days ago we returned to Valletta to sleep. There had not been much night bombing, and my wife wished to return. If blitzes occur we shall go back to Birkirkara.  On our first night back we had five raids spread over many hours; and for…three nights we have had raids more or less continuously from about ten pm till 2 or 3 o’clock o’morning.  Last night was the longest period for some time.  It seems to be Italians; and the technique seems to be for a single plane to cruise about, at a height out of reach of either searchlights or guns; then after half an hour of this to drop three or four bombs and bolt for home.

After a short interval the ‘Raider Past’ is sounded and a little later the ‘All Clear’. Then, ten minutes after, another plane approaches and the poor folk who have just climbed back into bed have to turn out again and go back to the rock shelters.  I lie and read, or write, in our funk-hole hearing the distant or near drone; and then zonk – a couple of bombs give their metallic roar.  ‘Now he’ll go home’ I say to myself. But last night one of them met one of our fighters waiting or searching for him and down he went into the sea…

The Cretan business is over and we lost. I am told that the C-in-C Mediterranean said that it had to be held at all costs; but we failed. Largely through our usual mismanagement, said an officer who heard a lecture by someone who came here to tell us about it.

Now has come the invasion of Russia. That was a tremendous surprise to me.  I never dreamt of it.  But I can see the point clearly.  Hitler is afraid lest Russia should attack in the Balkans just as he has all his forces engaged in a great attack on Britain.  Russia did something of the same sort early in the war – Finland, Poland, and later Bessarabia.  While Hitler was busy Stalin might well attack the Dardanelles.  I think that this kind of explanation is really more likely than the mere demand for oil and grain.” (1)

TROOPS MAIL CENSORSHIP TIGHTENED

Troops across Malta were reminded today of the rules governing the posting and censorship of letters written by service personnel. The communique states that all such correspondence addressed to any address overseas must be forwarded to the battalion’s orderly room for censorship and posting.  On no account must such correspondence be posted in the civil Post Office or in any other way than through the orderly room.  Failure to adhere to these rules will incur the severest disciplinary action.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 26 JUNE TO DAWN 27 JUNE 1941

Weather  Hot and sunny.

No air raids.

Military casualties Flight Sergeant Harry S M Bolton, Royal Air Force (RAF), 69 Squadron; Flight Sergeant Ernest W Gimson, RAF, 69 Squadron; Flight Sergeant Brian P Hanson, RAF Volunteer Reserve, 69 Squadron.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 26 JUNE 1941

ROYAL NAVY  Reconnaissance of Taranto Harbour AM showed two liners in harbour, but PM reconnaissance showed a convoy of four large ships steering south off Taranto. Utmost successful attack, sank 6000 ton ship.  830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm 5 Swordfish bombed shipping and port facilities in Tripoli Harbour.

AIR HQ Arrivals 4 Wellington 148 Squadron. 69 Squadron 3 Marylands on reconnaissance; 1 Hurricane on photo-reconnaissance. 4 Marylands made a high-level bombing attack on Tripoli Harbour in daylight, dropping 3000 lbs of high explosive, damaging Spanish Wharf and causing fires. 148 Squadron 4 Wellingtons made a successful night bombing attack on Tripoli Harbour.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB reported 1.

(1)  Extract from diary of Reverend Reginald M. Nicholls, Chancellor of St.Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Valletta.  Courtesy of website: Malta Family History 

 

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25 June 1941: Malta Attacks to Stop Axis Convoy ‘At All Costs’

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• Today seven enemy fighters were shot down by Hurricanes and one Italian bomber badly damaged
• HM Submarine Osiris departed Gibraltar with 70 tons of fuel for Malta

COMBINED AIR AND SEA ATTACK LAUNCHED FROM MALTA

Malta’s Royal Navy and RAF commanders received urgent orders today to stop an enemy convoy ‘at all costs’. Intelligence reports had been received in London of a fast German troop convoy consisting of four large liners as well as merchant ships heading out of Naples for North Africa.  In a combined sea and air operation HM Submarines Urge, Unbeaten and Upholder were immediately sent to intercept while  830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm were also ordered in to the attack, followed by RAF Blenheim low-level torpedo bombers. 

SS Neptunia

In view of recent Blenheim losses, 69 Squadron was also asked to assist in the attack. The Maryland reconnaissance squadron was given the task of dive-bombing the convoy to cause a distraction and enable the main attack to be pressed home.  Four Marylands spent this morning practising over Filfla; the aircraft of Flt/Lt Warburton was damaged in the exercise.

A group of Marylands took off from Malta this afternoon to shadow the convoy. The 13 Swordfish of 830 Squadron FAA followed at 6pm and used the Marylands to locate their target.  A second flight of four Marylands took off ahead of the Blenheims to launch the main night attack on the convoy. 

At dusk four Marylands launched their bombs on the liners Esperia, Marco Polo, Oceania, and Neptunia south of Messina.  Seven of the Swordfish followed in with torpedoes, scoring two hits on a merchant ship.  Escorting Axis ships launched a fierce barrage: one Swordfish and one Maryland are reported missing.  The submarines surfaced nearby in earshot of the engagement but visibility prevented them from closing for an attack.  One merchant vessel was seen burning amidships and the convoy turned away towards Taranto.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 25 JUNE TO DAWN 26 JUNE 1941

Weather  Hot and sunny.

0856-0927 hrs  Air raid alert for an Italian SM 79 bomber escorted by 15 Macchi 200 fighters which crosses the Island, apparently on reconnaissance, at 21000 feet.  Nine Hurricane fighters are scrambled and engage the raiders at great height, 20 miles south of Delimara.  The bomber is hit and damaged, its undercarriage drops and a stream of oil is seen from the aircraft.  Three Macchi 200s are shot down. The rest of the raiders are chased out almost to Cape Passero.  An SOS is picked up, stating “Macchi 200 fallen into the sea 11 miles south of Cape Religione; go immediately.”  Wreckage is seen in the sea 20 miles north-east of St Paul’s Bay.  One heavy anti-aircraft gun fires a pointer round; no claims.

1345-1349 hrs  Air raid alert for six enemy aircraft which approach to within 3 miles of Grand Harbour before turning away to the north.  Eight Hurricanes are scrambled but unable to intercept because the leader cannot reach the altitude of the enemy in his aircraft.

2210-2310 hrs  Air raid alert for a single enemy aircraft which approaches the Island from the north, unobserved by early warning systems. Bombs are dropped on San Pietru and in the sea north east of St Paul’s Bay. The air raid alert then sounds.  During the raid several Malta aircraft depart on offensive operations, their navigation lights on and landing lights on the aerodrome exposed.  Hurricane fighters are scrambled and engage the raider; no claims.

2321-2338 hrs  Air raid alert for a single enemy aircraft which drops bombs in the sea off St Thomas’ Bay before receding northwards.

0141-0158 hrs  Air raid alert for a single enemy aircraft which crosses the coast to the south east of Grand Harbour and drops 500lb high explosive bombs on Zeitun.

0238-0349 hrs Air raid alert for five enemy aircraft which approach singly from the north, on the same course as Wellington bombers of 148 Squadron flying in from the Middle East, two hours ahead of schedule.   100lb and 500lb high explosive bombs are dropped between Safi, on the road between Zurrieq and Qrendi, on Zabbar, and the sea 15 miles east of Grand Harbour, off Filfla and in St Thomas’ Bay.  The night Hurricanes are scrambled and engage on two occuasions; no claims.

Military casualties  Sub-Lieutenant D A R Holmes, pilot, 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm, HMS St Angelo; Leading Airman J R Smith, 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm, HMS St Angelo; Bombardier James T Skinner, 4th Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE 1941

NAVY  Important transport convoy of four large liners departed Naples; sighted south of Messina and attacked at dusk by 4 Maryland aircraft with bombs and 2 Swordfish of 830 Squadron with torpedoes.  2 hits claimed; one merchant vessel was seen burning amidships, and the convoy turned towards Taranto. 1 Swordfish (crew S/Lt Holmes and L/A Smith) and 1 Maryland failed to return.

AIR HQ Departures 1 Sunderland. 69 Squadron 3 Marylands on reconnaissance; 1 Hurricane on photo-reconnaissance.  Photos of Castel Benito show 45 bombers, 22 fighters and 8 transport aircraft; at Mallaha 6 fighters and 2 bombers; at Palermo 14 fighters, 2 transport aircraft; at Trapani 18 fighters. 

TA QALI  Hurricane caught fire during refuelling (fire extinguished); cause so far unknown.

 

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24 June 1941: Malta Submarine on Cloak and Dagger Mission

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HMS UTMOST IN BID TO DESTROY ITALIAN RAILWAY

Malta-based submarine HMS Utmost returned to patrol today after taking part in a daring ‘cloak and dagger’ mission on enemy soil. Utmost left Malta a week ago for her 8^th war patrol in the Mediterranean.  Lt Commander Cayley’s orders were to patrol the Tyrrhenian Sea at the mouth of the Straits of Messina and seek an opportunity to destroy a vital railway line used to transport Axis military resources to join convoys for North Africa.

A suitable target was identified yesterday and under cover of darkness Utmost surfaced and headed for the shore.  Just after midnight a small folding boat, a Folbot, was launched from the submarine 400 yards off the coast and special forces personnel Lt D R Schofield, Royal Fusiliers, and Lance Corporal F C Morgan rowed ashore.  They set charges within a railway tunnel with the aim of blowing up a train as it passed through, then rowed back to the submarine which remained close to shore to observe the results.

At 2 am the train passed through the tunnel but the explosives failed to detonate. The Folbot was launched again and Schofield and Morgan rowed ashore for a second attempt.  They placed the explosives and waited for some hours but no train materialised.  As daylight was approaching they decided to blow up the railway and return to Utmost, reaching the submarine at 5am.

Utmost dived and left the area unchallenged to continue her anti-convoy patrols. (1)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 24 JUNE TO DAWN 25 JUNE 1941

Weather  Hot and sunny.

1018-1035 hrs; 1135-1152 hrs  Air raid alerts for several enemy formations heading towards the Island.  20 Hurricanes in total are scrambled but the raiders remain far to the north of Malta and do not come close enough for the Hurricanes to engage.  Several interceptions are attempted but the enemy aircraft recede out of reach in every case.

Military casualties  Fusilier Joseph Burke, 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers; Cook Francis Borg, Malta Auxiliary Corps.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 24 JUNE 1941

ROYAL NAVY  All available submarines including Urge, Unbeaten, Upholder sailed to patrol positions to intercept an important convoy believed proceeding through Straits of Messina to Tripoli.

AIR HQ Arrivals 4 Blenheim, 1 Sunderland, 4 Wellington 148 Squadron. Departures 1 Sunderland. 69 Squadron 7 Maryland missions on reconnaissance; 1 Hurricane on photo-reconnaissance.

KALAFRANA A Heinkel Float Plane arrived from UK to undertake special operational work for the Government Intelligence Section, manned by civilian personnel.

(1) http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3540.html

 

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23 June 1941: Booby-Trap Bombs Hidden in Domestic Items

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TROOPS WARNED NOT TO TAMPER WITH SUSPECT OBJECTS

Troops in Malta have been given new warnings about booby-trap anti-personnel bombs. The Bomb Disposal Officer first issued a warning in April that small explosive canisters resembling shaving sticks or film containers had been dropped in Libya.  The warning has since been extended to include cigarette lighters, fountain pens, shaving sticks and similar objects.

The canisters are evidently in two sections, often with a lid which explodes when unscrewed. Under orders issued today, troops have been told not to attempt to unscrew or dismantle any suspect object of this nature.  The following action is to be taken should they be found:

• If on Military property, they should be collected by an officer or NCO, placed carefully in a bucket or similar container and stored in a safe place where they cannot be reached by unauthorised persons.
• The matter will then be reported to General Staff in the same way as for unexploded bombs.
• As it is unlikely that these objects would be dropped singly, before any are reported as being suspect, the locality must be carefully searched for others.

KINGS OWN MALTA REGIMENT HAS NEW UNIT

A new unit of Kings Own Malta Regiment has been officially inaugurated today. The KOMR Static Group will be led by Temporary Captain A V Mallia who has been appointed Acting Major in recognition of his new responsibilities.  His assistant will be Lt J F Pace Bonello.

Two Companies of 3^rd Bn KOMR will be absorbed into the Static Group as A and C Companies; one Company of 2^nd Bn KOMR will also be added.  Three other platoons of 2^nd Bn KOMR will be included in the establishment of the Static Group but be under other commands at Pembroke and Tigne.

The Static Group KOMR will have its headquarters at St Andrews Barracks.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 23 JUNE TO DAWN 24 JUNE 1941

Weather  Hot and sunny.

No air raids.

Two submarines are reported surfacing three and six miles respectively from Marsalforn. Swordfish are sent to investigate but see nothing.  It is suspected that the submarines were searching for the missing pilot of a Macchi fighter shot down yesterday.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 23 JUNE 1941

ROYAL NAVY 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm 5 Swordfish despatched to attack Spanish Quay and port facilities in Tripoli Harbour. 7000 lbs of high explosives and 450 lbs of incendiaries were dropped.  Direct hits were observed on the railway, and a fire is started near a customs house. 

AIR HQ  Arrivals 1 Sunderland, 1 Heinkel 115 float plane. Departures 8 Blenheim.  4 Hurricanes attacked flying boats moored at Syracuse, scoring a number of hits on boats, a hangar and barracks.  69 Squadron 4 Marylands on reconnaissance; 1 Hurricane on photo-reconnaissance. 82 Squadron 3 Blenheims attacked an enemy ship near Kerkennah; scored near-misses.  Two aircraft went out for a second attempt to sink the ship but it had disappeared.

2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT  HE Governor & Commander in Chief visited Luqa to inspect the defences.

 

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22 June 1941: RAF Observer Flies Stricken Blenheim Back to Malta

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GERMANY INVADES THE SOVIET UNION

According to the BBC. In a pre-dawn offensive, German troops pushed into the USSR today from the south and west, with a third force making their way from the north towards Leningrad.

Bristol Blenheim

RAF OBSERVER TAKES CONTROLS FROM INJURED PILOT

RAF Observer Sergeant J S Sargent has been praised today for taking the controls of the Blenheim aircraft of which he was crew member and flying the aircraft back to Malta. The Blenheim was one of six of 82 Squadron was on their first mission since arriving on the Island two days ago.  Their task was to attack an enemy convoy of three merchant ships with destroyer escort heading for Tripoli.

The Blenheims caught up with the convoy off the island of Lampedusa and dived in turn to release their bombs over the ships from a low level. The escort destroyers launched a heavy burst of defensive fire badly wounding the pilot F/Lt T J Watkins in both legs.

As the Blenheim’s Air Gunner Sgt Eric Chandler recalled: “Black puffs of smoke could be observed and after an interval, which seemed like ages, the sea both ahead and to each side of us started to erupt, as heavy shells hit the water…

“A sharp jolt to our machine not only indicated that we had also been hit but threw me violently against the side of my turret. An unbelievable pain paralysed my right arm.  I ducked down to check the arm, quite expecting to find it had been blown off!.  As I did so, a snaking line of Bofors tracer played across the aircraft, passing through the Perspex cover of my turret.  This brought me to life with a vengeance and a determination to fight back.” (1)  An Italian CR 42 had attacked the Blenheim; Chandler opened fire and shot the fighter down into the sea.

Seriously injured and losing a lot of blood, the pilot F/Lt Watkins began to lose consciousness. Sgt Sargent volunteered to take the controls of the Blenheim and managed to fly the aircraft back to Malta.  As they approached the Island, F/Lt Watkins was helped back into the pilot’s seat and landed the aircraft safely.   

All six Blenheims released their 250lb bombs in the raid and one merchant ship is believed damaged. Two other Blenheims were hit during the raid.  Squadron Leader J Harrison-Broadley and his crew have been reported missing after their Blenheim was hit, caught fire and ditched into the sea.  A rubber dinghy was seen leaving the aircraft and it is hoped that the crew survived.  Another Blenheim was attacked hit by a CR 42 fighter; the pilot was injured but returned safely. (2)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 22 JUNE TO DAWN 23 JUNE 1941

Weather  Hot and sunny.

1118-1135 hrs Air raid alert for four separate formations of two or more aircraft approaching from the north. One formation turns at 35 miles and recedes.  A second circles at about 45 miles from Malta.  Two Macchi 200s approach to within eight miles of Gozo.  27 Hurricanes are scrambled, of which six intercept and attack, shooting down one Macchi 200 fighter into the sea.  A search finds no survivors.  A second escapes by executing a spinning dive almost to sea level before pulling out.  The remaining enemy fighters in the area turn away on the approach of the Hurricanes.

2015 hrs  A submarine is reported surfacing three miles north of Marsalforn Bay, Gozo.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 22 JUNE 1941

ROYAL NAVY  Union successful attack, sank 2800 ton ship.

AIR HQ  Arrivals 4 Blenheim. Departures 69 Squadron  5 Marylands on reconnaissance; 1 Hurricane on photo-reconnaissance. 82 Squadron 6 Blenheims attacked convoy; one failed to return.

KALAFRANA  A Swordfish floatplane manned by personnel of Fleet Air Arm was allocated permanently to Kalafrana to augment existing facilities for rescue work.

(1) Fortress Island Malta: Defence & Re-supply During the Siege, Peter Jacobs, Casemate Publishers 2016

(2) F/Lt T J Watkins was subsequently awarded the DSO, and Sergeants Chandler and Sargent the DFM

 

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21 June 1941: Malta Acts to Prevent Tank Invasion

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TANK TRAPS TEST LEAVES ENGINEER BEMUSED

Malta’s military chiefs today conducted further tests to protect the Island’s key areas against an enemy invasion. Mines have already been laid at strategic points and last Saturday booby-traps were tested on the airfields to prevent the landing of enemy aircraft and parachutists.  Although most of the Island coastline is too rocky for the landing of military vehicles, some areas have been identified as vulnerable. 

Having reviewed the measures taken in 1940 against an expected seaborne invasion of England’s coast, Military commanders decided to try out ‘beach scaffolding’ structures to prevent the landing of tanks on Malta’s shores. The structures are normally erected on sandy beaches, half submerged in water so that tanks are stopped in their tracks and unable to gain traction to force their way forward due to the wet sand.

A specimen set of 50 scaffold poles and clips has been delivered to Malta to test the effectiveness of the system for the Island. Following last week’s trial of booby-traps at Luqa, the Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal Officer Lt G D Carroll – an engineering graduate – was asked to manage the construction of the barrier, assisted by men of 24 Fortress Company, RE.  The venue chosen was the Polo Ground at Marsa.  However, Lt Carroll was not impressed with the conduct of the test:  

“If you’re going to build a fence to stop something, you don’t make it slope towards you – you slope it the other way: bracing, it’s called. So we duly erected this – it was about forty or fifty feet long and about 12 feet deep.  We had two tanks in Malta, one was an I-tank I think which was big, but not very, and one was called a light tank.

When we had got it all set up, the Colonel (the Chief Engineer) said we should use the light tank first, which was sensible. We got the light tank out on the correct side of the barrier and the driver stood off about five or six feet, revved the engine and then tore at the fence.  The tank went into the fence a yard or so – so sensibly the driver backed off and went in again, and the tank stopped; it wouldn’t move.  They examined it and one of the scaffolding poles had bent and gone in through the track of the tank and it couldn’t move. 

But then the Colonel said: ‘Right. Try it the other way.’  And the tank was sent round to the other side, where now the fence is sloping the wrong way.  The light tank tore into the back of the fence and went in about 12 feet or more and then it stopped.  And the Colonel’s words were: ‘That’s the way we’ll use it!’  Because on the correct side it had been stopped after eight feet and it had travelled 12 feet the other way!

I had to just sit and watch; I couldn’t say anything. I was flabbergasted: he was supposed to be the expert, he was the Chief Engineer.”

AIR RAIDS DAWN 21 JUNE TO DAWN 22 JUNE 1941

Weather  Hot and sunny.

No air raids.

0217-0245 hrs Air raid alert for four unidentified enemy aircraft which approach singly from the north east, crossing the coast at various points. Bombs are dropped near Della Grazia searchlight and in the sea off Delimara and Rinella.  Ten heavy anti-aircraft gun positions fire three barrages; no claims.  Hurricane fighters are scrambled but there are no searchlight illuminations and no engagements.

0256-0317 hrs  Air raid alert for two enemy aircraft approaching the Island. They turn away before reaching the coast.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 21 JUNE 1941

AIR HQ  Arrivals 6 Blenheim. Departures 3 Blenheim. 69 Squadron 2 Marylands on reconnaissance; 1 Hurricane on photo-reconnaissance.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT  0400 hrs An exercise was held to test the defences of Valletta, the Dockyard and Three Cities. Parachute troops were allowed in and appeared at various places and times.  The defences were successful and the majority of the ‘enemy’ were rounded up.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS  24 Company commenced erecting tripods to obstruct likely landing grounds. Malta Command Exercise No 4 at 0400hrs to test defence of Valletta and Three Cities against parachute landings.  Standing patrol is Bomb Disposal Section. Officers to report in on 23 June at Marsa Club. Bomb Disposal UXB reported 0; dealt with 1 (15kg).

2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT  Troops on parachutist exercise: defence of Three Cities.

 

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