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EASTERN MED TOO DANGEROUS FOR AXIS SHIPPING
Enemy convoy traffic to Tripoli has ceased completely, according to intelligence reports. The latest convoy to leave Naples has been attacked twice in the past two days by Swordfish from 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm.
On Friday seven Swordfish attacked the four merchant ships with their four strong destroyer escort, scoring significant hits on two merchantmen and leaving them seriously damaged. Six more Swordfish returned to repeat the attack yesterday, hitting at least one more merchant ship. The returning pilots reported that fires from the convoy were visible for ten miles. Today Malta-based submarine Ursula returned to reload, having hit one merchant ship and sunk another in the convoy.
Attacks on Axis bases in Libya have also been stepped up. 17 Wellingtons of 38 & 104 Squadrons attacked targets in Tripoli today, and six Blenheims attacked a factory and power station at Licata.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 19 OCTOBER TO DAWN 20 OCTOBER 1941
Weather Cloudy.
No air raids.
OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER 1941
ROYAL NAVY Ursula returned to reload, having hit one merchant ship and sunk another in convoy.
AIR HQ Arrivals 3 Beaufort, 1 Sunderland, 7 Wellington. Departures 2 Sunderland, 2 Wellington. 18 Squadron 6 Blenheims attacked a factory and power station at Licata. 38 Squadron 11 Wellingtons attacked targets in Tripoli. 69 Squadron 1 Maryland patrol Kiniat-Kerkennah; 1 Maryland special search for shipping. Photoreconnaissances Sicily, Taranto, Tripoli Harbour. 104 Squadron 6 Wellingtons attacked targets in Tripoli.
2nd Bn DEVONSHIRE REGIMENT Advance party left Gozo for Malta.
1st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT Advance party proceeded to Gozo.
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