21-27 June 1942: An Ounce of Cheese a Day (28g) as Rations Cut

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21 June 1942: Rations Too Low for Physical Labour

Military rations are now too low for physical exertion, according to medical chiefs.  With the failure of the recent convoys, food stocks are now critical and supplies are not expected in the immediate future.  As a result there will be no increase in the daily allowance – and further cuts in rations cannot be ruled out.   

A typical daily military ration now includes just 12oz (340g) of bread, 1oz (28g) of margarine and ½oz (14g) jam or marmalade, with 1oz (28g) each of tea, tinned milk and sugar.  Meals are small.  On a Monday, for example, the lunch allowance consists of ¾oz (21g) of tinned bacon and 1 oz (28g) of tinned cheese, dinner provides 6oz (170g) of preserved meat, 1oz (28g) of onions, 8 oz (227g) of potatoes and of fresh vegetables plus 2oz (57g) of tinned fruit and 3½oz (99g) of flour. 

In a report released today, the chief of Malta’s military Medical Services writes:  “It is agreed that the present ration is insufficient for men carrying out hard manual labour and training, as is the case with an appreciable number of troops.  A supplemental ration scale is considered advisable and has been recommended.  Arduous training and P.T. although not officially countermanded on paper, is not being carried out in practice.” (1)

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TOBRUK FALLS

At dawn yesterday morning an Axis air attack was launched on Tobruk, followed by a heavy ground offensive.  Last night reports were received in Malta that Tobruk had fallen to Rommel’s forces.

MALTA FORCES ON THE ATTACK

Overnight one aircraft attacked a southbound enemy convoy of two 10000 ton merchant vessels and three destroyers 32 miles from Cape Bon.  The leading merchant vessel was hit and a minute after leaving the target a dull red glow was seen.

Nine Beauforts with Beaufighter escort also attacked a convoy of two merchant ships with one escort vessel, to the south of Cape Bon.  Against heavy opposition, five of the Beauforts attacked, scoring two hits on each merchant vessel.  Another aircraft which managed to hit the vessels failed to return.  An escort vessel was also hit.  One of the enemy ships was believed to be the Reichenfels and which was later identified a considerable distance away, enveloped in smoke.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 21 JUNE TO DAWN 22 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind southerly; no cloud.

0652-0727 hrs  Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are on intercept patrol: no engagement.

0705-0815 hrs  Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are ordered up to cover the departure of Blenheim aircraft from Malta.

0750-0820 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft: no combat.

0815 hrs  Air raid alert.  Three ME 109s carry out reconnaissance of the Island at 23000 feet.  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to intercept but do not engage; they land at 0845 hrs.

1400-1435 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron patrol Gozo: nothing sighted.

1710-1745 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are on intercept patrol: no interceptions.

1910 hrs  Air raid alert.

1945 hrs  Twelve Spitfires 185 Squadron are airborne to intercept approaching enemy aircraft.  F/SGt Yarra destroys two ME 109s and damages one JU 88; F/Sgt Sim destroys one ME 109.  F/Sgt Conway is shot up and crash-lands at Ta Qali; he is seriously injured.  F/Sgt Terry is also shot up and crash-lands on the Attard Field dispersal area; he is unhurt.

2002 hrs  Alert for one JU 88 and 12 ME 109s.  Spitfires destroy three ME 109s and damage the JU 88.  Two Spitfires crash-land.

2025-2125 hrs  Enemy raiders are reported approaching the Island.  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled too late to intercept and see nothing.

2040 hrs  Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

2233-2341 hrs; 0245-0356 hrs  Two air raid alerts for a total of 28 JU 88 bombers.   Luqa is the main target but bombs also fall in the areas of Hal Far, Hamrun, Ta Qali, Verdala, Naxxar and Dingli.  Flares are used to illuminate targets.  A field of wheat is set on fire at Safi.

0445 hrs  Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

Military casualties  Squadron Leader Robert Lynn, Royal Air Force, 217 Squadron.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS 21 JUNE 1942

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Wellington, one Catalina, one Spitfire, one Blenheim from Gibraltar; two Lodestars from Heliopolis via 121.  Departures  One Wellington, two Hudsons, eight Blenheims to LG 224.  Aircraft casualties  One Spitfire shot down; pilot injured.  One Spitfire crashed on landing from combat; pilot safe.  One Beaufort damaged by enemy aircraft during a strike; pilot injured, remainder of crew safe.  Three Beauforts missing from operations; crews missing.  One Blenheim missing in Transit from Gibraltar to Malta; crew missing.  One Blenheim missing in transit from Malta to LG 224.

HAL FAR  2330 hrs  Two Albacores and two Swordfish are despatched on a strike mission; nothing sighted.

LUQA  0600-0918 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on shipping search sighted three merchant vessels without escort in the Cape Bon area.  1145-1404 hrs  Six Beaufighters 235 Squadron on escort duties attacked two JU 88s and two SM79s.  F/O Wood and S/L Cook destroyed one SM 79; F/O Underwood destroyed two JU 88s; F/O Eyre damaged one SM 79.  1120-1425 hrs  Eight Beauforts 217 Squadron on shipping strike located and attacked the convoy, scoring two hits on each merchant vessel and one possible hit by one of three Beauforts which failed to return.  1240-1600 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on shipping search sighted two destroyers and one merchant vessel.  1713-2100 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on shipping search sighted two merchant vessels of 5-6000 tons, two liners and two destroyers.   2245-0518 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on shipping search located a convoy of two merchant vessels and three destroyers.

22 June 1942: Raids Increase – Crops at Risk

Flares illuminate bomb targets (NWMA, Malta)

Some 40 JU 88 bombers have attacked Malta since yesterday.  An estimated 50,000 kg of bombs were dropped in just 24 hours, in the heaviest round of bombing raids for many days.    All of the attacks have been in the hours of darkness: the enemy has adopted a new tactic of using flares to illuminate the targets.  Incendiary bombs have been widely used, causing damage to crops.  The Government is planning to warn  farmers and householders to remove all flammable materials into shelter.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 22 JUNE TO DAWN 23 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind southerly.

0530 hrs  Air raid alert.

0555-0630 hrs  Three Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to cover the arrival of delivery aircraft; nothing sighted.

0835 hrs  Air raid alert.  Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept three enemy fighters which approach and carry out reconnaissance over Grand Harbour.  The Spitfires do not engage and land at 0920 hrs.

0935-1010 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept an incoming plot which proves friendly.

1158-1245 hrs  Four Spitfires are airborne from Luqa to intercept enemy aircraft: no engagement.

1252 hrs  Air raid alert.  Three Spitfires 603 Squadron and three Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled but the aircraft is friendly.

1323-1446 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled for a reported raid which did not come in.

1745 hrs  Air raid alert for six approaching ME 109 fighters.  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept but do not engage.  The Messerschmitts withdraw.

1918 hrs  Six more ME 109s are reported approaching the Island.  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled to intercept.  F/Sgt Reid destroys one ME 109.  Sgt Ferraby also fires but without result.

2239 hrs  Air raid alert.  27 enemy aircraft approach, including a dozen JU 88s which drop incendiary bombs in the Luqa area, damaging one barrack block, and in the Safi dispersal area, damaging one Spitfire.

0250 hrs; 0322 hrs  The air raid alert sounds for single enemy bombers which drop bombs mainly on Luqa, Safi and Hal Far but also Baida Ridge.  A Bofors gun position in Qrendi is hit, killing one Other Rank and wounding two others. One Other Rank is wounded by an anti-personnel bomb at Boschetto.

Military casualties  Bombardier Richard Clee, 182 Battery, 4 Heavy Ack Ack Regiment, Royal Artillery; Gunner Cornelius Falvey, 186 Battery, 74 Light Ack Ack Regiment, Royal Artillery; Lance Sergeant Francis Hancocks, 186 Battery, 74 Heavy Ack Ack Regiment.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 22 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Eleven mines swept in entrance channels. Two parachute mines reported dropped off Marsaxlokk.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Two Hudsons, one Beaufort from Gibraltar; one Lodestar from Heliopolis; two Wellingtons, five Beauforts from LG 05; five Beaufighters from LG 224.  Departures  One Wellington to Shallufa; one Wellington, three Blenheims, one Beaufort to LG 224; two Lodestars, one Spitfire to Heliopolis; one Cataline, two Hudsons to Gibraltar; four Beaufighters to Edcu.  Aircraft casualties  One Sea Gladiator damaged on the ground by enemy aircraft.

LUQA  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) of Catania, Gerbini, Biscara, Gela and Pachino LG.  One Spitfire PR Lecca aerodromes.  One Spitfire PR of two large merchant vessels, then three small and one large merchant ship in Palermo.  One Spitfire PR Palermo shipping. 

0700-1135 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on shipping search: no sightings, only an oil patch and debris.  1435-1509 hrs  Four Spitfires 129 Squadron act as escort for delivery aircraft: no combat.  2248-0415 hrs  Two Wellingtons (38 Squadron and S/D Flight) on strike mission but made no attack.  2159-0432 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight on patrol located a convoy of two large merchant vessels and three destroyers: possible hit on one merchant vessel.  2209-0500 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight on patrol on patrol located two large merchant ships and two destroyers with two smaller vessels: a near miss is scored on one destroyer.  2203-0524 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight on patrol: no attack.

TA QALI  Flying personnel 89 Squadron arrived and were posted to 1435 Flight.

23 June 1942: Malta Pilots Halt Enemy Convoy

Beaufort 39 Squadron Luqa waits for take-off

An attack was launched from Malta today by twelve Beauforts with Beaufighter escort.  They targeted a convoy of four destroyers and two large merchant vessels steaming eastwards, 31 miles from Cape Spartivento.  One merchant vessel was hit four times and was seen to go down at the stern.  The other merchant vessel was probably hit twice and a destroyer was also hit, causing an explosion.  All ships were left stationary.  A photo-reconnaissance pilot today confirmed that the larger of the two ships is still sitting low at the stern.

A single aircraft launched a solo attack on another convoy of one merchant vessel 5-6000 tons with another small vessel, 30 miles off Cape Bon.  Heavy clouds prevented any report of results.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 23 JUNE TO DAWN 24 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind southerly.

0820-0915 hrs  Twelve Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept nine approaching enemy aircraft.  They sight six ME 109s and get into a dogfight.  P/O Slade damages one ME 109 and another is later seen in the sea.  P/O Glenn damages one ME 109.

1100-1150 hrs; 1125-1220 hrs  Four Spitfires at a time from Ta Qali are airborne: nil report.

1445-1545 hrs  Three Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to cover the return of Baltimores and Beauforts from their shipping strike.

1700 hrs  A large plot of enemy aircraft is reported approaching the Island, including eight Cant 1007s and seven BR 20s flying in several formations with fighter escort.  Twelve Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept: F/Sgt Vineyard damages one ME 109.

1740 hrs  Twelve Spitfires 249 Squadron and eight 603 Squadron are also scrambled and sight three Cants flying in tight formation, with an escort of Italian fighters.  P/O Slade damages one ME 109; P/O Glenn damages another.  F/O MacLeod destroys a Macchi 202 and damages another.  Three pilots shared in the destruction of another Macchi.  One Spitfire is destroyed (pilot uninjured) and one slightly damaged.

1815 hrs  The air raid alert sounds.  Three BR 20s escorted by fighters get through to drop 10kg anti-personnel bombs and 50kg high explosives on Ta Qali and Mosta, causing civilian damage and casualties. One Other Rank of 2^nd Bn Devonshire Regiment is killed and another seriously wounded by an anti-personnel bomb.

1840 hrs  Two Spitfires are scrambled from Hal Far to assist but do not intercept.  F/Sgt McNamara crash-lands; he is unhurt.

2100 hrs  Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

2235 hrs  Air raid alert for a formation of JU 88 bombers.  One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit (MNFU) from Luqa on intercept patrol probably destroys one JU 88.  The remaining aircraft drop bombs including incendiaries on Luqa.  One Spitfire is burned out.

2335 hrs  The air raid alert sounds for another approaching formation, this time of twenty enemy aircraft.  Ten cross the coast and drop bombs, including incendiaries mainly on Luqa but also Qurmi, Ta Karach, Marsa, Hamrun, Zurriek, Nigret and Rabat.  Flares are used to illuminate targets.

2340-0110 hrs  One Beaufighter MNFU is on intercept patrol: no engagement.

Military casualties  Private Walter Hillman, 2nd Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment; Aircraftsman 1^st Class Anthony Vella, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Kalafrana.

Civilian casualties  Mosta  Paul Bonnano, age 45; Matthew Bonanno, age 4; James Mangion, age 67; Catherine Micallef, age 57.  Mqabba  Catherine Saliba, age 72.  Zejtun  Laurence Spiteri, age 62; Joseph Spiteri, age 55.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 23 JUNE 1942

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Eleven Wellingtons, one Spitfire, five Blenheims, one Beaufort from Gibraltar; four Wellingtons from 231 Wing.  Departures  One Beaufort, one Beaufighter, nine Spitfires, seven Wellingtons to LG 224; two Wellingtons to Shallufa; one Lodestar to Heliopolis. 

Aircraft casualties  One Wellington in taxiing accident; crew safe.  One Spitfire shot down into the sea; pilot safe.  One Spitfire crashed on take-off; pilot safe.  One Beaufort shot down while attacking a convoy; crew missing.  One Beaufort damaged by enemy aircraft while attacking a convoy; pilot injured, crew safe.  One Beaufort missing after shipping strike; crew missing.  One Spitfire crashed on landing; pilot safe.

HAL FAR  Naval Air Service is stood down.

LUQA  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) located two large merchant ships and four destroyers. One Spitfire PR Messina, Palermo and Trapani Harbour located one merchant ship off Trapani, three more in Trapani.  One Baltimore PR sighted oil patches; one destroyer appeared to be damaged and in tow.  One Spitfire PR located two motor torpedo boats, plus three destroyers and one merchant vessel in Palermo, and three merchant ships at Pantelleria. 

1138-1535 hrs  Eight Beaufighters 238 Squadron on escort located an enemy convoy of two merchant vessels and four destroyers, plus one Cant 501, two CR 42s and one ME 109: no combat.  1110-1519 hrs  Twelve Beauforts 217 and 39 Squadron locate and attack four destroyers and two large merchant vessels, scoring three hits and one probable hit on one merchant ship and two hits on the other.  All ships were reported stationary after the attack.  Two aircraft of 39 Squadron failed to return; one of 217 Squadron crashed on landing.  Three aircraft were slightly damaged by anti-aircraft fire.  2200-0507 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight on shipping search: no sightings.  2208-0525 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight located one merchant ship and a small vessel: no hits scored.

24 June 1942: Solo Attacker Targets Enemy Convoy

Wellington bomber

The damaged merchant vessel observed yesterday in the Straits of Messina is now reported under tow by a destroyer.  Tonight a single Wellington aircraft attacked a convoy of two large merchant vessels and one destroyer 50 miles from Taranto, heading north.  On sighting the positioning flares, the convoy closed in and put up an intense smoke-screen.  The attacker dropped bombs in middle of the smoke-screen but was unable to observe the results.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 24 JUNE TO DAWN 25 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind southerly; no cloud.

0805-0840 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa on intercept patrol: no combat.

0935 hrs  Air raid alert.  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to intercept enemy fighters carrying out a patrol: no combat.

1125-1200 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept an unidentified aircraft which proves friendly.

1200-1245 hrs; 1545-1620 hrs  Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron, followed by another four are airborne on intercept patrol: no combat.

1724-1815 hrs; 1820-1900 hrs; 2000-2035 hrs  Patrols by our Spitfires 185 Squadron, four Spitfires 249 Squadron and four of 126 Squadron: nil report.

2330 hrs; 0215 hrs; 0405 hrs  Air raid alerts.  A total of 19 enemy aircraft approach the Island.  Heavy Ack Ack destroy one JU 87: the pilot, an Italian, survives and is taken prisoner.  A Beaufighter of Malta Night Fighter Unit destroys one JU 87 and an unidentified four-engined aircraft.  All bombs are dropped in the sea.

0405-0630 hrs  A Beaufighter of 1435 Flight Ta Qali on patrol sights a JU 88.  F/O Fumerton and P/O Bing follow and open fire: the bomber bursts into flames and explodes.

Military casualties  Lance Corporal James Byrne, 2nd Battalion, The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Three mines swept away.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Two Sunderlands from Aboukir; one Hudson, one Catalina, one Blenheim Bisley from Gibraltar; one Lodestar from Heliopolis; four Wellingtons from LG 15.  Departures  Three Wellingtons, three Blenheim Bisleys to LG 224; one Hudson, one Catalina to Gibraltar; two Spitfires, one Lodestar to Heliopolis; two Sunderlands to Aboukir; four Wellingtons to Shallufa; one Wellington to LG 106.

LUQA  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) located one large merchant ship and four destroyers stationary plus two small vessels in Crotene Harbour.  One Spitfire PR Trapani, Messina and Palermo, locating five small ships outside Trapani Harbour.  One Spitfire PR Marittimo, Pantelleria, Cape Bon, Kerkennah.  One Spitfire visual reconnaissance Messina observes a tanker and train ferry. 

0703-1125 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on search located one small merchant vessel in Lampedusa Harbour.  1915-1930 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron airborne on search but wireless telegraph equipment failed.  1540-2035 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on shipping search Messina Straits: no sightings.  2157-0715 hrs  One Wellington 38 Squadron on shipping search was joined from 0228 hrs by another and three Wellingtons S/D Flight to attack.  One Wellington attacked: no results were observed due to a smoke screen.

25 June 1942: Gunners Help Spitfires in Attack

Pinpoint firing from Heavy Ack Ack gunners helped Spitfire pilots destroy two enemy fighters today.  In recent days ME 109s attempting patrols of the Island have managed to escape pursuing Spitfires before they could engage.

Malta photo-reconnaissance reports that the enemy merchant vessel damaged in recent air raids has reached Taranto Harbour, where it is currently being unloaded and transferred to another ship.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 25 JUNE TO DAWN 26 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind south-westerly; no cloud.

0615 hrs  Air raid alert.  Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept enemy aircraft: no combat.

0910 hrs  Air raid alert.  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled and attack eight ME 109s carrying out a patrol but there are no claims.

0930-1005 hrs; 1050-1140 hrs   Patrols by four Spitfires 126 Squadron followed by two Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne to intercept enemy aircraft: no combat.

1320-1330 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to patrol a given point: no air raid.

1340-1440 hrs  Two Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to cover a photo-reconnaissance aircraft.

1625-1735 hrs; 1850-1915 hrs  Patrols by three Spitfires 249 Squadron and two Spitfires 126 Squadron: no combat.

1955 hrs  Air raid alert for approaching enemy aircraft.  Twelve Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled and intercept ME 109 fighters over Gozo.  P/O Berkeley probably destroys one; P/O Lattimer destroys two.  F/Sgt Tomkins is jumped and shot up over Gozo.  He makes it back to Ta Qali but crashes on the aerodrome.  His aircraft bursts into flames: he does not survive.

2044-2150 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are airborne to cover the return of friendly aircraft: nil report.

2205-0035 hrs  Three JU 87s attempt to bomb the Safi strip; one is destroyed by a Beaufighter on intercept patrol.

0317 hrs  Air raid alert.  Ten JU 88 bombers drop high explosive and anti-personnel bombs mainly on Luqa but also on Gudja, Zejtun, Hamrun and Paola. Incendiaries are dropped between Tarxien and San Giacomo causing several fires and damaging buildings, including some of 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment.

0303-0432 hrs; 0331-0506 hrs   One Beaufighter 89 Squadron at a time carries out intercept patrol: no combat.

Military casualties  F/Sgt Maurice Tomkins, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (VR); Sergeant Stephen Matthews, Royal Air Force VR; Sergeant Wilfred Culbert, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, Royal Air Force VR.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 25 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Minesweepers and motor launches sweeping entrance channels. Fourteen mines swept.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Three Wellingtons, one Hudson from Gibralter.  Departures  Two Wellingtons, two Blenheims to LG 224; one Hudson to Gibraltar.  Aircraft casualties  One Wellington crash-landed; crew safe.  One Spitfire shot down in combat; pilot killed.

LUQA  One aircraft on delivery crashed near Luqa and was destroyed.  Pilot F/Sgt Docherty was injured and two members of the crew were killed: Observer Sgt Matthews and Wireless Operator Sgt Culbert.  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) sighted a tanker just north of Messina.  One Spitfire PR Taranto, Foggia and Naples located two merchant vessels and one destroyer off the Straits of Messina.  One Spitfire PR in Straits of Messina reported the two merchant vessels and one destroyer; one tanker had left.  One Spitfire PR of shipping Trapani, Palermo, Messina.  One Baltimore on shipping patrol east of Catania.  Two Beaufighters 235 Squadron on shipping search: no sightings except for a floating body. 

2032-2250 hrs  Three Beaufighters 235 Squadron despatched to escort Wellington strike: nothing seen en route.  2100-0520 hrs  Three Wellingtons on search and attack mission located one tanker and two destroyers.  One Wellington attacked with bombs but torpedoes were brought back.  2102-0612 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight and two 38 Squadron on shipping search and attack.  One Wellington attacked a convoy of one tanker and two destroyers: no hits; torpedoes brought back.  2209-0612 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight on search and attack, attacked two merchant vessels and one destroyer: no results observed.

26 June 1942: Italians Attempt Daylight Raid

Cant Z 1007 bombers

AIR RAIDS DAWN 26 JUNE TO DAWN 27 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind westerly; no cloud.

0750 hrs  Air raid alert.  Two Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled but the raid does not materialise.

0915 hrs  Two Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept an enemy fighter on patrol: no combat.

1020 hrs  Air raid alert.  An enemy fighter on patrol does not approach the Island.

1220 hrs  Air raid alert for another single ME 109.  Six Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled to intercept: no engagement.

1802 hrs  Air raid alert for twelve ME 109s which approach and carry out a fighter sweep.  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept.

1820 hrs  Air raid alert for the main formation, including five Cant Z1007s, 15 Macchi 202s as well as Re 2001 fighters. escorted by twelve fighters.  Eight more Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept: F/O Currie destroys one ME 109.  One Macchi 202 is also destroyed.  Twelve Spitfires 185 Squadron join the attack: F/Lt West destroys one Re 2001.  Two Spitfires are damaged in combat.  Sticks of anti-personnel bombs are dropped from Ta Xbiex, Msida, Guardamangia and across to Luqa. Bombs are also dropped in the Luqa area, killing one man who was handling an unexploded bomb canister.

2032-2138 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft: raid does not materialise.

0045 hrs  Air raid alert  One enemy aircraft drops bombs in the sea off Zonkor Point.

0045-0117 hrs  One Beaufighter on intercept patrol: no combat.

Military casualties  Fusilier William Wootton, 11th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers.

Civilian casualties  Gzira  Anthony Caruana, age 13; Henry Cassar, age 2; Mary Tanti, age 17; Concetta Tanti, age 13. Mosta  Gerald Camilleri, age 33. Msida  Lilian Dimech, age 17; Carmelina Dimech, age 12; Josephine Dimech, age 7; Mary Dimech, age 6; Rita Dimech, age 3.  Qormi  Anthony Borg, age 59; George Borg, age 35.  Sliema  John Attard, age 25.  Ta’ Xbiex  Agnes Smith, age 47.  Zurrieq  Catherine Darmanin, age 13.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 26 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Six mines swept.  Surface plot investigated by Beaufighters with any tangible result.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Hudson en route from Gibraltar to Matruh crashed on Malta.  Departures  One Blenheim to LG 224.  Aircraft casualties  One Hudson engine failed and crashed on landing; observer and wireless operator killed; rest of crew injured.

LUQA  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) located three merchant vessels and one destroyer at sea, and two merchant ships leaving Taranto.  One Baltimore 69 Squadron reconnaissance Cape Spartivento and Corfu: nothing sighted.  One Spitfire PR located one convoy of three merchant vessels and one destroyer, then another of one merchant ship and two motor torpedo boats.

27 June 1942: Rations Cut Below Healthy Levels

GOVERNOR’S REPORT: WEEKLY MILITARY SITUATION FOR WEEK ENDING 27 JUNE 1942

From:- Governor & C in C Malta               To:- C in C Middle East              Rpt:- The War Office             

1.  Air:  No attempt to bomb merchant vessels in harbour.  Enemy activity over Island by only strong fighter patrols and eight Italian bombers.  At night total of approximately 90 raiders, some identified as JU 87s and JU 88s.  Main target Luqa and many anti-personnel, incendiaries and high explosive dropped by aid of flares.  Military damage very slight. 

Enemy aircraft casualties 15 fighters destroyed.  Two fighters probably destroyed; five bombers, seven fighters damaged by RAF during daylight for the loss of two Spitfires destroyed and two damaged.  Night Beaufighters destroyed four bombers (word corrupt) at night destroyed two bombers.  One Italian prisoner taken confirms other evidence that Italians now flying JU 87s.

35 sorties by Malta-based torpedo aircraft.  At least four merchant vessels, one destroyer hit for the loss of five Beauforts and five damaged.

2.  Military:  Army working parties employed distributing cargoes ex convoy from dumps to consignees.  Working parties on aerodromes decreased by half.  Calorific value of army ration now 2200 calories which necessitates reduced physical exertion.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 27 JUNE TO DAWN 28 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind westerly; a few small scattered clouds below the main cloud blanket.

0748 hrs  Air raid alert.  Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft: nothing sighted.

0845 hrs  Air raid alert.  Three Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to intercept enemy aircraft: no combat.

0945-1035 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali, led by F/L Daddo-Langlois, are airborne and jump eight Macchi 202 fighters.  P/O Verrall, F/Sgt and F/Sgt Rae each destroy one Macchi.  F/Sgt Rae probably destroys another and F/Sgt Middlemas damaged a fifth.  Three of the enemy fighters are observed in the water, all within 200 yards of each other.

1020-1145 hrs; 1128-1214 hrs; 1220-1330 hrs; 1455-1515 hrs; 1544-1637 hrs; 1620-1720 hrs  Intercept patrols by eight Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa, two from Hal Far, four from 603 Squadron, two from 601 Squadron, four from Hal Far, then four Spitfires 603 Squadron: no combat.

1755-1825 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are despatched to search for E Boats suspected 15 miles from the coast: no sightings.

1840-1945 hrs; 1930-2050 hrs  Intercept patrols by four Spitfires 601 Squadron, twelve Spitfires from Hal Far: no interceptions.

Military casualties  Nil.

Civilian casualties  Sliema  Ivo Falzon, age 37.  Zejtun  Louis Zammit, age 46.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 27 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  One mine cut. Sweeping curtailed by unfavourable weather.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Hudson en route from Gibraltar to LG 15 landed at Malta.  Departures  One Hudson to LG 224.

LUQA  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance Taranto, Grottagli and Brindisi observes a tanker in Taranto.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 80; dealt with high explosives 15 (1 x 500kg, 8 x 250kg, 4 x 50kg, 1 x 35kg; 1 x AP container); dealt with 2kg x 300 plus few 2kg Italian and a large number of German 1kg incendiaries.

(1) Adapted from UXB Malta, S A M Hudson, History Press 2010/2012

All written content © maltagc70 unless otherwise attributed.  For conditions of use contact bdmalta@btinternet.com. 

 

14-20 June 1942: Malta Convoy in Fierce Air & Sea Battles

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14 June 1942

MALTA FIGHTERS TO PROTECT CONVOYS

At 2000 hrs this evening the Air Officer Commanding called all Malta’s pilots together to announce that two convoys have been assembled in a concerted attempt to relieve the critical supply situation.  The recent reinforcements of Spitfires, Beaufighters and Beauforts are here to help protect the ships from enemy attacks, he revealed.  In a desperate bid to get a sufficient number of ships through to the Island, it has been decided to mount a dual convoy, approaching from the eastern and western Mediterranean, in the hope of dividing the efforts of Axis forces.

HMS Centurion 1918

OPERATION VIGOROUS

Operation Vigorous, the ‘eastern’ convoy of eleven merchant ships with escort, met yesterday with Force A off Tobruk, bringing the total protective force to eight cruisers and 26 destroyers, plus corvettes and minesweepers, and the veteran battleship Centurion. The convoy came under immediate air attack: one merchantman was damaged and another limping into port with engine trouble was sunk by enemy aircraft.

A Malta-based reconnaissance pilot reported today that two Littorio battleships have left Taranto harbour in the company of four cruisers and ten destroyers and at the same time two cruisers moved from Cagliari to Palermo with their escorting destroyers.  The heavily armed Italian naval force is on course to intercept the convoy heading from Tobruk.  Reconnaissance has also revealed that despite reductions in enemy bombing activity over Malta, German and Italian air forces remain in significant numbers on Sicilian aerodromes.  They are believed to be in a state of readiness to attack the two convoys.

Four Wellingtons were despatched tonight to strike enemy vessels reported 60 miles from Cape Geroghambo 60 degrees.  Only one Wellington was able to release its two torpedoes.  The enemy force put up a heavy smoke screen, and although results were not observed, one of the torpedoes was seen to run well.  Smoke screen prevented the other three Wellingtons from attacking.  A shadowing Wellington saw glow on the water after the attack.

OPERATION HARPOON

Meanwhile Operation Harpoon, consisting of six merchant ships carrying 39000 tons of cargo and oil, and the American tanker Kentucky with 14100 tons of fuel and kerosene, left Gibraltar on Friday.  They are escorted by an anti-aircraft cruiser, HMS Cairo, nine destroyers, the fast minelayer HMS Welshman and a number of smaller ships.  Further cover is being provided by HMS Malaya, carriers Argus and Eagle carrying operational aircraft, three cruisers and eight destroyers.

MV Tanimbar

The ‘western’ convoy was also attacked today, by the Italian Regia Aeronautica: torpedoes sank the freighter Tanimbar and damaged the cruiser Liverpool which has been taken in tow by Antelope.  Argus and Eagle were also hit, with the loss of some crew.  Under orders not to enter Malta in order to save fuel, the protective escort returned to Gibraltar leaving the remaining merchantmen with less cover.  HMS Welshman has left the convoy and is heading alone at speed for Malta.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 14 JUNE TO DAWN 15 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind south-westerly. 100% cloud; Slight rain.

0630-0709 hrs  Three Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept enemy aircraft: no combat.  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to provide top cover for 601 Squadron.

0810 hrs  Eight ME 109s patrol over the Island at 20000 feet.  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept: they sight four ME 109s but the enemy fighters immediately dive away.

0817-0850 hrs  Five Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept enemy aircraft: no combat.

PM  Four aircraft 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled three times without sighting the enemy.  One aircraft of NAS out on patrol: no sightings.

1330-1335 hrs  Two Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept a single approaching aircraft which is later identified as friendly.

1345-1410 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: nil report.

2155-2315 hrs  One Beaufighter on patrol to intercept enemy aircraft: claims one JU 88 destroyed.

2213 hrs  Air raid alert.  Three enemy aircraft drop bombs anti-personnel bombs on Safi, Hal Far and in the sea.

2215-2345 hrs  One Beaufighter is on patrol to intercept enemy aircraft: no combat.

0140 hrs; 0350 hrs  Air raid alerts.

Military casualties  Nil.                                                Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 14 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Sweeping continued and Munscair Rock buoyed.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Hudson from Gibraltar; one Hudson en route from Gibraltar to Matruh landed at Malta.  Departures  One Hudson to Gibraltar; one Wellington to Shallufa.  Aircraft casualties  One Wellington crashed on take-off: crew safe.  One Baltimore crashed on landing from operations: crew safe.

LUQA  AM  One Baltimore 69 Squadron cross-over patrol western Sicily, south Sardinia base.  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) Messina and Augusta.  One Spitfire (PR) Taranto Harbour.  One Baltimore 69 Squadron cross-over patrol Malta, western Sicily, south Sardinia base.  PM  One Spitfire PR Messina and Straits.  One Spitfire PR Palermo Harbour and western aerodromes.  One Baltimore 69 Squadron special search western Sicily, toe of Italy and Gulf of Taranto.  One Spitfire PR Palermo Harbour.  One Spitfire PR Taranto.

1905-0050 hrs  Four Beaufighters 235 Squadron on shipping protection Allied forces: S/L Cook destroyed one JU 88.

2219-0515 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight on A patrol, to drop flares if requested: no ships sighted; no flares dropped.  One Wellington S/D Flight on D patrol, to drop flares if requested: two separate aircraft sighted – lights on.  One Wellington S/D Flight on reconnaissance for enemy fleet in the Ionian Sea: sighted one small destroyer.

2311-0655 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight despatched to locate and illuminate Italian fleet.  Sighted five ships: shadowed until requested to illuminate.  Flares dropped to illuminate for Wellington strike.

2335-0635 hrs  Four Wellingtons 38 Squadron despatched to attack Italian fleet.  One aircraft attacked; smoke screen made results difficult to observe.

0350-0920 hrs  Nine Beauforts 217 Squadron despatched to attack Italian fleet.  One torpedo hit one battleship or heavy cruiser, causing a column of water followed by thick smoke.  One torpedo hit on battleship or heavy cruiser causing flames and dense black smoke.  One torpedo hit on destroyer amidships, causing a column of smoke: destroyer seen listing to port.

0450-0920 hrs   Five Beaufighters 235 Squadron on patrol over [Malta] convoy.  F/Sgt Farquhar and Sgt Briffat attacked one Macchi 202 and also observed a JU 88 hit in the windscreen.  Sgt Hall and Sgt Burnside claimed one JU 88 damaged.

TA QALI  2000 hrs  The Air Officer Commanding met aircrew personnel at the Officers Mess.    2110-2200 hrs  Two Spitfires 603 Squadron are despatched to carry out a dusk patrol of the Sicilian coast.  They sight a stationary destroyer half a mile from shore.

15 June 1942

“The air over and around Malta rapidly became thick with aircraft, and this continued until sunset.  Sorties were continually being made by Spitfires, Beaufighters, torpedo-carrying and reconnaissance aircraft.” (1)

SPITFIRES TAKE AIR WAR TO SEA

From dawn today 170 sorties were made by Malta-based Spitfires and another 12 by Beaufighters to cover the transit of the two convoys through the Mediterranean.  They intercepted and destroyed three JU 88s, three JU 87s, three ME 109s, two BR 20s and two float planes, probably destroyed two JU 88s, one ME 109 and one Macchi 200, and damaged five JU 88s, one JU 87, three ME 109s, one BR 20 and one unidentified bomber.  Malta lost three Spitfires and one Beaufighter.

SS Kentucky has been hit

WESTERN CONVOY UNDER FIRE

Reports are coming in that the western convoy Operation Harpoon came under attack early this morning near Pantelleria, from Axis aircraft and the Italian navy.  Despite setting up a smokescreen, two Allied destroyers and three of the merchant ships were hit and disabled.  The damaged Kentucky, with its essential cargo of fuel for Malta’s fighters, was taken in tow but after further enemy action the convoy commander made the reluctant decision to sink her in order to save the remaining ships.  The rest of the convoy including two other damaged vessels went on its way slowly towards Malta.

Several fighter missions were flown from Malta in an attempt to protect the beleaguered convoy.  In a counter-attack by the Island’s air forces, four Albacores released torpedoes at a cruiser, scoring two hits: smoke and steam were seen to pour from the vessel.  Another torpedo was dropped at a large destroyer, scoring a probable hit.  Later three more Albacores attacked and probable hits were obtained by two torpedoes on a cruiser.  Two Beauforts also attacked the enemy naval force striking the leading cruiser.  Other aircraft arriving on the scene reported the whole ship ablaze.

WELSHMAN ARRIVES

After a fast passage from Pantelleria without further incident, HMS Welshman entered Grand Harbour at 0730 hrs today.  The ship was unloaded, oiled and re-ammunitioned, and sailed at 1400 hrs this afternoon to reinforce Force X.

Stricken HMS Bedouin

EASTERN CONVOY ABANDONED

Enemy naval forces were also in hot pursuit of the eastern convoy, which had to undertake a series of direction changes in an attempt to ward off her attackers.  In a fierce sea battle early this morning the destroyer Hasty was disabled by a torpedo, killing twelve men, and had to be sunk.  HMS Bedouin was badly hit and came to a standstill.  She was taken under tow but this afternoon an Italian aircraft scored a direct hit with a torpedo and she sank.  This afternoon the destroyer Airedale was hit several times and disabled; she was later sunk.

Meanwhile, Malta-based air forces launched a series of raids on the Italian fleet, disabling the heavy cruiser Trento.  However, the Luftwaffe continued relentless attacks on the Allied convoy and by 1800 hrs today only six merchant ships remained from the original eleven.

By this evening the eastern convoy ships were facing a serious shortage of fuel and ammunition due to enemy attacks and diversionary tactics.  With a strong Italian fleet still in pursuit, the decision was taken to abandon the eastern convoy operation.  The remaining ships returned to Alexandria: none of the merchantmen reached Malta.

MALTA COUNTER ATTACKS

Tonight five Wellingtons were despatched to attack the enemy force as it returned to Taranto.  One aircraft scored a hit with a torpedo on the port side of the leading battleship, the flash from the explosion being clearly seen.  Despite repeated efforts, a heavy smoke screen prevented the other aircraft from taking aim.

Nine Beauforts attacked two enemy naval forces in position 090 degrees Malta 210 miles.  One force consisted of two battleships, one cruiser and seven destroyers; the other, two cruisers and seven destroyers.  The Beauforts dropped nine torpedoes: one hit a battleship or heavy cruiser, throwing up a column of water 50 feet high, followed by thick smoke and flames visible 35 miles away.  Another torpedo hit was claimed on a battleship or heavy cruiser causing dense black smoke.  A destroyer was hit amidships and left listing to port.

Later 12 Beauforts of 39 Squadron ex Middle East were despatched to strike at enemy shipping.  En route to the target the aircraft were intercepted by ME 109s and two were shot down into the sea, while five returned to the Middle East.  The remaining Beauforts hit a Littorio battleship with at least one torpedo.  A destroyer was also hit amidships and a possible hit was scored on a battleship before the Beauforts returned to Malta.

Photographic reconnaissance later reported that the Italian fleet had returned to Taranto after its attempt to intercept the convoy – but the cruiser Trento was a conspicuous absentee.  A large Italian destroyer was also photographed in tow off south west Sicily.

AIR ACTIVITY DAWN 15 JUNE TO DAWN 16 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind southerly; 50% medium cloud.

0610-0955 hrs; 1030-1445 hrs  Eleven Beaufighters 235 Squadron are on patrol over the Malta-bound convoy.  S/L Wigmore and P/O Crow destroy one Ro 43; P/O Cohen and Sgt Nacott chase two JU 88s but their guns will not fire. Sgt Armitage and Sgt Hector fail to return.

0615 hrs; 0715 hrs  Air raid alerts.  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to intercept reported ME 109s: no sightings.

0720-0955 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are despatched on a series of offensive convoy patrols.  Convoy observed to be under fire from two forces; no enemy aircraft seen.

0840-1100 hrs  The convoy is not sighted in the given area: eight unidentified warships are seen.

0841-1135 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron despatched to patrol Pantelleria sights two destroyers, then two cruisers with two destroyers and a seaplane 25 miles to the south.

0900-1120 hrs; 0930-1145 hrs  Two Beauforts 217 Squadron are despatched to attack two enemy cruisers and escorting destroyers.  They claim one possible torpedo hit on a cruiser.

0912-1155 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are airborne on offensive convoy patrol.  F/Lt Winfield destroys one BR 20.  P/O Goldsmith destroys one Cant 506 and one BR 20 with F/S Evans.  F/S Farquhason damages one BR 20.  Four enemy ships are sighted: two cruisers and two destroyers.  One destroyer is reported to be smoking from the stern.

Spitfires over Malta

0925-1045 hrs  Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to escort Albacores on a strike mission against Italian cruisers.  They make no contact with the Albacores but they sight the cruisers towards Pantelleria.

0945-1145 hrs  Two Italian cruisers are seen heading for Pantelleria.  A large patch of oil is observed 30 miles east of Linosa.

0955-1110 hrs  Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali carry out a patrol: nothing sighted.  S/Ldr Hamilton’s undercarriage collapses on landing; pilot unhurt.

1115-1415 hrs  Eight Spitfires 601 Squadron are airborne on offensive convoy patrol.  P/O Ingram and Sgt Rowlandson destroy one JU 87.  W/O Belcher claims one ME 109 destroyed.  Sgt Rowlandson runs out of petrol and has to bale out: he is safe.  P/O Smith claims one JU 87 probably destroyed and one ME 109 damaged.  2/Lt Bartleman destroys one JU 87 and damages another.

1125-1230 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to cover the return of Albacores.

1210-1320 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron on convoy patrol see black smoke 300 degrees Ta Qali.

1302-1332 hrs  Four aircraft 185 Squadron Hal Far are airborne on convoy patrol: no engagement.

1303-1610 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron and two 126 Squadron on convoy patrol.  P/O Scollan probably destroys one JU 87.  Sgt McConnell, 601 Squadron, fails to return.

1330-1345 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron take to the air on convoy patrol but return with engine trouble.

1350-1400 hrs  Three Spitfires 603 Squadron on convoy patrol: nothing sighted.

1405-1450 hrs  Four Spitfires  603 Squadron are scrambled to escort the rescue launch: they observe a pilot being picked up.

1409-1640 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron on convoy patrol.  F/Sgt Schade destroys one ME 109.

1455-1730 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron on patrol destroy one unidentified float plane.

1505-1640 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to escort Albacores on a strike mission.  They see a large column of smoke and a cruiser burning 45 miles south of Pantelleria.  Another vessel – possibly a submarine or cruiser – is lying on its side.

1525-1625 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron on convoy patrol: nothing sighted.

1525-1645 hrs; 1540-1700 hrs; 1600-1655 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali at a time are airborne on convoy patrol: nothing sighted.

1612-1706 hrs  Four aircraft 185 Squadron Hal Far are airborne on convoy patrol: no engagement.

1640-1820 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron on patrol locate the Malta-bound convoy 20 miles east of Linosa.

1700-1755 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron on patrol see the Malta-bound convoy 15 miles east of Lampedusa and report 20 vessels, including at least two large merchant vessels.  They observe HMS Welshman steaming towards the convoy.

1706-1810 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are on patrol: no engagement.

1730-1940 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron are on patrol.  F/O Horne damages one JU 87.  P/O Smith fails to return but is later picked up by the convoy.

1800-1920 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali intercept three Cant 1007s and ME 109s attacking the approaching convoy 30 miles south west of Gozo.  F/Sgt Williams damages one ME 109; F/O Smith damages one Cant 1007.

1802-2010 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron on patrol: no combat.

1805-1925 hrs; 1915-2000 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali at a time are airborne on convoy patrol.

1810-1950 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron patrol the convoy approaching from the west.  F/Lt West destroys one ME 109 and probably destroys one JU 88.  F/Sgt Sim destroys one JU 88 and P/O Sternberg damages one JU 88.  One Spitfire is damaged.

1825-1930 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are on patrol: no interceptions.

1840 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far patrol the western convoy.  P/O Broad destroys one ME 109.  P/O Barol is shot down in the sea but is picked up uninjured.

1920-2055 hrs;1950-2120 hrs; 2030-2155 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali at a time are airborne on convoy patrol.

1924-0120 hrs  Nine Beauforts 217 Squadron Luqa are despatched to launch a torpedo attack on enemy shipping forces but do not locate the fleet.

2020-2200 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron are despatched on convoy patrol.  One crash-lands five minutes later with engine trouble: the aircraft is damaged but the pilot is unhurt.

2025-0039 hrs  Five Wellingtons 38 Squadron are despatched to attack enemy shipping forces.  Only F/O Hawes attacks, seeing a flash of explosives.

2105-2145 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne on convoy patrol.

2125-2212 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron are on patrol: no combat.

2140 hrs  The Spitfires intercept ten JU 88s twelve miles west of Gozo.  P/O Jones destroys one, F/O Lucas and P/O Watts jointly destroy one.  P/O Linton damages one and P/O Lucas another.

2145-0045 hrs  One Beaufighter is on patrol to intercept enemy aircraft: no combats.

2221-2310 hrs  Air raid alert sounds for eight enemy aircraft approaching the Island.  JU 88s drop high explosive bombs on the Hal Far, Siggiewi and Ta Qali areas.  Light Ack Ack damage one JU 88.

0245 hrs; 0400 hrs  Air raid alerts.  Italian anti-personnel bombs are dropped on Kalafrana and in the sea off Grand Harbour.

Military casualties  Sub-Lieutenant Cyril Casey, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Fleet Air Arm, HMS St.Angelo; Lieutenant William Paton DSC, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Fleet Air Arm, HMS St.Angelo; Flight Sergeant Allen Harris, Royal Australian Air Force; Sergeant Charles Hector, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (VR); Pilot Officer Patrick Hedley, Royal Air Force VR; Sergeant Jack McConnell, Royal New Zealand Air Force; Flight Sergeant Alick Greaves, Royal Australian Air Force; Gunner Loreto Cachia, Royal Malta Artillery.

Civilian casualties  Naxxar  Paul Vella, age 11.  Siggiewi  Nicholas Farrugia, age 43.  Tarxien  Louis Pulis, age 14.

OTHER OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 15 JUNE 1942

Beaufighter

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Beaufighter from Gibraltar; five Beauforts from Middle East strike.  Aircraft casualties  One Beaufort damaged by enemy aircraft crashed on landing: wireless operatior injured; remainder safe.  One Beaufort crashed on landing: crew safe.  One Spitfire damaged in combat crashed in the sea: pilot safe.  One Baltimore failed to return from operations: crew missing.  One Spitfire reported missing from patrol: pilot missing.  One Beaufort crash-landed: crew safe.  One Beaufighter missing from operations: crew missing.  One Spitfire shot down in combat: pilot safe.  One Spitfire crash landed with glycol leak: pilot safe.  One Spitfire shot down in combat: pilot safe.  One Spitfire crash landed: pilot safe.

HAL FAR  AM  Four aircraft 185 Squadron are scrambled on two occasions without sighting the enemy.      0845-1150 hrs  Four Albacores of the NAS were airborne on strike.  Two scored strikes on a cruiser and another a probable strike on the same cruiser.  The fourth scored a hit on a large destroyer. 1508-1843 hrs  Three Albacores of the NAS are despatched on strike, claiming two probable hits on an enemy cruiser.  One Albacore failed to return: Pilot S/Lt Casey, Observer Lt Paton.

LUQA  Ration strength is 2002, the highest in the history of Luqa Station.  0620-0845 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) of western [Malta] convoy sighted two forces – one to the north and another to the south, 225 degrees Pantelleria 25 miles.  Both forces were observed to be firing.  One Spitfire PR Taranto Harbour; crashed on landing on return, possibly due to a burst tyre on take-off – pilot safe.  0650 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on shipping search.  P/O Patrick and F/Sgt Harris fail to return.  0934-1403 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on search for Italian naval units.  1245 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on patrol; Sgt Baum, F/S Greaves, Sgt Firboy, Sgt Perslow failed to return.  1300-1600 hrs  One Spitfire PR Taranto.  1820-2120 hrs  One Spitfire PR Taranto.  2015-0410 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight on patrol, sights a convoy and drops flares.  2210-2240 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight on patrol: recalled after 30 minutes.

TA QALI  Constant patrols by Spitfires and escorting single aircraft attacking the Italian navy.  Hits were scored on three battleships, two cruisers and two destroyers.  One vessel arrived.  0820-1125 hrs  Four Beaufighters 1435 Flight saw convoy at 1030 hrs, observing one large ship and three small, and two formations of four destroyers, six motor torpedo boats, four merchant vessels and one tanker in tow by a naval auxiliary, two other auxiliaries, two smoke generators and a large fire on the water surrounded by flotsam.

16 June 1942

FIRST TWO MERCHANT SHIPS GET THROUGH

Troilus

Supply ships Troilus and Orari entered Grand Harbour in the early hours of this morning to a warm welcome, after surviving a concerted air and sea attack on their convoy off Pantelleria yesterday.  The two merchantmen were escorted by Cairo, Welshman, six destroyers, four fleet minesweepers, and six motor launches.

Only two merchant ships of the original six which set out from Gibraltar on Friday under Operation Harpoon have so far reached Malta. The remains of the fragmented convoy had almost made it to Grand Harbour last night when they ran into a minefield.  Orari and Matchless were damaged and the Polish destroyer Kujawiak was sunk.  Badsworth was damaged off Zonkor Point and Hebe by a near miss from a bomb.  While returning to harbour after having acted as a navigational mark, Justified struck a mine and sank with the loss of three Maltese ratings.

Unloading was started as soon as the two ships were berthed, Maltese stevedores working on Troilus and Army personnel on Orari.  They will work continuously day and night, unless large formations of bombers cause the red flag to be raised over the Dockyard area.  Working parties are then sent to shelters ashore, lorries near the ships dispersed, and a smoke screen put up over the harbour.

There was only one air raid during the day, which caused no damage. Cairo and four destroyers sailed for Gibraltar at 1930 hrs this evening.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 16 JUNE TO DAWN 17 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind westerly, no cloud.

0520 hrs  The air raid alert sounds for approaching enemy fighters.  Three Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept.  P/O Goldsmith destroys one ME 109.

0555 hrs  Air raid alert: four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled: no engagement.

0645 hrs  Air raid alert for sixteen ME 109s and four JU 88s which approach Grand Harbour .  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to intercept.  The Harbour barrage fires and a smoke screen is sent up.  Spitfires of 603 Squadron see the JU 88s turn north east, away from the harbour barrage.  They attack destroyers off Grand Harbour.

0649 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are also scrambled to intercept.  S/L Lawrence fires a short burst at extreme range at a ME 109 which is believed destroyed.

0700 hrs  Unloading of the convoy ships begins.

0800-0920 hrs; 0910-1005 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa at a time are airborne on patrol to intercept enemy aircraft: no combat.

0928-1020 hrs  Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron carry out a defensive patrol over Grand Harbour: no interceptions.

1000-1055 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne on patrol: no combat.

1025 hrs  The air raid alert sounds for approaching formations of JU 88s and ME 109s.  Eight Spitfires from 185 Squadron are scrambled to intercept.  The Spitfires are jumped by twelve ME 109s.  F/Sgt Vineyard and F/Sgt McNamara are shot down and bale out in the sea.

1027-1135 hrs  Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron on intercept patrol sight two men in the sea.

1055-1245 hrs  Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far search for their two pilots.  They are spotted by four Spitfires 603 Squadron, who guide two Air/Sea Rescue launches towards the spot.  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa join the escort until their rescue is complete; they are unhurt.

1112-1200 hrs  Four more Spitfires 603 Squadron patrol over Grand Harbour during the rescue.  Sgt Urwin lands without undercarriage; he is unhurt.

1650-1745 hrs  Enemy fighters are reported heading towards Malta.  Eight Spitfires 601 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron join the patrol.

1700 hrs  Air raid alert: nine ME 109s patrol the Island. Only two cross the coast but all nine aircraft soon retreat and there is no engagement.

2155-2255 hrs; 2200-2320 hrs  Single Beaufighters of Malta Night Fighter Unit carry out intercept patrols: no combat.

Night  Three alerts for single aircraft.  Bombs are dropped on Mellieha, Gudja, Safi and Kalafrana.  Heavy Ack Ack destroys one BR 20 and damages one JU 88.

2215 hrs  Air raid alert.

0130-0300 hrs; 0330-0515 hrs  Single Beaufighters of Malta Night Fighter Unit carry out intercept patrols: no combat.

0210 hrs  Air raid alert.

Military casualties  Stoker 1st Class Joseph Baxter, HMS Badsworth; Petty Officer Vincent Caruana, HMS Justified; Able Seaman Henry Gatt, HMS Justified; Stoker 1c Joseph Medina, HMS Justified.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 16 JUNE 1942

AIR HQ  Departures  One Hudson to Mersa Matruh; one Hudson to Gibraltar; two Beauforts to LG 05; one Lodestar to Heliopolis.  Aircraft casualties  One Spitfire in aerial combat crashed in the sea: pilot safe.  One Spitfire shot down into the sea: pilot safe.  One Spitfire landed with undercarriage up: pilot safe.

LUQA   1400-1600 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) of Catania, Gerbini, Gela, Biscaria, Comiso, Pachino aerodromes.  1800-2020 hrs  One Spitfire on PR of Palermo sights a convoy.  He reports one cruiser in two and one unidentified ship with an escort of two destroyers.  1815-2125 hrs  One Spitfire PR of Taranto also photographs two merchant vessels escorted by three destroyers at sea.

TA QALI  Convoy arrived from Gibraltar and 70 airmen accommodated at Boschetto Gardens in marquees, then posted to this and other stations next day. 

17 June 1942

15 REMAINING SUPPLY SHIPS NOT COMING

Just 15000 tons of supplies arrived with the two ships, Troilus and Orari, extending the supplies available in Malta by only eight weeks.  The failure of two massive convoys to bring more than a token delivery of essential supplies is a massive blow to the besieged Island.  The population is already on starvation rations; access to water and domestic fuel is severely limited.  Aviation fuel and ammunition supplies are extremely low.

Lord Gort

The Times of Malta this morning published a broadcast made by The Governor, Lord Gort, last night outlining the implications to the people of Malta:  “Some days ago, two convoys set out, one from the West and one from the East to bring supplies which we need to restore our situation.  The Western convoy had to endure severe and prolonged attacks, and only two merchant ships survived the ordeal.  They are now in the Grand Harbour…These cargoes are essential for our future and well being.  The Eastern convoy, after suffering from prolonged and intense attacks by the Luftwaffe, was ordered to turn back…

I must break to you what the arrival of only two ships means to us.  For some time past we have been short of supplies and further privations lie ahead of us…Every effort will be made to replenish our stocks when a favourable opportunity presents itself.  Meanwhile we must stand on our own resources and every one of us must do everything in his or her power to conserve our stocks and to ensure that best use is made of all the available resources that remain to us.  We must make all possible savings in every commodity and stock…”

Having lost supremacy in the skies over Malta, the Axis have proved themselves to be in control of the seas.  The Island is now isolated and the plan is clear: to starve Malta into submission.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 17 JUNE TO DAWN 18 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind southerly; no cloud – haze.

0800 hrs  Air raid alert.  Eight Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa and seven of 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept approaching aircraft.  They are airborne too late to intercept one JU 88 and five ME 109s which fly over the Island at 20000 feet.

0900-0940 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron patrol near the Sicilian coast but make no interceptions.

1045-1120 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: nil report.

1141-1229 hrs  Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are on intercept patrol: nothing sighted.

1405-1455 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are airborne on patrol: nil report.

1545-1705 hrs  Eleven Spitfires 601 Squadron are airborne on patrol: no combat.

1735-1830 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy fighters which carry out a patrol: P/O Goldsmith claims one ME 109 damaged.

1803-1838 hrs  Eight Spitfires 601 Squadron are on patrol: no combat.

1930 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept an approaching small formation of enemy fighters which trigger the air raid alert: no engagement.

2337-2352 hrs  One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit airborne on patrol: destroys one JU 88.  bombs are jettisoned in the sea north of Mellieha.

0100 hrs  Air raid alert.

Military casualties  WOI Frederick White, Corps of Military Police.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Two magnetic mines were detonated by Swona in Grand Harbour entrance channels.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Lodestar from Heliopolis.  Departures  One Beaufort to LG 05; one Lodestar to Heliopolis.  Aircraft casualties  One Wellington crashed due to engine failure: pilot safe, rest of crew injured.

LUQA  0730-0945 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) Tripoli.  1410-1815 hrs  One Spitfire PR Lecca, Reggio, Bari and Foggia.   

18 June 1942

CHURCHILL MESSAGE OF SUPPORT 

“It is a great comfort to me to feel that you are in full control of this vital island fortress.  You may be sure we will do everything to help you.”  Winston Churchill to Lord Gort, 18/6/42 (1)

Spitfires 601 Squadron

AIR RAIDS DAWN 18 JUNE TO DAWN 19 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind easterly; strong.  80% cloud.

1035 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept three approaching enemy aircraft which trigger the alert, then carry out a patrol: no engagement.

1040-1205 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron are on patrol: no combat.

1145-1215 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne on intercept patrol: no combat.

Military casualties  Nil.                                                   Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 18 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Three mines detonated in Marsamxett and Grand Harbour entrance channel.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Two Hudsons from Gibraltar; one Lodestar from Heliopolis.  Departures  Three Hudsons to Gibraltar. 

19 June 1942

A Fairey Albacore of the Fleet Air Arm crashed at 1030 hrs this morning shortly after take off from Hal Far on a test flight.  Four soldiers of 2nd Battalion the Devonshire Regiment, Lance Corporals Williams and Winsor, and Privates Sutton and Downs, hurried to the rescue and managed to help the injured pilot, Sub-Lieutenant Jordan, to safety.  The observer, Sub-Lieutenant Todd, was killed in the crash and the soldiers carefully rcovered his dead body from the wreckage.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 19 JUNE TO DAWN 20 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind south-easterly; 100% medium cloud.

0630 hrs  Air raid alert.

0640-0730 hrs  Seven Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept and attack one ME 109: no claims.  Two ME 109s carry out reconnaissance of Grand Harbour at 15000 feet.

0730 hrs  Air raid alert.  Six ME 109s are reported approaching the Island.  Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept: no combat.  Four patrol while two carry out reconnaissance of Grand Harbour at 18000 feet.

1015-1100 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: nil report.

1210-1320 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali and nine Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne on patrol: no interceptions.

1410-1450 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are on intercept patrol: nil report.

1535-1620 hrs  Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are on intercept patrol: no combat.

1729 hrs  Three enemy fighters carry out a patrol. Seven Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept: no engagement.

1800 hrs  Air raid alert; raid does not materialise.

1904-1930 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron are on patrol: no combat.

2000-2030 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are on patrol: no sightings or combat.

2145 hrs  Air raid alert for approaching hostile aircraft.  One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit to intercept: no combat.  The Beaufighter remains on patrol until 2308 hrs.

Military casualties  Sub-Lieutenant Richard Todd, Observer, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 19 JUNE 1942

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Four Beauforts, twelve Wellingtons from Gibraltar.  Departures  One Lodestar to Heliopolis; nine Wellingtons to LG 224.  Aircraft casualties  One Wellington crashed on take-off: crew safe.

20 June 1942

MALTA ON SIEGE RATIONS – BELOW SURVIVAL LEVEL

Queue for milk

Lt Governor Sir Edward Jackson today announced further cuts in rations to the Maltese population, saying they were “a far greater hardship…than any you have had to bear hitherto.”  He explained the measures were necessary in order for the Island to survive until an undisclosed ‘Target Date’ when further supplies might be expected.

Sir Edward revealed that the rations previous weekly rations would now be issued only every two weeks.  A family of five will now receive monthly: 2000 grams sugar, 1300 ml oil, 400 grams cheese, 200 grams tea, 800 grams fats, 400 grams coffee, 3 bars soap, 4 tins corned beef, 4 tins fish, 4 matches.  The average per capita intake is lowered to 1500 calories per day, which the Ministry of Food in London acknowledges is insufficient.

GOVERNOR REPORTS CONVOY RESULTS TO LONDON

From:- Governor & C in C Malta               To:- C in C Middle East              Rpt:- The War Office

Military Situation Report for Week Ending 20 June 1942

1.  Enemy air activity against convoy has been very slight consisting of a few fighters on [reconnaissance] and some night raiders only 12 of which dropped bombs.

2.  Details of convoy operation presumably already known to you.  Only two merchant ships arrived night 15/16 June bringing 15000 tons stores sufficient for approx one month’s supplies.  Separate resume of supply position and other severe cuts now being made has been sent to Mideast defence committee and chiefs of staff.

Large organisation for unloading ships consisting of 2300 men and 240 vehicles from Army daily working in shifts as unloaders, lighter parties, dockside labour, tally clerks, messengers, telephonists and parties for dispersal dumps.  [Motor transport] sub-depots, traffic control, smoke screen party, first aid parties and so on, adapted to situation of only two ships and these unloaded cargoes dispersed in 108 hours working night and day.  No attempts made by enemy to interfere.  Parties on convoy unloading were in addition to 1700 men and 100 vehicles provided for aerodrome ground staffs.

3.  During night raids Ack Ack destroyed one BR 20 and damaged two JU 88s.  RAF over Island and protecting convoy destroyed seven JU 88s, three JU 87s, two BR 20, four ME 109s, two float planes.  Probably destroyed or damaged 12 bombers, 7 fighters.  Attacks on Italian fleet made by Malta based Beauforts and Wellingtons – results known to you.

4.  Following is total of work on improvement of aerodromes carried out by Army for RAF in last three months.  27 miles dispersal track, 10 Wellington pens, 168 fighter pens, 37 light bomber pens, 21 Fleet Air Arm pens.  This in addition to crater filling, improvement of runways etc.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 20 JUNE TO DAWN 21 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind westerly, moderate to strong.  100% cloud.

0725 hrs  Air raid alert.  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled and chase six Messerschmitts from five miles north of St Paul’s Bay back to Sicily.

0805 hrs  Air raid alert for a patrol of enemy fighters.  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept: no engagement.

0910-1010 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far on patrol: nothing sighted.

1029-1150 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne on patrol.

1120 hrs  Air raid alert for a small formation of hostile fighters which patrol the Island: no combat.

1140-1200 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali patrol: nil report.

1221-1312 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron on patrol: nothing sighted.

1510-1610 hrs  Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol.

1600 hrs  Air raid alert for a reported formation of enemy bombers.  The Spitfires see six Messerchmitts but ignore them and fly on in search of the reported bombers.  Two of the Spitfires 603 Squadron see two ME 109s north of Grand Harbour and give chase but do not engage.

1606-2107 hrs  Eight Beaufighters 235 Squadron Luqa are despatched to act as escort for Beauforts: no combat.  They sight one liner of 10-12000 tons with two destroyers.

1715-1800 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron on patrol: nil report.

1817-1946 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far on patrol: nothing sighted.

1900 hrs  Convoy unloading is complete.

1915 hrs  Air raid alert.  Three enemy aircraft carry out reconnaissance of Grand Harbour at 28000 feet.

1919-2020 hrs; 2026-2140 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa at a time are airborne on intercept patrol: no combat.

2155-2355 hrs  One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit is airborne on intercept patrol.

2250 hrs  Air raid alert for three approaching enemy aircraft.  Bombs are dropped south of Hal Far and in the sea.  The Beaufighter destroys one JU 88.

Military casualties  Nil.                                                 Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 20 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Swona sweeping Grand Harbour and Marsamxett entrances. Unloading of Troilus and Orari completed.  After four days and nights of constant labour, by this afternoon 12000 tons deadweight of cargo had been transferred to storage facilities. Naval and Military working parties were released and the remainder of the unloading was then completed under normal conditions by Maltese stevedores.  Less than four hours were lost from disruption due to smoke screens during the work.  Although more than ten hours were spent under alert, no bombs were dropped on the harbour area.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Four Hudsons, ten Blenheims, one Wellington from Gibraltar.  Departures  One Hudson to Gibraltar; two Wellingtons to LG 224.  Aircraft casualties  One Hudson crashed on landing: observer killed; remainder of crew injured.  One Beaufort attacked by enemy aircraft during a strike: crew missing.

HAL FAR  2327-0448 hrs  Three Albacores NAS took off on strike mission: nothing sighted.

LUQA  1015-1150 hrs  Two Baltimores 69 Squadron despatched on search for enemy shipping were recalled to base.  1131-1430 hrs  Two Baltimores 69 Squadron despatched to continue search.  One sights an enemy convoy of five vessels.  1608-2113 hrs  Twelve Beauforts 217 Squadron despatched to attack enemy shipping. The convoy was not sighted and one aircraft failed to return.  1800-1950 hrs  One Spitfire on photo-reconnaissance photographed enemy convoy.  2201-0404 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight searched Cape Bon area in co-operation with Fleet Air Arm: no sightings.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal for week-ending 20 June: UXB  Reported (50kg or over) 22; dealt with 11(3 x 250kg, 4 x 50kg, 1 x 15kg anti-personnel, 2 x AP containers) plus 153 x 2kg Butterfly bombs.  Work retarted by having to keep a party standing by for priority bombs on Docks area.

(1) The Air Battle for Malta, James Douglas-Hamilton, Pen & Sword Aviation, 2006

All written content © maltagc70 unless otherwise attributed.  For conditions of use contact bdmalta@btinternet.com.

 

7-13 June 1942: Cluster Bombs Scattered Across Malta

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• Hundreds of bombs target civilians
• Convoys on the way to Malta
• UK government considers compulsory evacuation of service families
• 32 new Spitfires arrive safely
• Trusty Star sunk

7 June 1942

Butterfly bomb

BUTTERFLY BOMBS DROPPED ON TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Hundreds of dangerous anti-personnel bombs were dropped last night along a flight path over Luqa, up to Ta Qali and out towards the north-west coast.  Both airfields, the lanes and fields around Dingli, and eleven of the elegant streets of Haz-Zebbug have been covered with the small bombs.  Malta’s civil defence and bomb disposal units are now dealing with a volatile anti-personnel weapon: the German ‘butterfly bomb’.

Unexploded SD2 bombs have been discovered only a few times in England since 1940 but the small, insignificant-looking bombs are known to be extremely hazardous.  Although the bomb itself is just eight centimetres long, with its load of 225 grams of TNT and thick-walled construction it can kill anybody within 25 metres and injure people 150 metres away.

The ‘butterfly bomb’ is so named because as it falls an outer shell hinged opens to form ‘wings’. The tiny 2kg bombs are packed into containers holding between two dozen and a hundred each.  The container opens as it leaves the aircraft, releasing the winged bombs to float down like sycamore seeds.  A spindle screwed into the fuze pocket of the bomb rotates, arming the fuze.  After it lands, the slightest disturbance of the bomb will set it off.  350 unexploded butterfly bombs are dealt with by Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal this week.

Adapted from UXB Malta, S A M Hudson, History Press 2010/2012

AIR RAIDS DAWN 7 JUNE TO DAWN 8 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind south-westerly; fresh to strong.  Little cloud.

0617-0730 hrs  11 Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft.  The Spitfires operate in three sections, one of which is unsuccessfully attacked by ME 109s.

0620 hrs  One Beaufighter is airborne on patrol from Ta Qali: no engagement.

0635 hrs  Air raid alert.  The second section of Spitfires dives on a JU 88 reported over Ta Qali but cannot locate it.  The third section chases two ME 109s but fail to get enough height to make the attack.

0909-1010 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are airborne to cover the High Speed Launch; no combat.

1050-1105 hrs  Three Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept suspected enemy aircraft: raid does not materialise.

1213 hrs  Seven Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled from Hal Far to intercept approaching enemy aircraft.

1225 hrs  Air raid alert.  The Spitfires engage enemy fighters: F/Lt Plagis destroys one ME 109 and F/S Reid probably destroys one ME 109.

1246-1345 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far take over the intercept patrol.

1320 hrs  Air raid alert: there is no engagement.

1450 hrs  Air raid alert: twelve Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are scrambled in response.  They patrol until 1530 hrs: no combat.

1655-1727 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron are airborne on patrol: no sightings.

1816 hrs  Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept approaching hostile aircraft.

1830 hrs  Air raid alert sounds for approaching Italian fighters.  Sgt Yarra damages two Re 2001s.

1940-1945 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft; no combat.

2206-2321 hrs  Air raid alert.  Twelve enemy raiders cross the coast: eight Cant Cz 1007s and four JU 87s flown by Italian pilots. They drop high explosive bombs on the Luqa, Hal Far and Ta Qali areas.  Heavy Ack Ack destroy one JU 88.

2210-2350 hrs  One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit on patrol; no interceptions.

0415 hrs  Air raid alert.  Raid does not materialise.

Military casualties  Nil                                Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS 7 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Porpoise sailed for Alexandria and Beryl returned to Grand Harbour.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Lodestar from LG 05; four Wellingtons from Gibraltar.  Departures  Two Wellingtons to LG 222; one Hudson to Gibraltar.

LUQA  0840-1230 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance Cagliari Harbour, Elmas Aerodrome, Cape Bon, Trapani and Palermo.  1330-1554 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance east Sicilian aerodromes and San Giovanni.  1720-1910 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance south Sicilian aerodromes.  2300-0330 hrs  Seven Wellingtons 104 Squadron carry out bombing attack on Cagliari town.  Bombs are dropped in the target area causing many small fires in the area of the railway station and San Augusta Barracks.

TA QALI  Station stood down.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS  Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 13; dealt with 2 (1 x 500kg, 1 x 250kg).

8 June 1942

ENEMY SHIPS UNDER SURVEILLANCE TO PROTECT CONVOY

Italian cruiser Trento

Convoys have departed from both the eastern and western Mediterranean, headed for Malta.  The Island’s photographic reconnaissance unit (PRU) is concentrating on movements and disposition of the Italian fleet, to ward off any attacks.  Today PRU reported that both the Littorio and all three serviceable Cavour battleships are located at Taranto, along with the cruisers Trento and Gorizia, and two Condottieri class cruisers.  Reconnaissance of Cagliari shows that two cruisers, three destroyers and six submarines are lying in readiness for the western convoy.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 8 JUNE TO DAWN 9 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind southerly; no cloud.

0600-0715 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali on shipping patrol.

0740-0830 hrs; 0820-0845 hrs; 0840-0930 hrs   Four and five Spitfires of 601 Squadron Luqa and four of 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: no interceptions.

0930 hrs  Two delayed-action bombs explode at Luqa, damaging a Spitfire and wounding three soldiers.

1025-1125 hrs; 1105-1130 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa and four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol: no interceptions.

1155 hrs  Nine Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept an incoming formation of ME 109s.

1200 hrs  The air raid alert sounds.  The Spitfires attack: F/Sgt Brown destroys one ME 109; P/O Barlow is jumped by the enemy and does not return.

1212-1255 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne: no contacts.

1345-1445 hrs  Two Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali carry out a search for P/O Barlow but find nothing.

1615 hrs  Twelve Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft. 

1625 hrs  The air raid alert sounds as the aircraft approach the Island.  The Spitfires intercept four ME 109s.

1645 hrs  F/Sgt Butler is fired at and is forced to make a crash landing in fields near Luqa aerodrome.

1925-2025 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa: no interceptions.

2215 hrs  One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit is scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft.

2225-2320 hrs  Air raid alert.  Four bombers. one of which is identified as a JU 88, use flares to illuminate targets and then drop bombs in the Luqa and Safi area.

2241-2318 hrs; 0040-0510 hrs  One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit continues on patrol: no interceptions.

0420 hrs  Air raid alert: no bombing.

Military casualties  Flying Officer Leslie Barlow, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 603 Squadron.  Shot down by German ME 109 fighters.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 8 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Grand Harbour entrance sweep abandoned owing to engine room defect in Tug Robust. Beryl proceeded to Marsaxlokk to act as Asdic link for Clyde arriving from Gibraltar.  Clyde arrived and secured alongside Shell Pier at 2200.   Beryl returned to Grand Harbour.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Flamingo, one Hudson, one Wellington from Gibraltar; two Wellingtons from Shallufa; three Baltimores from LG 121.  Departures  One CW 20, one Hudson to Gibraltar; one Lodestar, one Flamingo to Heliopolis, three Wellingtons, one Spitfire to LG 222.  Aircraft casualties  One Spitfire crashed after combat; pilot uninjured.  One Spitfire shot down in combat; pilot believed killed.

HAL FAR  185 Squadron are placed on one hour readiness: no scrambles.

LUQA  1715-2015 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) Taranto Harbour.  2223-0510 hrs  One Wellington dispatched to locate and bomb and train Swordfish onto southbound convoy.  Three destroyers and one motor torpedo boat located 001 degrees Cape San Vito, course north east.  The Wellington attacked: one bomb fell about ten yards from the bows of one of the destroyers.  2150-0340 hrs  Eight Wellingtons 104 Squadron despatched to bomb shipping and docks at Taranto.  Raid reported as successful; two fires were started.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS  No 2 Section 173 Company re-started work at War HQ.   Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 39; dealt with 3 (3 x 250kg).

9 June 1942

EVACUATION PLANS

From:  Governor & C in C Malta              To:  War Office              Rptd:  C in C Middle East

Up to date evacuation of families has been on voluntary basis and claims of families all services have been considered.  I agree in principle with compulsory evacuation.  As evacuation by air is bound to be a gradual process do not consider that it will have any adverse effect on morale of civil population.  Mass evacuation by ship as visualized in 1940 would have had bad effect.

HMS Eagle brings 32 more Spitfires

AIR RAIDS DAWN 9 JUNE TO DAWN 10 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind south-westerly; no cloud.

0530-0645 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali on anti-shipping patrol.

1000-1140 hrs  Eight Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are airborne to escort a delivery of Spitfires; no interceptions.

1050-1150 hrs  Twelve Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept incoming enemy aircraft.

1115 hrs  The air raid alert sounds as German fighters approach the Island.  The Spitfires chase the ME 109s: Sgt Webster damages two.

1125-1240 hrs  Eight Spitfires are airborne from Luqa to act as high cover for arriving Spitfires; no interceptions.

1300 hrs  Air raid alert for a plot of enemy aircraft identified to the north.

1320-1350 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept ME 109s: no engagement.

1820 hrs  Ten Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft.

1830 hrs  Air raid alert.  The Spitfires see three Italian bombers with fighter escort and attack: P/O Hurst damages one, believed destroyed.

1837 hrs  Twelve Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to join the attack.  P/O Graves claims one ME 109 destroyed; F/Sgt Evans claims one Re 2001 probably destroyed.

1845 hrs  Bombs are dropped on Ta Qali aerodrome from the eastern dispersal area to the Valletta road.  One Spitfire is burned out.

1935 hrs  All clear.

2051-2135 hrs  Three Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft but sight nothing.

2306-2354 hrs  Air raid alert.  Three raiders drop bombs on the areas of Luqa and Ta Qali.

0330 hrs  Air raid alert.

0400-0600 hrs  One Beaufighter from Ta Qali is airborne on patrol: makes one contact but no engagement.

0505-0544 hrs  Air raid alert.  Three enemy raiders drop bombs near Naxxar, on the Safi strip and in the sea.

Military casualties  Nil.

Civilian casualties  Benghaisa  Joseph Zammit, age 72.  Marsa  Gaetano Attard, age 28.    Sliema  John Miceli, age 21.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 9 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY 32 Spitfires arrived having flown off from HMS Eagle.  Five mines swept in Grand Harbour and Marsamxett entrances.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Three Wellingtons, one Hudson from Gibraltar; one Lodestar from Gambut; three Wellingtons from Shallufa; 32 Spitfires from Naval operations.  Departures  Two Wellingtons to LG 222; one Wellington to Shallufa; one Hudson to Gibraltar; one Lodestar to Heliopolis.  Aircraft casualties  One Spitfire crash landed; pilot uninjured.

HAL FAR  AM Three delivery Spitfires arrive.

LUQA  2200-0435 hrs  Eight Wellingtons 104 Squadron despatched to attack docks, warehouses and shipping at Taranto.  All bombs are dropped in the target area.  A large fire is still burning twenty minutes after bombing.

TA QALI  1550 hrs  Court martial proceedings commenced in the case of three locally-trained airmen who were in No 3 Cave when it was set on fire.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 12; dealt with 4 ( 4 x 250kg).

10 June 1942

In the two years since Italy declared war, Malta has experienced 2537 air raid alerts, 492 day bombing raids and 574 night bombing raids.  (1)

MOTOR LAUNCH ATTACKED: TRUSTY STAR LOST

HMD Trusty Star

During minesweeping operations of the entrance channel to Grand Harbour today, Trusty Star struck a mine 3 miles 054 degrees from Fort St. Elmo and sank. One Maltese seaman was injured, the remainder of the crew being picked up unhurt.  ML 126 was attacked by three ME 109s but managed to shoot down one and damage another. The Captain, First Lieutenant and three ratings were slightly wounded.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 10 JUNE TO DAWN 11 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind south-easterly; no cloud.

0922-1025 hrs  One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit and eleven Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept approaching aircraft.

0940 hrs  The air raid alert sounds as enemy fighters patrol near the Island.  Two Spitfires attack ME 109s with no observed results.  One Spitfire is attacked by ME 109s but is unable to return fire.

1100 hrs  Ten Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to intercept enemy fighters.

1120 hrs  The alert sounds as the enemy approach: the Spitfires engage ten ME 109s and Macchi 202s.  Sgt Gray destroys one Macchi 202; he undershoots on landing and crashes near the western dispersal area of Ta Qali.  Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are also airborne but do not engage the enemy.

1245 hrs  Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled for approaching enemy aircraft.

1315 hrs  Air raid alert as a formation of enemy fighters escort a Dornier 24 carrying out a search near the Island.  F/Lt Lucas and P/O Linton 249 Squadron damage the Dornier.  W/O Ramsey probably destroys one ME 109.

1355 hrs  Air raid alert.  Eight Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept another enemy search and rescue mission: they do not engage the enemy but sight a half-submerged fighter pilot’s dinghy with no-one on board.

1810-2000 hrs  Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to cover the arrival of a delivery flight of Beauforts.

1900 hrs  Eight Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept an approaching formation of four Cant 1007s with 15-strong fighter escort.

1912 hrs  The Spitfires engage the enemy: P/O Sewell claims one Macch 202 destroyed.  P/O Innes is shot down into the sea.

1920 hrs  Air raid alert.  The Spitfires of 249 Squadron also attack the hostile fighters: S/Ldr Grant destroys one Re 2001; F/Sgt Williams damages one.  F/Lt McNair destroys one ME 109.

1949 hrs  The Cant bombers drop 50kg high explosive bombs on the Safi area.

1922-2055 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron are scrambled to cover a rescue mission by the High Speed Launch which races out to search for P/O Innes.  He is picked up safely and taken to hospital.

2130-2325 hrs  One Beaufighter is airborne on patrol.

2214 hrs  Air raid alert.  Twelve aircraft cross over the Island singly, using flares to illuminate targets and dropping bombs on Luqa and Siggiewi, including many anti-personnel type.  The Beaufighter destroys one Italian BR 20.

2305 hrs  All clear.

0100hrs  Air raid alert.  One Beaufighter is airborne from Ta Qali on patrol and lands at Luqa at 0220 hrs: nothing sighted.

0335-0440 hrs  Air raid alert.  One Beaufighter is airborne on patrol: nothing sighted.

0058 hrs; 0325 hrs  Total eight aircraft drop bombs on Kalafrana and Hal Far areas and west and north of Gozo.

Military casualties  Sapper Francis Cumming, 16 Fortress Company, Royal Engineers attached to Royal Artillery.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE 1942

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Lodestar from LG 05; one Wellington from Shallufa; nine Beauforts, eleven Beaufighters from Gibraltar.  Departures  One Wellington to LG 05; two Wellingtons to Shallufa; one Wellington to LG 222.  Aircraft casualties  One Beaufort damaged by enemy aircraft: force landed – Flying Officer George Stead and Wireless Operator Sergeant Jack Cockshott 235 Squadron were killed; rest of crew safe.  One Spitfire shot down into the sea; pilot injured.

HAL FAR  PM  Twenty Spitfires from Hal Far make five scrambles with no interceptions.

LUQA  2155-0355 hrs  Seven Wellingtons 104 Squadron are dispatched on a bombing mission over Sicily.  All bombs are dropped in the dock area despite visibility obscured by a smoke screen and low cloud.  Several fires and many explosions are seen in the target area.  One fire could be seen 60-70 miles away.  2215-0600 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight sent to locate and bomb enemy shipping sighted three merchant vessels of 4-5000 tons and three destroyers, 32 degrees Cape Bon 22 miles.  Four bombs were dropped across one of the merchant vessels and it is highly probable that a hit was obtained.  The rear gunner also machine-gunned the vessel.  2212-0400 hrs  Two Wellingtons S/D Flight are sent to locate and bomb the same convoy: nothing sighted.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS  Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 9; dealt with 13 (3 x 500kg, 8 x 250kg, 2 x 50kg).

11 June 1942

MALTA STANDS PREPARES FOR CONVOYS

Fortress Royal Engineers Operation Instruction No 8 issued:  “At a date to be notified later a convoy will be arriving in Malta – essential it be unloaded and cargo dispersed shortest possible time.  Intense period of unloading anticipated 14 days.  Large scale assistance to Royal Navy and RAF will be provided by Army. All Royal Engineers work except essential/not needing transport, will cease with effect from Thurs 11 June until end of intense period. Work of Bomb Disposal Sections will be carried on in normal way except a squad will always be immediately available by day or night to deal with priority UXBs, the presence of which hinders the operation.”

HMS Beryl

AIR RAIDS DAWN 11 JUNE TO DAWN 12 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind southerly.

0929 hrs  Twelve Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept an approaching formation of six enemy aircraft.

1005 hrs  Air raid alert.  The Spitfires engage enemy fighters attempting to patrol: P/O Bisley claims one ME 109 destroyed.

1030 hrs  All clear.

1210-1340 hrs  Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol: no combat.

1300 hrs  Air raid alert.  Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept six enemy fighters patrolling the Island: no combat.

2005-2045 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on calibration test.

2135-2330 hrs  One Beaufighter on patrol: no interceptions.

0133 hrs  Air raid alert.  Two aircraft drop bombs in the area of Falka Gap and Ghain Tuffieha.  104 Squadron Wellingtons leave for the Middle East.  38 Squadron torpedo-carrying Wellingtons arrive from the Middle East.

0210-0400 hrs  One Beaufighter on patrol: no interceptions.

Military casualties  Nil.                                  Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 11 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Beryl, ML 126 and Harbour Launches continued sweep. Beryl’s sweep damaged.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Two Hudsons to Gibraltar; one Lodestar to Heliopolis.  Departures  One Lodestar to Heliopolis; one Wellington to Shallufa; seven Wellingtons to LG 106; two Hudsons to Gibraltar.

HAL FAR  185 Squadron is placed on one hour readiness: no scrambles.

LUQA  0605-0915 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) Cagliari and Palermo Harbour.  0605-0920 hrs  One Spitfire PR Taranto.  1130-1510 hrs  One Spitfire PR Naples, Messina, Augusta.  1330-1516 hrs  One Spitfire PR Sicilian aerodromes.  2224-0315 hrs  One Wellington on armed search for southbound convoy: nothing sighted.  Attempted to bomb Lampedusa but Ack Ack was too intense so bombs were brought back.

TA QALI  Court martial adjourned until 27 June.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 6; dealt with 5 (2 x 250kg, 3 x 50kg).

12 June 1942

AIR RAIDS DAWN 12 JUNE TO DAWN 13 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind south-easterly; 30% high cloud.

German Junkers JU 88

0640 hrs  Air raid alert.  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far and eight of 601 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept approaching formations of enemy aircraft.  A small number of fighters carry out an initial sweep.  They are followed by two JU 88s escorted by twenty German and Italian fighters.  F/Sgt Terry 185 Squadron damages one ME 109.

0646 hrs  Two JU 88s with fighter escort attack Luqa, dropping bombs on a dispersal area, including several delayed-action.

0742 hrs  All clear.

1020 hrs  12 Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept nine ME 109s which approach in two waves to carry out patrols.

1025 hrs  Air raid alert.  The Spitfires engage in dog-fights with ME 109s. Sgt Beurling damages one ME 109; F/Sgt Rae damages one.  F/O Daddo-Longlois is hit in the fuselage, tail and wing by cannon and machine-gun bullets; he is unhurt.

1126 hrs  All clear.

1520-1550 hrs  Two Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: nil report.

1715-1750 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft: no combat.  They sight an oil patch three miles east of Filfla.

1935 hrs  Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

2105-2145 hrs  Two Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on anti E boat patrol: no sightings.

2140-2315 hrs  Two Beaufighters are airborne on patrol: no interceptions.

2225-2318 hrs  Air raid alert.  Eight enemy aircraft approach the Island.  Four cross the coast and drop 2kg anti-personnel bombs from Rabat to Ta Qali and from Safi to Gudja.  Searchlights are active and Heavy and Light Ack Ack engage.  Ack Ack destroy one unidentified bomber and damage one JU 88.

Military casualties  Nil.                            Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 12 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Clyde sailed at daylight.  Sweeping continued until Beryl’s sweep was damaged by a mine exploding.  ML 125 unsuccessfully attacked by ME 109s.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Eight Wellingtons, six Beauforts, one Beaufighter from Gibraltar; one Lodestar, one Baltimore from LG 05.  Departures  Two Lodestars to Heliopolis; one Wellington to LG 224; one Wellington to LG 105.  Aircraft casualties  One Spitfire crashed on landing; pilot uninjured.

HAL FAR  PM 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled three times without sighting any enemy aircraft.  Two aircraft of the NAS take off on patrol: nothing sighted.

LUQA  0750-1110 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance Taranto.  2223-0445 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight on reconnaissance for enemy fleet in Taranto.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 26; dealt with 9 (1 x 500kg, 4 x 250kg, 4 x 50kg).

13 June 1942

WEEKLY MILITARY SITUATION REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING 13 JUNE 42

From:  Governor & C in C Malta               To: C in C Middle East               Rptd: The War Office

1.  Air.  Enemy attacks by day remain on small scale.  Only four bomber raids totalling 7 Cants, 3 JU 88s, small fighter sweeps.  Main effort at night totalling 66 raiders.  Large number of anti-personnel bombs dropped by aid of flares near aerodromes.  Damage slight.

Enemy aircraft casualties: by Ack Ack at night 2 JU 88s destroyed, 1 JU 88 damaged.  RAF destroyed 1 BR 20, 1 Macchi 202, 1 Re 2001, 5 ME 109s; probably destroyed 1 Re 2001, 3 ME 109s; damaged 1 Cant 1007, 6 Re 2001s, [?] ME 109s, 1 Dornier 24.  Own casualties: destroyed 3 Spitfires (2 pilots safe); damaged 4 Spitfires.

36 sorties made by Malta-based Wellingtons, mainly on Taranto.  Further Spitfire reinforcements also Beaufighters, Beauforts, Wellingtons and Baltimores.  Aerodromes working to maximum capacity.

Building protective pens (NWMA Malta)

3.  Military damage during week very slight.  Casualties 1 Other Rank killed, 5 wounded.  Army Bomb Disposal disposed of 41 UXBs totalling 10 tons plus 350 x 2kg anti-personnel bombs.

CONVOY FINAL PREPARATIONS

News of an expected convoy bringing much-needed supplies is creating a sense of hope across Malta’s communities.  During this morning a rehearsal was carried out to test the organisation and arrangements to deal with the convoy arrivals.  During the night, lights were exposed at lighter points in Grand Harbour and a friendly aircraft flew over to confirm that they were visible.  The Island is ready.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 13 JUNE TO DAWN 14 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind southerly; no cloud.

0815 hrs  Air raid alert.  Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept enemy aircraft.

0825 hrs  Two Me 109s patrol to the south east of the Island.  The Spitfires do not engage.

0915-0955 hrs  Four Spitfires are airborne from Ta Qali: no air raid materialises.

1000-1105 hrs  Four Spitfires are airborne from Ta Qali.

1045 hrs  Air raid alert: no sighting of enemy aircraft.

1120 hrs  A Beaufighter from Luqa which has been testing guns at Hal Far crashes onto a car on the aerodrome soon after take-off, killing the driver.  The aircraft is completely destroyed and the crew killed.

1630-1645 hrs  Seven Spitfires are airborne from Ta Qali on patrol: no engagement.

1700 hrs  Cpl Hoskins finds an anti-personnel bomb behind the caves at Ta Qali: it is blown up by Sgt Allchurch.

2100 hrs  Two more anti-personnel bombs are disposed of by Sgt Allchurch.

2150-2325 hrs  One Beaufighter on patrol: no interceptions.

2220 hrs  Air raid alert.  Four enemy aircraft drop bombs in the Luqa area, and between Gudja and Ta Silch.

Military casualties  Pilot Officer John Doncaster, Royal Canadian Air Force, 235 Squadron RAF; Sergeant William White Webster, Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 235 Squadron.

Civilian casualties  Rabat  Frank Galea, age 31; Brother Norbert Vella, age 20.  Siggiewi  Joseph Spiteri, age 36.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 13 JUNE 1942

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Hudson, one Beaufighter from Gibraltar; one Lodestar from Heliopolis via LG 05; one Beaufighter from LG 05.  Departures  One Lodestar to Heliopolis.  Aircraft casualties  One Beaufighter stalled in a vertical bank during an attempt to shoot up the aerodrome; crew killed.

HAL FAR  185 Squadron is placed on one hour’s notice.

LUQA  0712-0940 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) east Sicilian aerodromes.  0635-1015 hrs  One Spitfire PR Cagliari and Palermo.  0750-1102 hrs  One Baltimore 69 Squadron on shipping patrol in central Ionian sea.  1330-1645 hrs  One Spitfire PR Taranto.  2226-0450 hrs  One Wellington despatched on shipping reconnaissance in the Straits of Messina and Gulf of Taranto.  Two cruisers and three destroyers located 331 degrees Cape San Vito 21 miles and drop flares.  2342-0618 hrs  A second Wellington despatched to same area: nothing sighted.  0215-0620 hrs  Two Wellingtons 38 Squadron sent to strike convoy in co-operation with earlier Wellingtons.  Aircraft due to act as flare carrier crashed on take-off: torpedo attack not made as enemy naval force not seen.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS  Lt G D Carroll invalided to UK. Amendment No 1 to Fort RE OP Inst No 8 issued.  Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 24; dealt with 4 (1 x 500kg,  1 x 250kg, 1 x 50kg, 1 Italian anti-personnel container).

(1)  Malta, Diary of a War 1940-1045, Michael Galea, Publishers Enterprises Group 1992.

All written content © maltagc70 unless otherwise attributed.  For conditions of use contact bdmalta@btinternet.com.

 

1-6 June 1942: Air Supremacy Keeps Axis at Bay – Malta Takes Stock

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HMS Porpoise arrives Malta (NWMA Malta)

• Spitfires strength up by 27
• Air supremacy keeps Axis at bay
• Malta bombers attack enemy airfields, harbours and railways
• HMS Porpoise brings supplies
• Army helps farmers with harvest
• Island on alert for stealth submarines

MILITARY SITUATION REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING 6 JUNE

FROM:-  Gov and C in C Malta  TO:-  C in C Middle East  REPT:- The War Office

1.  Enemy bombing limited to 6 fighter bombers and 7 Cant 1007, in two attacks directed against aerodromes.  Fighter effort also small except on 6 June when escorting rescue parties in vicinity Island.  Enemy suffered majority casualties that day.  Night raids, 1-2 June 15 bombers; 6-7 June 25 bombers.  Enemy using flares but bombs widespread.  Damage slight. 

Enemy casualties: By Ack Ack one JU 88 destroyed at night.  By RAF destroyed two JU 88, one ME 109, one Macchi 202, five Re 2001, one float plane.  Probably destroyed four Re 2001.  Damaged one JU 88, three Cant 1007, three ME 109, five Re 2001.  Own casualties:  Two Spitfires destroyed; one pilot safe; four Spitfires damaged: pilots unhurt.

2.  Reinforcements 27 Spitfires arrived 4 June.  Malta based Wellingtons continue attack targets Italy, Sicily.

3.  Coast watching patrols have been increased and measures taken to counter raids add saboteurs in view interrogation and other naval reports.  Large scale working parties total 2500 men daily for assistance RAF and farmers continue.   

6 June 1942

AIR RAIDS DAWN 6 JUNE TO DAWN 7 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind southerly; no cloud.

0525 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled along with Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far to intercept enemy aircraft.

0530 hrs  Air raid alert.  The Spitfires engage and destroy two JU 88s.  One Spitfire 249 Squadron lands damaged at Hal Far.

0625-0750 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept enemy an incoming formation of Italian bombers and fighters.  One SM 84 is damaged by S/Ldr Hamilton, P/O McCleod, P/O Watts and Sgt Gilbert. One SM 84 is damaged by P/O Glazebrook.  Sgt Gilbert destroys one Re 2001; P/O King and F/O Mitchell probably destroy one each; W/O Guay destroys one ME 109.

0713-0742 hrs  Air raid alert.  Four Cant 1007s with the remaining fighter escort drop forty 100kg bombs in the Luqa and Safi areas: all bombs fall in fields.

0820 hrs  Air raid alert; raid does not materialise.

0920-1030 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron jump Re 2001s fifteen miles east of the Island.  F/O Daddo-Langlois destroys one, P/O Jones destroys one, P/O Linton damages one and F/Sgt Butler damages one.

1020-1115 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali also attack the enemy formation.  Sgt Gray damages one Re 2001 and F/Lt Lucas damages on ME 109.  Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are on patrol but make no contact.

1325-1400 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on intercept patrol: nothing sighted.

1605 hrs  Eight aircraft are scrambled in response to an approaching raid.  F/Lt Plagis destroys two RE 2001s, F/Sgt Reid destroys one RE 2001 and damages another.  P/O Lambert, Sgt Dodd and Sgt Russell together destroy one two-engined float plane, believed to be searching for survivors.

1705-1745 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: nothing sighted.

1920-2035 hrs  Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne and engage Me 109s: no claims are made.

Ta Qali: 1942 (NWMA Malta)

2030-2140 hrs  Two Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept a dusk raid of 20 JU 88 bombers.  They make visual contact but then lose it as the hostile aircraft dive towards land.  Aircraft come in in ones, twos and threes and drop high explosive and incendiary bombs in scattered areas but chiefly on Ta Qali, Luqa and Dingli.  Delayed action bombs are reported on the outskirts of Hal Far aerodrome.  100 bombs are dropped on Ta Qali, causing craters on the dispersal areas and near the caves.  The aerodrome remains serviceable.  An ambulance in front of Cave No 11 is slightly damaged and one decoy Hurricane is set on fire.   Searchlights are active.  Heavy Ack Ack destroy one JU 88.

2220-2255 hrs  One Beaufighter on patrol to intercept enemy aircraft: no engagement.

2330 hrs  A delayed action bomb explodes near the Chateau Bertrand position at Ta Qali.

0130 hrs  A delayed action bomb explodes at Ta Qali between Chateau Bertrand and the Caves.

0435-0620 hrs  One Beaufighter is airborne on patrol; no engagement.

0450 hrs  Air raid warning.

Military casualties  Sergeant Eric George Martin, Royal Air Force, 104 Squadron; Sergeant Frederick Lambert, 26 Defence Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Civilian casualties  Balzan  Antoinette Zammit, age 18.  Zebbug  Anthony Rodo, age 26.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 6 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Beryl sweeping Marsaxlokk. Harbour sweeping Grand Harbour entrance.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Lodestar from Gambut; two Wellingtons, one CW20, one Hudson from Gibraltar.  Departures  Two Beauforts, one Wellington, one Hudson to LG 222; one Hudson to Gibraltar; one Lodestar to Heliopolis.   Aircraft casualties  One Spitfire engine cuts out during enemy action: pilot uninjured.

LUQA  0920-1010 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance Luqa, Hal Far, Ta Qali, St Patrick’s Hospital, Tal Virtu.  1123-1345 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance Sicilian aerodromes, Messina and Augusta Harbours.  2226-0220 hrs  Six Wellingtons 104 Squadron Luqa despatched to attack train ferry terminus at Messina.  A few fires were started around the target.  All the bombs fell on Messina.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 7; dealt with 4 (2 x 500kg, 1 x 250kg, 1 x 50kg).

Military casualties  Nil.  Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 5 JUNE 1942

HMS Beryl

ROYAL NAVY  Beryl sweeping Marsaxlokk entrance and approaches.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Lodestar from Heliopolis; two Hudsons, two Beauforts, one Wellington from Gibraltar.  Departures  One Lodestar to Heliopolis, one Hudson to Gibraltar, one Beaufighter to LG 222.  Aircraft casualties: missing transit aircraft one Beaufighter from Gibraltar to Malta.

HAL FAR  AM 185 Squadron is stood down for the day.

LUQA  No bombs on the aerodrome.  1630-1725 hrs  One Spitfire on photo-reconnaissance of Malta: photos of St Patrick’s Hospital, Ta Qali and Hal Far.   2135-0303 hrs  Six Wellingtons 104 Squadron Luqa were despatched to attack Naples.  Bombs were dropped in the industrial areas of the town causing several fires, three of which were visible 25 miles away.  2124-0447 hrs  Two Wellingtons S/D Flight despatched on shipping search and strike.  ONe aircraft dropped bombs on Marittimo Island, the other located two destroyers but lost them before an attack could be made.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 8; dealt with nil. 

5 June 1942

AIR RAIDS DAWN 5 JUNE TO DAWN 6 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind north westerly, fresh to strong.  100% cloud; becoming brighter later.

0530-0630 hrs  Three Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne on anti E boat patrol: nothing sighted.

0650-0740 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne on patrol: no interceptions.

0922-1026 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa take off on an air test.

0950 hrs  The air raid alert sounds and the four Spitfires are notified of four approaching ME 109s: they investigate but sight nothing and return to base.

1130 hrs  Air raid alert; raid does not materialise.

1645 hrs; 1710 hrs  Air raid alert.

1648-1716 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept enemy fighters: no engagement.

1730-1830 hrs  12 Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: nil report.

Night  No enemy activity.

LUQA  No bombs on the aerodrome. 

0022-0355 hrs  Six Wellingtons 104 Squadron were despatched to attack Catania aerodrome.  No bombs were dropped on target but bombs were dropped by two aircraft on Syracuse town: a glow was observed but no fires.

TA QALI  1600 hrs  Air Officer Commanding visited.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 1; dealt with 2 (2 x 500 kg).

4 June 1942

AIR RAIDS DAWN 4 JUNE TO DAWN 5 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind northerly; 100% cloud.

Day  Seven enemy fighters approach the Island but do not attack and retreat before engagement with Malta forces.

0525-0620 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on anti-shipping patrol.

1020-1120 hrs  Twelve Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: no interceptions.

PM  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled from Hal Far but the raid does not materialise.

1625-1705 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: no interceptions.

Beaufighter

1906-1942 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to escort a delivery Beaufighter: no combat.

Night  No enemy activity.

Military casualties  Nil.  Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 4 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Beryl sweeping Marsaxlokk entrance and approaches.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Beaufighter from Gibraltar.  Departures  One Lodestar to Heliopolis; one Hudson to Gibraltar; one Wellington to LG 222.  Aircraft casualties  Missing transit aircraft: one Beaufighter from Gibraltar to Malta. One Hurricane crashed on landing with brake failure: pilot safe.

3 June 1942

AIR RAIDS DAWN 3 JUNE TO DAWN 4 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind north westerly, fresh to strong.  50% cloud; medium.

0900 hrs  Air raid warning for ME 109s on patrol: no attacks.

Spitfires at Ta Qali (NWMA Malta)

0940-1040 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to escort incoming delivery of Spitfire aircraft.

1030-1220 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are sent to escort arriving Spitfires, and to search for a pilot in the sea.

1115-1312 hrs  Eight Spitfires 126 and 601 Squadron are scrambled from Luqa to provide cover for the High Speed Launch.

1245-1402 hrs  Four more Spitfires 601 Squadron join the patrol, protecting the launch until its return to harbour.  The launch is tracked 8-10 miles north north west of Gozo: no combat with enemy aircraft.

1350-1425 hrs  Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to intercept incoming enemy aircraft: no engagement.

1400 hrs  Air raid warning for ME 109s on patrol: no attacks.

1510-1625 hrs  Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali aire airborne to intercept enemy aircraft: no engagement.

1530 hrs  Air raid warning for ME 109s on patrol: no attacks.

1750-1845 hrs  Four Spitfires are scrambled from Luqa to intercept enemy aircraft: no engagement.

Night  No activity.

Military casualties  Nil.  Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Beryl sweeping Marsaxlokk entrance and approaches.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Lodestar from LG05; 27 Spitfires, one Hudson, two Wellingtons from Gibraltar; one Lodestar from Heliopolis.  Departures  Three Wellingtons, four Hudsons to LG 222; two Hudsons to Gibraltar.  Aircraft casualties  Missing transit aircraft  Four Spitfires from Naval Op to Malta.

HAL FAR  Six delivery Spitfires arrive at Hal Far.  PM  185 Squadron Hal Far is stood down.

LUQA  No bombs on the aerodrome. Six Wellingtons 104 Squadron were despatched to attack Catania aerodrome.  Only one aircraft succeeded in bombing the airfield: the others found the target obscured by cloud and returned to base with their bombs.

TA QALI  0500 hrs  Parade of all personnel at Ta Qali to explain arrangements and allocation of duties in connection with arrival of further Spitfires.  Same organisation which was so successful before will be put into operation.  Arrangments as to meals on Camp to be as last arrival day.  15 Spitfires arrived ex Carrier.  One flight attacked by ME 109s off Pantelleria and one was shot down.  One crashed on landing and broke undercarriage.  Six Officers and seven Sergeants accommodated.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 10; dealt with 13 (4 x 500kg, 9 x 50kg).

2 June 1942: Malta Counts the Cost

Senglea January 1941 (NWMA Malta)

REPORT OF DAMAGE AND CASUALTIES

Figures have been released for the civilian damage and casualties in Malta up to 8 April 1942.  Figures would have been much higher without the Island’s extensive rock shelters.  Statistics for the period from 9 April are expected to be considerably higher.

15500 CIVILIAN DWELLINGS DESTROYED

207 PUBLIC BUILDINGS DESTROYED

• 70 churches
• 18 convents and nunneries
• 22 schools
• 8 hospitals
• 10 theatres
• 8 hotels
• 8 clubs
• 5 banks
• 48 other

Regent Cinema rescue operations

CIVILIAN CASUALTIES – ONE IN SEVEN KILLED OR WOUNDED

• 1104 killed
• 1318 seriously injured
• 1299 slightly injured

AIR RAIDS DAWN 2 JUNE TO DAWN 3 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind westerly; 50% cloud, colder.

0910 hrs  Seven Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa and six of 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept three Italian bombers with a fifteen-strong fighter escort of ME 109s, Macchi 202s and RE 2001s. 

0923 hrs  Air raid alert.  The Spitfires intercept enemy fighters: 601 Squadron pilot 2/Lt Bartleman claims one Macchi 202 destroyed and P/O Hagger claims one RE 2001 damaged.   185 Squadron engage the enemy at 13000 feet 15 miles east of Kalafrana.  F/Sgt Reid claims one RE 2001 probably destroyed and one Cant damaged.  Sgt Moye damages one RE 2001.

Caproni Re 2001 Falco

The three Italian bombers get through to drop twelve 100kg high explosive bombs between Luqa airfield and the Safi strip. 

0935-1045 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne: nil report. 

1015-1055 hrs  Three Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne to intercept ME 109s: no engagement.

1155-1230 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled for a raid which does not materialise.

1540-1615 hrs  Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa scrambled on interceptions: no combat. 

1615-1715 hrs  Four Spitfires are scrambled from Luqa and four from Hal Far to intercept an approaching formation: no combat.

1630 hrs  Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

1755-1850 hrs  Four Spitfires are scrambled from Hal Far and four from Ta Qali to intercept enemy aircraft: no combat.

1810 hrs  Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

2120-2347 hrs; 0115-0145 hrs; 0220-0240 hrs; 0310-0340 hrs  One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit is airborne on patrol: no sightings. 

0305 hrs  Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

0445-0525 hrs  Three Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are dispatched on shipping patrol. 

Military casualties  Nil.  Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 2 JUNE 1942

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Lodestar from LG 05; three Wellingtons, seven Hudsons from Gibraltar.  Departures  Four Wellingtons to LG 222; one Lodestar to Heliopolis.  Aircraft casualties  One Spitfire crash landed in the sea after combat: pilot uninjured.  One Hudson crashed on landing: crew uninjured.

LUQA  1055-1130 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance over Malta: Fleur de Lys, Siggiewi,  Jebel Ciantar, Ta [Dehotyer], Marsaxlokk; Ta Qali pens and HQ Buffs.  2050-0315 hrs  Five Wellingtons 104 Squadron bomb Cagliari Town.  2058-0330 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight on armed search for convoy: no sighting.  Bombs are dropped on Pantelleria Island.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 10; dealt with 3 (1 x 50kg, 2 Italian AP bomb containers).

1 June 1942

AIR RAIDS DAWN 1 JUNE TO DAWN 2 JUNE 1942

Weather  Wind south westerly; 50% cloud.

0905 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft.

0935 hrs  The Spitfires attack four ME 109s and are in turn attacked by another two Messerschmitts about 20 miles east of Zonqor.  Sgt Yarra claims one destroyed (crashes into the sea) and P/O Broad claims one damaged.  P/O McNaughton is shot down into the sea and his body is recovered by the Air Sea Rescue Service.

0945-1036 hrs  Four Spitfires 126 Squadron are airborne from Luqa to cover the rescue launch: no interceptions.

1115-1145 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to intercept enemy aircraft: nil report.

1220-1310 hrs  Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali gain height against a possible raid.

1620-1710 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled from Hal Far to search Kalafrana Bay for suspicious undersea craft.  The search is carried out with nil result.

1740-1830 hrs  Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled for a raid which does not come in.

2030-2046 hrs  Two Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled and take to the air to intercept an incoming raid but are recalled.

2045-2245 hrs  One Beaufighter on patrol intercepts and damages one JU 88.

2332 hrs  15 bombers, including JU 87s and 88s, drop high explosive bombs on Ta Qali, Luqa, Birkirkara, Hamrun and Ghain Tuffieha, Hal Far and Wardia.  A Beaufighter damages one JU 88.

2336-0120 hrs; 0115-0145 hrs  One Beaufighter each time on patrol: no combats.

0215 hrs  Air raid alert.  Two JU 88s drop bombs on Hal Far and Luqa.  Three Wellingtons are slightly damaged.

0220-0240 hrs;  0310-0340 hrs  One Beaufighter each time on patrol: no combats.

Military casualties  Pilot Officer Andrew McNaughton, Royal Canadian Air Force, RAF 185 Squadron.  Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 1 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Porpoise arrived from Alexandria, being swept to bottoming berth at 0600 by Beryl and ML 126. Sweepers returned to harbour with Trusty Star.  Porpoise surfaced at dusk and proceeded to Kalafrana, to unload cargo.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Three Wellingtons, one CW 20 from Gibraltar.  Departures  One Wellington to LG 22; one Hudson, one Spitfire (photo-reconnaissance) to LG 222.  Aircraft casualties  One Spitfire crashed into the sea after combat: pilot killed.  One Wellington ran off the runway on take-off: crew uninjured.  One Wellington force-landed in the sea after an operation: crew safe.  One Wellington crashed on landing from operations: crew safe.

LUQA  1524-1900 hrs  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance Cagliari Harbour, Palermo and Trapani.  1724-2000 hrs  Seven Spitfires 126 Squadron are sent to reconnoitre enemy shipping Messina and Augusta, airfields Gerbini, Catania, Biscari, Comiso.  2130-0325 hrs  One Wellington S/D Flight despatched to locate, bomb and [support] Swordfish strikes on a southbound convoy.  2335-0130 hrs  Three Wellingtons 104 Squadron carry out a bombing attack on the submarine base at Augusta.

TA QALI  Chateau Bertrand and the Pottery demolished completely.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB  Reported 5; dealt with 6 (1 x 500kg, 1 x 250kg, 2 x 50kg, 1 Italian Thermos).

 

All written content © maltagc70 unless otherwise attributed.  For conditions of use contact bdmalta@btinternet.com