Malta – World War 2. First visit to maltagc70? CLICK HERE
Get daily updates direct to your computer – sign up to follow maltagc70 (see R)
HMS Renown
TORPEDOES AIMED AT ADMIRAL’S FLAGSHIP
The flagship of Force H Commander Vice Admiral Somerville, HMS Renown, narrowly escaped damage today when torpedoes were aimed at the battlecruiser by an Italian submarine. Renown was attacked in the western Mediterranean while leading the escort for the Malta convoy under ‘Operation Substance’.
Measures had been taken to divert the attention of the Italian navy from the convoy. Since yesterday, ships of the Mediterranean Fleet operating out of Alexandria have been exchanging radio messages to suggest a major operation in the eastern Mediterranean. However, the submarine Diaspro on patrol in the western sector spotted the convoy and launched her torpedoes which just missed Renown.
The Malta convoy continued its progress eastwards without further disturbance today. Ten of the escorting Royal Navy ships were refueled successfully by RFA Brown Ranger which sailed yesterday from Gibraltar in advance of the main Malta convoy. Brown Ranger is now on her way back to port under the escort of the destroyer HMS Beverley.
RFA Brown Ranger
AIR RAIDS DAWN 22 JULY TO DAWN 23 JULY 1941
Weather Hot and sunny.
1105-1130 hrs A formation of enemy aircraft is reported of Cape Passero, heading south. Hurricane aircraft are scrambled but the formation turns away. As the Hurricanes head back towards Malta, a second formation of 25 enemy aircraft is reported heading for Malta. Another flight of Hurricanes is scrambled. The raiders approach to within 15 miles of Grand Harbour, then turn back northwards. The Hurricanes set off in pursuit bur are unable to catch the enemy.
2117-2342 hrs Air raid alert for two enemy aircraft which approach from the north east individually, crossing the coast east of Salina Bay and Grand Harbour respectively. Bombs are dropped in the Marsa area.
Military casualties Flight-Sergeant William H Sargent, pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 110 Squadron.
OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 22 JULY 1941
ROYAL NAVY 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm 5 Swordfish left to attack convoy of 1 tanker 7000 tons, 1 destroyer, and 1 small merchant vessel intercepted south west of Lampion. They hit the tanker with 2 torpedoes and claimed sunk, one hit with a torpedo on the stern of the destroyer was also secured. All aircraft returned.
AIR HQ Arrivals 1 Beaufighter. Departures 1 Sunderland, 4 Wellington 148 Squadron. 69 Squadron Marylands reconnaissance Taranto shot down a Cant seaplane on return. Reconnaissance Naples, Messina, Palermo, Trapani; search patrol and night shadowing of convoy. 110 Squadron 4 Blenheim attacked a convoy and sank two ships; the Observer of one Blenheim was killed. After inspecting the Command the Inspector General, Air Chief Marshal Sir Edgar Ludlow-Hewitt, and staff proceeded to the Middle East.
4th Bn THE BUFFS (ROYAL EAST KENT REGIMENT) 240 first line reinforcements arrived for the Battalion: 5 officers, 100 men of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, 100 men of the Green Howard Regiment, 40 men of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Regiment.
FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB reported 2.
All written content © maltagc70 unless otherwise attributed. For conditions of use contact bdmalta@btinternet.com
Malta: War Diary 