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Monthly Archives: September 2022

20-26 September 1942: Malta Forces Subdue Luftwaffe and Rommel

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20 September 1942: George Cross Presented to People of Gozo

Citadel, Victoria, Gozo

A ceremony was held today in Victoria to formally present the George Cross to the People of Gozo. The counterpart to last Sunday’s Valletta presentation ceremony was held at It Tokk. All the sister Island’s leading dignitaries were present including Monsignor Gonzi and Mr George Ransley, the Commissioner for Gozo.

MALTA’S MAIN CONCERN STILL LACK OF SUPPLIES

From: Governor (General Viscount Gort) To: Secretary of State for the Colonies

1. During the month ended 20^th September there were 59 alerts; 38 by day and 21 by night. 9 bombing raids; nil by day, 9 by night. 9 people were killed (4 men, 1 woman, 4 children); 11 were seriously injured (4 men, 3 women, 4 children). 15 houses were seriously damaged.

2. The principal concern of the Government remains the control and the even distribution of commodities, both local and imported. Apart from this, the main events of the period were the departure of Sir Edward Jackson and Locker and the arrival of Campbell as Acting Lieutenant-Governor.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 20 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 21 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility good.

No air raids.

1100-1230 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali on intercept patrol: no sightings.

1702-1811 hrs Ten Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far on patrol over the Island: nothing seen.

1715-1835 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron on intercept patrol: no sightings.

Military casualties Captain James Golding, Royal Army Pay Corps.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Surface plots were reported 15 miles off Grand Harbour, but faded by 0200 without having been confirmed.

AIR HQ Twelve Spitfires carried out offensive recce over Sicily: no enemy aircraft sighted. One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Sicily attacked a ship 300 yards offshore near Licata. Arrivals One Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures One DC 3 to LG 224.

HAL FAR Five Spitfires 249 Squadron arrived as Ta Qali was under repair.

21 September 1942: Malta RAF is Helping Win the War, Says Air Marshal

The Air Officer Commanding, Malta has received the following letter from Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Trenhard:

“I am writing you a line to say that I had hoped to have come and visit you on my way to the Middle East. I shall fly very near you but not come down as I am told every aeroplane is of value to take you supplies, and not to use your petrol. Under the circumstances you will realise that I must agree to this but I am sorry from my own point of view.

B flight 249 Squadron July 42 (1)

I would like to congratulate you most heartily on what you are doing in Malta. It is magnificent. The Air Forces are great. It is wonderful what they have done. They have saved the situation everywhere and are pressing on with their work which will anyhow eventually be the great instrument for winning this war.

I do congratulate you also on the wonderful spirit that exists in Malta both in the Army and in the Air Force. I am told, and believe it thoroughtly, that all work as one and I congratulate you and your staff, all the pilots, the maintenance crews and everyone.”

AIR RAIDS DAWN 21 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 22 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility good.

1108-1136 hrs Air raid alert. Twelve enemy aircraft approach and observers detect and report a possible bombing raid. Five Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled from Hal Far to intercept but do not engage. The attack develops into a small fighter sweep with few aircraft crossing the coast. Malta’s fighters are airborne: no engagements.

1405-1505 hrs Five Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are airborne on intercept patrol: nothing sighted.

1830-1930 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron carry out anti E boat patrol of the Sicilian coast: nothing sighted.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY With a view to eliminate the sharp turn in QBB 273 off Zonkor Point, and provide a transit line into Grand Harbour, Speedy, Hebe and Hythe carried out a clearance sweep of the small area of unswept water near Position 2, and also a strip four cables inshore of the inshore edge of the new leg of the proposed new channel. One anti sweeping device was cut and sunk by rifle fire.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Wellington from LG 224; two Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar.

HAL FAR 1700-1821 hrs Five Spitfires 185 Squadron carried out offensive reconnaissance over south east Sicily: no enemy activity.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT HQ Company fired machine-guns at Pembroke Range. Battalion swimming competition vs 1^st Bn Kings Own Malta Regiment. Bn won the swimming events but 1^st Bn KOMR beat us at water polo.

22 September 1942: George Cross Starts Tour of Malta

GC ARRIVES IN DINGLI

George Cross Display

The George Cross medal awarded to Malta was today taken to the village of Dingli, carried by the Inspector of Police with a small police guard. Twelve buglers of the 1^st Bn Durham Light Infantry played as the George Cross was carried in procession from the outskirts of the village to the church and placed on a plinth so that villagers could view it. At the end of the ceremony, the Army buglers heralded the medal’s departure.

To recognise the endurance of the people of Malta, the George Cross will continue its tour to all parts of the Island, including Cottonera, Luqa, Marsa, Mellieha, Mgarr, Mosta, Mqabba, Empire Stadium, Paola, Qrendi, Siggiewi, Sliema, Rabat, Zabbar, Zebbug, Zurrieq, Safi, Senglea, Zejtun and Gharghur.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 22 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 23 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0845-0910 hrs Air raid alert. Two ME 109s, believed to be on weather reconnaissance, approach to within six miles of the coast at 30,000 feet. Malta’s fighters are airborne; no engagements.

1015-1130 hrs Five Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far patrol over the Island: nothing seen.

1215-1245 hrs Air raid alert. 18 enemy fighters approach the Gozo to St Paul’s Bay area at 25000 feet. Nine Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled to intercept patrol: no engagement.

1835-1935 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali on anti E boat patrol: nothing sighted.

2300-0310 hrs One Swordfish from Hal Far carries out two anti E boat patrols: nothing sighted.

2305 hrs Beach Company, 3^rd Bn Kings Own Malta Regt is warned to look out for a Beaufighter which might force-land into the sea.

2351-0039 hrs Five enemy aircraft approach, three of which cross the coast. Two are definitely identified as JU 87s. They drop 250kg bombs on Qrendi and on Delimara Heavy Ack Ack position, where there is one slight casualty. Other bombs are dropped in the sea south of Ta Silch and north of St Paul’s Bay. Searchlights illuminate one aircraft and Heavy Ack Ack fire: no claims.

0023 hrs A hostile shipping plot is reported ten miles off Grand Harbour. Beach Companies Kings Own Malta Regiment are warned and Coastal Defences are ordered to open fire if necessary.

Military casualties Flight Sergeant James Burrett, Royal Australian Air Force;Sergeant William Doodson, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR);Flying Officer Aubrey Izzard, Royal Canadian Air Force; Flying Officer Ralph Jones, RAF VR; all 39 Squadron.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 1942

HMS Proteus

ROYAL NAVY The new channel QBB 288 was declared open. Speedy swept Proteus into harbour. Swona swept to Marsaxlokk and back. 3rd ML Flotilla swept area to NE commenced on 15th and 16th but had to abandon the operation after 4 hours owing to the weather. 6 moored mines were cut. Swona carried out SA and LL sweep of Marsaxlokk and approaches and also of QBB 273. Hythe swept P 35 to sea and P 46 in from patrol. She reported having sunk a schooner and two merchant vessels.

AIR HQ Spitfires carried out offensive recces over Sicily: no enemy sighted. Nine Beauforts and seven Beaufighters despatched to attack enemy convoy of one tanker escorted by three destroyers. One, possibly two hits on tanker. One Beaufort missing, one Beaufighter damaged.

Arrivals Two Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures Two Hudsons to Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Beaufort damaged by accompanying Beaufighter and crashed into the sea: crew missing. One Beaufighter crashed into Beaufort while on operations: crew uninjured. One Beaufighter damaged by enemy action crashed while attempting to land: crew slightly injured.

HAL FAR 1505-1610 hrs Five Spitfires 185 Squadron patrol south east Sicily: nothing seen.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT C Company started their three day march. Left billets at 0800 hrs, arrived at Mellieha Bay about 1215 hrs – distance about 13 miles.

1^st Bn DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY All Companies in the Battalion except C Coy began classification firing at Ghain Tuffieha.

23 September 1942: RAF Aircraft in Fatal Mid-Air Collision

The crew of a Malta based Beaufort were killed last night when their aircraft was in collision with a Beaufighter during an attack on an enemy convoy. The Beaufort of 39 Squadron was one of nine sent with seven Beaufighters of 227 Squadron to target a 6000 ton tanker with three destroyers as escort, ten miles west of Antipaxos. They reached their target as daylight was failing.

Beaufort 39 Squadron before take-off at Luqa

Two Beaufighters raked the leading destroyers with cannon fire, causing a small explosion on one, and succeeding in their objective of drawing the flak away from the torpedo-carrying Beauforts which attacked the tanker from port and starboard. Eight torpedoes were released, scoring one definite hit and one possible hit on the tanker and causing an explosion. Black smoke would be seen two miles away. The other Beaufighters drove off three JU 88s accompanying the convoy.

During the mission one Beaufort collided with a Beaufighter and crashed into the sea. The Beaufort crew are reported missing, presumed dead. They have been named as Flight Sergeant James Burrett, Sergeant William Doodson, Flying Officer Aubrey Izzard and Flying Officer Ralph Jones; all 39 Squadron.

The Beaufighter remained airborne but late last night Malta’s coastal defences were warned to keep a look out for the damaged aircraft which might force-land into the sea. The Beaufighter made it back to base but crashed while attempting to land, causing slight injuries to the crew.

Later in the night six Wellingtons of 69 Squadron found the convoy again, this time 33 miles south west of Antipaxos. The destroyers attempted to lay a smoke screen, but this was blown away by the wind. The Wellingtons dropped twenty 500lb bombs dropped, some of which fell within 15 yards of the port side of the tanker. According to reconnaissance photographs taken at first light the tanker has been forced to take refuge in Patras Harbour.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 23 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 24 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

AM Two Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are despatched on air sea rescue to 35 miles north of Grand Harbour but find nothing.

0958-1143 hrs Air raid alert. Five Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept patrol (two return early): no sightings. Four more patrol 30 miles north of the Island: no sightings.

1055-1135 hrs Air raid alert. Five Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept two enemy aircraft but develop radio trouble and return to base: nothing sighted.

1350-1409 hrs Air raid alert. Five Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled to intercept and climb to 20000 feet over Grand Harbour before flying at 14000 feet to within ten miles of the Sicilian coast: nothing seen.

1605-1710 hrs Four Spitfires 185 Squadron on intercept patrol: nothing sighted.

0005-0030 hrs Air raid alert for three enemy bombers, none of which cross the coast. Bombs are dropped in the sea off Delimara. One is engaged by 4^th Bn Heavy Ack Ack Regt. The enemy raider shoots down the searchlight beams with his machine gun.

Military casualties Pilot Officer Ian Preston, Royal Canadian Air Force, 126 Squadron.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 1942

AIR HQ 1845-2205 hrs Two Beaufighters are despatched on intruder patrol: one shoots up E boats and submarines moored at Trapani. The other shoots up a seaplane station.

Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar; two Beaufighters to Abu Sueir. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire believed damaged by enemy fighters: pilot missing.

HAL FAR 1740-1850 hrs Five Spitfires 185 Squadron carried out a sweep of south east Sicily: enemy aircraft reported but not seen. 2300-0325 hrs One Swordfish RNAS carried out two anti E boat offensive patrols: nothing seen.

TA QALI Aerodrome was unserviceable while new drainage system was being installed across the centre of the landing ground. 229 Squadron detachment operated from Luqa.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT A Company fired on F Range Pembroke: results very good.

24 September 1942: Malta Bombers Praised for Strike Against Rommel

MESSAGE FROM AIR OFFICE COMMANDING READS

Beaufighter as flown by 227 Squadron

“Well done again 227 Squadron. Your successful bombing of a merchant vessel on September 17^th has deprived Rommel of yet another ship carrying important supplies.”

AIR RAIDS DAWN 24 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 25 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0800-0835 hrs Air raid alert for seven ME 109s approaching the Island. Nine Spitfires 249 Squadron (one spare returned early) are scrambled to intercept. Blue Section sights four ME 109s but lose them in the sun. Red Section report no sightings. Only three enemy raiders cross the coast at 27000 feet. Heavy Ack Ack fire pointer rounds: no claims.

1025-1055 hrs Air raid alert as nine ME 109s approach the Island. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept with no sightings. Six enemy raiders cross the coast at 23-270000 feet. Malta’s fighters are airborne and engage. Heavy Ack Ack fire pointer rounds.

1705-1720 hrs Air raid alert for six enemy fighters which cross the coast and carry out a fighter sweep from Gozo to Kalafrana. Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept: nothing sighted.

1900 hrs One Spitfire returning from Luqa is damaged on landing: pilot P/O Williams is uninjured.

Military casualties Major Douglas Armstrong, 57 Field Hygiene Section, Royal Army Medical Corps.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Proteus sailed for Gibraltar, being swept out by Hebe.

AIR HQ Two Beauforts of 39 Squadron made their first night torpedo attack on a convoy of three destroyers, one small unidentified naval vessel and a 5/6000 ton merchant vessel, which was coast crawling northwards, ten miles north of Point Stile. Two torpedoes were dropped but although they were seen to run well the results could not be observed, as the aircraft had to fly into the moon on leaving the target. One Hurricane and two Beaufighters carried out intruder patrols over Sicily. Arrivals Three Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar.

HAL FAR 0625-0755 hrs Ten Spitfires made a reconnaissance sweep over south east Sicily: no enemy activity.

TA QALI 1735-1900 hrs Nine Spitfires 229 Squadron and nine of 249 Squadron (one of each Squadron returned early) on Rodeo raids. P/O Beurling 249 Squadron sighted one unidentified enemy aircraft: no combat.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT A Company fired machine-guns on F range Pembroke. C Coy marched back from Mellieha, arrived at billets about 1330 hrs. B & D Coys held a night exercise.

25 September 1942: Luftwaffe Fighters Flee in Face of Spitfires

US AIR FORCE LIBERATORS ATTACK BENGHAZI – MALTA RECONNAISSANCE PILOTS REPORT SUCCESS

Port of Benghazi before attacks

Photographs taken of Benghazi by Malta reconnaissance pilots have revealed the success of a recent raid by US air force Liberators. A 7000 ton merchant vessel which had been unloading in the port has clearly been blown to pieces, together with most of the improvised jetty at which she was moored. The destruction of the jetty has reduced by half the wharfage available to the enemy for unloading large ships at Benghazi. Another 7000 ton ship was also reported to be damaged.

BEAT THE RETREAT

At dusk this evening, Castile Square echoed to the moving tradition of Beat the Retreat, by the band and drums of 2^nd Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment. The ceremony at 1800 hrs was performed before the General Officer Commanding, Malta and other dignitaries, plus many onlookers who gathered to enjoy the moment. A brief air raid alert at 1750 hrs threatened to disrupt proceedings but the yellow flag only was raised over the Castile and it was decided to continue with the parade.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 25 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 26 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine: visibility good – slight early morning haze.

1115-1145 hrs Air raid alert for twelve ME 109s approaching the Island. Ten Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept and encounter the raiders 35 miles north east of Grand Harbour. They destroy two ME 109s and damage one. One Spitfire is damaged in combat and crash-lands: the pilot is uninjured.

1750-1815 hrs Air raid alert. 17 ME 109s approach to within 10 miles of Gozo. Malta fighters see the enemy but are unable to engage as the raiders flee northwards to avoid conflict.

Night No alerts.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY P 37 arrived from Gibraltar to join 10th S/M Flotilla and was swept into harbour by Hebe. P 34 sailed for the United Kingdom, and P 42 and Una on patrol, all being swept out by Hebe. Weather unsuitable for air operations.

AIR HQ Three Beaufighters despatched to attack a minesweeper in the area Kuriat to Sfax. Target not located. One Cant 506 B destroyed. Arrivals One DC3 from LG 224; two Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures Five Hudsons to Gibraltar; one DC 3 to LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire crash landed due to enemy action: pilot uninjured.

HAL FAR 185 Squadron released.

TA QALI 0645-0745 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on reconnaissance patrol sight barges loaded with sacks but do not attack. 1530-1630 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron on reconnaissance cross the Sicilian coast: no sightings.

26 September 1942: Malta Attacks Enemy Tanker, Merchantmen, Destroyers and Subs

MILITARY SITUATION REPORT WEEK ENDING 26 SEPTEMBER 1942

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

1. Enemy air: Six alerts daylight for total 83 aircraft – high fighter sweeps: two ME 109s destroyed, one ME 109 damaged. Seven aircraft approached Bight, four crossed coast, bombs Qrendi and Delimara areas.

2. Own air: Day (A) Nine Beauforts, seven Beaufighters attacked tanker escorted by three destroyers. One, possibly two, hits on tanker. One Beaufort missing, one Beaufighter damaged. (B) Three Beaufighters despatched to attack minesweeper: target not located. One Cant 506B destroyed. (C) Over 100 Spitfire sorties offensive reconnaissance Sicily. One ME 109 destroyed, one probably destroyed, without loss.

Night (A) Six Wellingtons attacked tanker: stick of bombs within 15 yards. (B) Three Beauforts attacked 5/6000 ton merchant vessel escorted by three destroyers: results not seen. (C) Total five Beaufighters, one Hurricane, on intruder patrols Sicily: E boats and submarines Trapani and small ship off Licata machine-gunned.

3. General: Approximately 450 soldiers daily detailed to assist RAF.

4. Military casualties and damage: one officer wounded last April now died; one other rank slight casualty.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 26 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 27 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Weather fine; visibility good.

0910-1030 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept a report of approaching enemy aircraft. The raid does not materialise and no raiders are seen.

1040-1130 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron on intercept patrol: no sightings.

1735-1835 hrs Ten Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft (two return early with radio trouble). The raiders retreat before they are seen.

2005-2035 hrs Air raid alert for two enemy bombers approaching the Island; only one crosses the coast and is illuminated by searchlights for 3 ¾ minutes. All bombs are dropped in the sea.

Military casualties Gunner Joseph Pulis, 11th AA, Royal Malta Artillery.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Hebe swept Utmost in from patrol and then proceeded to Dockyard for retubing of boilers. P 211 sailed, being swept out by Hythe. A report of a fire in the Dockyard area turns out to be a crashed bomber (identified as friendly).

AIR HQ Spitfires carried out offensive recces over Sicily. One ME 109 destroyed, one probably destroyed. One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Castel Vetrano: no sightings. Arrivals One Spitifre from LG 28. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire crashed on landing: pilot uninjured. One Beaufighter engine failure: crew injured.

TA QALI 1345-1435 hrs Three Spitfires 229 Squadron on reconnaissance patrol cross the Sicilian coast over Comiso: no sightings.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 24. Dealt with: 6 High Explosives (2 x 500kg; 4 x 250kg;); 1 anti-personnel container; 18 anti-personnel bombs; 9 oil incendiaries.

(1) Canadian Air Aces and Heroes, WWI, WWII and Korea

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Posted by maltagc70 on September 26, 2022 in 1942, September 1942

Tags: 185 Squadron, 227 Squadron, 249 Squadron, 39 Squadron, Beaufighter, Beaufort, bomb disposal, Gozo, Hebe, Malta, P37, Proteus, Royal Engineers, war diary, World War Two

13-19 September 1942: Malta Celebrates the George Cross

19 Sep

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13 September 1942: George Cross Presentation to People of Malta

WATCH THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY 1942

The daylight skies of Malta are now considered safe enough for a major event to be held in the open air. After months of waiting, His Excellency the Governor and Commander in Chief Viscount Gort, VC made the formal presentation of the George Cross to the people of Malta in Palace Square this morning. The simple and dignified ceremony began with a guard of honour of the Royal Malta Artillery who marched down Kingsway and into the Square, accompanied by the band of the King’s Own Malta Regiment.

At 9.15 am, a wooden display case holding the Cross was carried out of the Palace by Police Commissioner Joseph Axisa and handed to Viscount Gort, who addressed the assembled company:

“On my appointment as Governor of Malta, I was entrusted to carry the George Cross to this Island fortress. By the command of the King, I now present to the People of Malta and her Dependencies the decoration which His Majesty has awarded to them in recognition of the gallant service which they have already rendered in the fight for freedom.

How you have withstood for many months the most concentrated bombing attacks in the history of the world is the admiration of all civilised peoples. Your homes and your historic buildings have been destroyed and only their ruins remain as monuments to the hate of a barbarous foe. The Axis Powers have tried again and again to break your spirit but your confidence in the final triumph of the United Nations remains undimmed.

Governor & C in C presents George Cross to Sir George Borg (c) IWM GM 1765

What Malta has withstood in the past, without flinching, Malta is determined to endure until the day when the second siege is raised. Battle-scarred George Cross Malta, the sentinel of Empire in the Meditteranean, meanwhile stands firm, undaunted and undismayed, awaiting the time when she can call ‘Pass friend, all is well in the Island Fortress.”

Finishing with a reading of the original citation, Viscount Gort formally presented the George Cross to His Honour Sir George Borg Kt, who received it on behalf of the people of Malta and its Dependencies. He then gave a brief address thanking His Majesty and the Governor for the recognition and appreciation of the people of Malta.

The ceremony was attended by the commanding officers of the Army, Navy and Air Forces in Malta, with special places reserved for the captains and officers of the valiant Santa Marija convoy. 1^st Coast Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery provided the Guard of Honour. Squeezed between piles of neatly piled debris from bomb damaged buildings, detachments from all three armed services lined the Square, alongside the Island’s Police, Special Constabulary and Passive Defence Organisations.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 13 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 14 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0800-0840 hrs Five Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are airborne to intercept reported enemy raiders but they do not materialise. In the course of practice flying Sgt Swain goes into a spin from 3000 feet and crashes in a field near Luqa. He is killed and the aircraft destroyed.

0910-1025 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol sight two ME 109s but lose them in the cloud. Two Macchi 202s are then seen flying at great speed. No combats.

0156-0219 hrs Air raid alert. Three enemy bombers approach but only one crosses the coast, dropping bombs on the area of Ta Qali. Heavy Ack Ack engage. Malta’s night fighter is airborne: no engagement.

Military casualties Flight Sergeant Lawrence Swain, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 185 Squadron.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY P34 and P42 returned from patrol and were swept in the Hythe. P35 returned to harbour with engine defect.

AIR HQ 17 Spitfires carried out an offensive reconnaissance over Sicily. Enemy aircraft sighted but no combat. 0245-0440 hrs One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Sicily. Arrivals Two Hudsons, one Beaufort from Gibraltar; two Wellingtons from LG 224. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire stalled and crashed: pilot killed.

HAL FAR 1105-1210 hrs Five Spitfires were airborne on a sweep over South East Sicily: no enemy aircraft sighted.

TA QALI 0720-0830 hrs Seven Spitfires 229 Squadron (one returned early) on reconnaissance patrol over the Sicilian coast. They encountered heavy Ack Ack fire but ¼ mile behind aircraft. Enemy aircraft not sighted. 1845-1935 hrs One Spitfire 249 Squadron and one of 229 Squadron on shipping search: no sightings.

1^st Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT The following letter of appreciation was received: “I am directed by the GOC to convey to you His Excellency’s congratulations on the smartness of the guard provided by the 1^st Bn King’s Own Malta Regiment. The GOC wishes to add his own congratulations and I am to request that you will make this known to the Commander, 1^st Bn The King’s Own Malta Regiment and the NCOs and men who formed the guard.”

14 September 1942: Mystery Loss of Flying Boat Clare

Short S30 flying boat ‘Clare’ (c) IWM CM6525

A Short S30 Flying Boat “Clare” which used to be a regular visitor to Malta has disappeared in mysterious circumstances off the coast of West Africa, near Bathurst, with the loss of all thirteen passengers and six crew. Questions are to be asked in the UK Parliament about the loss of the aircraft which is believed to have developed mechanical trouble and caught fire before ditching into the sea.

Crewed by members of 37 Squadron – a RAF unit well known at Luqa airfield – who were seconded to British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), the flying boat was en route from Lagos to Poole, in England when she went down.

Clare made the first BOAC flight from Britain to Cairo, and Malta was a scheduled stop on the route. In February of this year while on the Island the flying boat survived an enemy bombing raid when she was damaged by incendiaries. In October 1941 she carried King George of Greece and Sir Stafford Cripps on a visit to Gibraltar.

Reflecting their connections with Malta, five of the casualties of 37 Squadron are to be commemorated on the Island’s memorial.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 14 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 15 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0945-1040 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled on intercept patrol: no sightings.

1343-1416 hrs Six Spitfires are scrambled from Hal Far: nothing sighted.

1539-1610 hrs Air raid alert. Nine ME 109s cross the coast but refuse combat and turn back for home.

1750-1820 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to cover the return of a Rodeo mission: no enemy aircraft sighted.

2240 hrs 2^nd Bn Devonshire Regt report seeing lights 4-5 miles out to see, 120 degrees from D Company HQ.

0450-0506 hrs Air raid alert. Four enemy aircraft approach the Island and drop bombs in the sea 5-10 miles north of the Island. A Malta night fighter is airborne and chase on raider but are unable to engage.

Military casualties Radio Officer Edgar Brent, BOAC; First Officer Anthony Cundy, BOAC; Sergeant Eric Lace, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR), 37 Squadron, serving with BOAC; Flying Officer George Musson, Flying Officer, Royal Air Force (O), BOAC, Captain; Radio Officer J Wycherley, BOAC; all crew of the flying-boat Clare. Pilot Officer Albert Dixon, Royal New Zealand Air Force, 37 Squadron; Sergeant James Glansfield, Royal Air Force, 37 Squadron; Flight Sergeant William Kelly, RAF VR; Flight Lieutenant James Maguire, Royal Canadian Air Force, 37 Squadron; Wing Commander Ronald Graham, RAF VR, commanding 37 Squadron; Squadron Leader John Parker, RAF VR, 37 Squadron; Warrant Officer Alick Turley, Royal Air Force, 37 Squadron.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Rye swept P35 out, and Una in from patrol. Una reported one hit on 4000 ton merchant vessel which probably sank.

AIR HQ Day A wing sweep of eight aircraft from 185 Squadron and eight of 249 Squadron led by W/Cdr Thompson carried out an extensive sweep of south east Sicily. Enemy aircraft were reported north of Gela but not sighted. 2350-0250 hrs One Beaufighter carried out an intruder patrol over Sicily.

Arrivals One DC3 from LG 224. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar; one DC3, one Wellington to LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Beaufighter ran off the runway during take-off: crew uninjured. One Spitfire tyre burst on take-off: pilot uninjured.

HAL FAR 0915-1020 hrs Five Spitfires 185 Squadron carried out a sweep over Sicily. Enemy aircraft were reported over Gela but the leader of the Spitfire formation had radio trouble and did not receive the message, so no contact made. One Spitfire from Hal Far burst a tyre on taking off for wing sweep: the undercarriage collapsed and the airscrew was damaged; pilot unhurt.

TA QALI 0635-0725 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron (one returned early) on reconnaissance patrol over Sicilian coast: no sightings. 1700-1925 hrs Nine Spitfires 249 Squadron on Rodeo raid over Sicilian coast: no enemy aircraft sighted.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT All men working on Luqa returned this morning: no men required until next month.

15 September 1942: Admiralty in Negotiations with Italians

SAFE PASSAGE FOR HOSPITAL SHIP UNDER THREAT AFTER SINKING OF ARNO

Hospital ship Arno pre-war as HMAT Wandilla

Rome radio has today alleged that Italian Hospital Ship Arno was sunk last Wednesday night by aerial torpedoes fired by British aircraft. The incident took place about 40 miles east of Ras el Tin, Alexandria, with the loss of 27 lives. If confirmed, this is first recorded incident of Allied action against a hospital ship but not the first since the outbreak of war. A Greek hospital ship was sunk by Italian aircraft in April last year and a Russian vessel sunk by German bombers in November.

The sinking threatens to undermine delicate negotiations with the Italian high command for the safe passage of a ship to take sick and wounded from Malta’s hard-pressed hospitals to Allied territories where they can be more easily catered for.

From: Admiralty To: C in C Mediterranean Rptd: RA Malta; GHQ Middle East

SECRET

1. Your 1117/7 Italian Government replied in June that they would order Axis armed forces to refrain from attack upon the area where our hospital ship was anchored at Malta provided embarkation took place in daylight.

2. At same time they intimated that they would exercise their right under the 10^th Hague Convention to examine the ship on passage to Malta and that this would be facilitated if the ship called voluntarily at Syracuse. Nothing was said about the return voyage.

3. The difficulty remains that under article 12 of 10^th [Hague] Convention the Italians would have a perfect right to stop the ship on return voyage and move all sick and wounded as prisoners of war. We also dislike the idea of putting one of our ships in Italian hands though the ships of the Italian repatriation scheme may be sufficient security for her return.

4. Another possibility is to propose to the Italians that a neutral Red Cross Commission should examine the ship at port of departure, travel to Malta, supervise the embarkation and return with her. This proposal would be accompanied with a request for absolute assurances for freedom from molestation on both outward and homeward voyages. Italians may well refuse and recent sinking of Arno reduces chances of Italian acceptances.

5. It would help us to know the degree of urgency to be attached to the voyage of a hospital ship to Malta.

NEW ENEMY AIRFIELD UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Photo-reconnaissance pilots today reported development of a new aircraft facilities at a former aerodrome 8½ miles south of Cotrone, near Cape Rizzutto. Although much of the surface still appears unusable, extensive levelling appears to be in progress on the north side of the field. A dispersal area with a small hangar and nine blast shelters have also been marked on the site.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 15 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 16 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0615-0655 hrs Five Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali on intercept patrol: no sightings.

ME 109 fighters

0830-0913 hrs Air raid alert for twenty enemy fighters of which eight are identified as ME 109s. Heavy Ack Ack engage and nine Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept. Two ME 109s pass Blue Section moving in the opposite direction but are lost to view. Two ME 109s dive on Red Section out of the sun: the Spitfires turn and dive after the enemy aircraft. As they complete the turn, Sgt Peters is straggling. A Spitfire is reported as performing aerobatics and cannon fire is also seen. Four ME 109s are sighted but are impossible to intercept. Sgt Peters does not return to base and is posted as ‘missing’.

0950-1115 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron search for Sgt Peters. They encounter four ME 109s and engage but no claims are made.

1025-1110 hrs Air raid alert for a fighter sweep of 20 enemy aircraft. Ten Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft but do not engage. Heavy Ack Ack engage. Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol see two Macchi 202s. F/Lt Roscoe fires a one-second burst at one Macchi and sees white smoke pour from the engine as the aircraft turns diving away. P/O Scott turns to attack but is not seen again. Sgt Turner attacks three enemy aircraft but is attacked himself from behind; no damage. On heading back to base Sgt Turner is attacked by an unseen aircraft and is shot up; he is forced to land at Luqa. P/O Scott is posted as ‘missing’.

1033 hrs A friendly sea craft bearing 101 degrees is attacked and bombed by enemy aircraft: no damage.

1610-1650 hrs Air raid alert for fifteen enemy aircraft on a fighter sweep: half cross the Island. Four Spitfires Hal Far are despatched to patrol over Grand Harbour as cover for minesweepers.

1745-1825 hrs Air raid alert. Ten Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled to intercept: they engage four enemy fighters: no claims.

2330-2354 hrs Air raid alert for four enemy aircraft which approach the Island at great height: Heavy Ack Ack engage. Only one raider crosses the coast and drops incendiaries and anti-personnel bombs on Ta Qali, Wardia and Mellieha areas. The other aircraft drop bombs in the sea north east of Grand Harbour and south of Gozo. Malta night fighters are airborne but do not intercept.

Military casualties Flight Sergeant Bernard Peters, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve;Pilot Officer John Scott, Royal Canadian Air Force, 229 Squadron;Private Norman Salmon, Royal Army Medical Corps.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 1942

Qawra Tower

ROYAL NAVY 3rd ML Flotilla carried out a searching sweep of NE coast between Sliema Point and Ras il Kaura at a distance of 2 ½ miles from the coast, with the object of clearing the area used by army Launches towing targets and to give freedom of action to our surface forces in the event of their being required to take action against the enemy in these waters. Owing to the large number of partings only 10% clearance was effected. Many mines were observed 3 to 4 feet below the surface. The Flotilla anchored in St Paul’s Bay for the night.

AIR HQ Night One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Sicily. Arrivals One Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures Two Wellingtons to LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire crashed in the sea, believed due to enemy action: pilot missing.

HAL FAR 1310-1410 hrs Four Spitfires carried out a sweep over south east Sicily. No enemy aircraft seen but accurate Ack Ack encountered near Comiso.

1^st Bn DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY Aerodrome working parties took over duties from 2^nd Bn Queens Own Royal West Kent Regt for one week’s work. Two shifts of one Officer and 50 Other Ranks (OR) each for crater filling and general duties; two shifts of eight OR and 12 OR respectively for refuelling aircraft; one shift of 12 OR ammunition loading, one Sergeant and 16 drivers.

16 September 1942: Lt Governor Flies Home to Recover

Former Lieutenant Governor Sir Edward Jackson left Malta today for England. Sir Edward collapsed two weeks ago with a suspected heart attack while he was deputising for Viscount Gort during his visit to the Middle East. In recent months he has been greatly exercised in overseeing the supply situation in Malta and ensuring the survival of the Island until further convoys can reach the Island. Mr D C Campbell, former Colonial Secretary of Gibraltar, has been appointed as his successor.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 16 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 17 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0855-0935 Air raid alert for twenty enemy fighters which approach the Island from the north at heights of 20-30000 feet. Nine Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept (one returns early). They see nine enemy fighters who attack the Spitfires from the port and stern. The Spitfires break formation and evade the attack: no claims.

1140-1210 hrs Air raid alert for eight enemy fighters in a sweep. Ten Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept: they see enemy aircraft but do not engage.

1700-1710 hrs Air raid alert for six enemy fighters which approach within four miles north of Gozo before receding. Five Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept (one returns early): no sightings.

1750-1815 hrs Air raid alert for twenty enemy aircraft approaching on a high fighter sweep. Ack Ack fire pointer rounds. Nine Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. Red Section sight enemy aircraft but are unable to engage. Blue Section patrolling Grand Harbour see four ME 109s below them and dive to attack. Sgt Wynn fires a two-second burst but makes no claim.

0008-0014 hrs Air raid alert for two enemy aircraft. One drops his bombs in the sea immediately after crossing the Sicilian coast; the other drops bombs 15 miles north of Malta.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 1942

HMS Speedy minesweeping off Malta (NWMA Malta)

ROYAL NAVY 3rd ML Flotilla carried out 90% clearance inside the bay, and then swept down to Grand Harbour without result. Speedy carried out Oropesa search of QBB 273 and LL and SA search of Marsaxlokk.

AIR HQ Night One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Sicity. Arrivals Two Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar.

HAL FAR 185 Squadron released for the day.

TA QALI 0800-0845 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron on reconnaissance patrol over the Sicilian coast: no sightings.

17 September 1942: Enemy Fear Malta Spitfires

According to intelligence summaries, the enemy will not engage with Malta fighters unless absolutely compelled to do so. Their caution proved well-founded today, as three ME 109s and four Macchi 202s were defeated in dog fights by intercepting Spitfires during the morning.

MALTA BEAUFIGHTERS DISABLE AXIS MERCHANTMAN

This morning an unescorted 2000 ton merchant vessel was seen off the Tunisian coast, heading on a southerly course. Six Beaufighters of 227 Squadron – five carrying bombs and one to deal with a reported air escort – were despatched to attack. They found the merchant vessel 30 miles south of Keliba and dived down to mast height to attack. Six 500lb and two 250lb bombs were dropped on the ship. One direct hit with a 500lb bomb and several near-misses hurled the deck cargo into the sea. The vessel came to a halt, listing to port, emitting brown and white smoke and pouring oil.

Cant Z 506 Airone

Later reconnaissance of the scene revealed a long streak of oil and wreckage spread over half a mile, while a Cant Z 506 circled overhead. Some 40 large packing cases and three upturned ship’s boats were drifting nearby and four more boats pulled up on the beach in front of Hammamet village.

One Beaufighter has been reported lost in action. Pilot Officer John Moffatt was making his first operational flight when his aircraft was hit and crashed into the sea, killing all the crew.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 17 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 18 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0850-0935 hrs Air raid alert for 22 enemy aircraft in a fighter sweep. Ten Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept (one spare returns early). Blue Section sights enemy fighters 20 miles off Grand Harbour, go into line astern and attack. F/Lt Roscoe fires a 2-3 second burst at a Macchi 202 and sees pieces fall off its wing roots and fuselage: aircraft probably destroyed. P/O Farmer fires at the enemy leader and sees strikes on the ME 109: aircraft probably destroyed. As he returns to base Sgt Irwin sees two ME 109s and fires a 4 second burst as he closes from 300 yards. Thick grey smoke streams from the engine of one aircraft and the leg of its undercarriage drops down: aircraft damaged.

1100-1145 hrs Air raid alert for 27 enemy aircraft which make a sweep, crossing the coast at Delimara and St Paul’s Bay in three formations. Ten Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled to intercept but see nothing. Ten Spitfires 229 Squadron are also scrambled to intercept. Sgt Irwin attacks a ME 109 head-on, seeing strikes on its wings and fuselage: one radiator falls off and glycol streams out – aircraft probably destroyed. Sgt Irwin also attacks a Macchi from astern, seeing strikes on the fuselage and tail plane – aircraft damaged. P/O Farmer is shot down in the sea and picked up later by the High Speed Launch: he suffers bruises only.

1555-1630 hrs Air raid alert for 18 enemy fighters which approach at between 26000 and 30000 feet but do not cross the coast. Two Spitfires Hal Far patrol over minesweepers but see no enemy aircraft. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are also scrambled but see no enemy aircraft.

1700-1730 hrs Air raid alert for nine enemy fighters which approach in two formations. Six Spitfires are scrambled from Hal Far and patrol over the Island: no combat.

Night No air raid alerts.

Military casualties Pilot Officer John Dicker, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR); Pilot Officer John Moffatt, RAF VR.

Civilian casualties Mgarr Saviour Bugeja, age 8. Mosta Carmel Bezzina, age 73.

Submarine P43 HMS Unison

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Speedy swept P43 from patrol and later Hebe swept Utmost to sea.

AIR HQ Departures Two Hudsons to Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire shot down into the sea by enemy action: pilot rescued uninjured. One Beaufighter missing from patrol: crew missing.

18 September 1942: A Raid-Free Day

AIR RAIDS DAWN 18 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 19 SEPTEMBER 1942

No air raid alerts.

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

1620-1735 hrs Five Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled on intercept patrol: nothing seen.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Hebe swept P35 into harbour. P46 proceeded on patrol.

AIR HQ Departures Two Beauforts to LG 224.

LUQA Luqa won their 11^th successive cricket match, beating the Convoy XI at Marsa. Luqa 161 for 3 wickets; Convoy XI 32 all out.

19 September 1942: Malta Troops in Landing Craft Training Exercise

TROOPS ON LANDING CRAFT EXERCISES

Two Motor Landing Craft arrived in St Paul’s Bay today. Units of 2^nd Brigade will carry out practice landings from these craft. The nature of the future operation for which they will be used has not been revealed.

WW2 landing craft (c) IWM A17955

MALTA BOMBERS ATTACK TWO CONVOYS

Four Beaufighters of 227 Squadron today carried out a low-level bombing attack on three small vessels of about 1000 tons which were crawling along the coast from Tripoli towards Benghazi. The Beaufighters came upon the convoy 24 miles east of Tripoli, just three miles from shore, where they attacked, dropping seven 500lb bombs close to the ships. All three were also raked with cannon fire. One of the ships ground to a halt; its wheel house collapsed and grey smoke pouring from the stern. The other two ships headed for shore and were later reported heading back for Tripoli under tow.

Then tonight six Wellingtons of 69 Squadron launched an attack on a southbound convoy of two 7000 ton merchant vessels with seven destroyers as escort, 75 miles south of Sapienza. An effective enemy smoke-screen made accurate bombing impossible but the bombers managed to unleash four 1000lb and twenty 500lb bombs on the convoy. Pilots reported near-misses on two destroyers but results cannot be confirmed due to the restricted visibility.

MILITARY SITUATION REPORT WEEK ENDING 19 SEPTEMBER 1942

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

1. Enemy air – day: total 209 fighter sorties; approx 50 crossed the coast. Two ME 109s destroyed; two ME 109s, one Macchi 202 probably destroyed; four Macchi 202s damaged. Our losses two Spitfires missing, one Spitfire destroyed (pilot safe); one Spitfire damaged (pilot unhurt). Night: 18 bombers approached, only 3 crossed coast. Bombs area Ta Qali, Mellieha, St Paul’s Bay; no damage.

2. Own air – daylight: (A) Total 10 Beaufighter sorties: result one merchant vessel 2-3000 tons left stationary, oil pouring from sides; one ship 1000 tons left stationary. Strikes with cannon and machine gun on three ships 1000 tons. One Beaufighter missing. (B) Total approx 70 Spitfire sorties offensive reconnaissance Sicily: two flying boats destroyed, one Macchi 202 damaged. One Spitfire missing. Night: (A) Total six Beaufighters intruder patrols Sicily. (B) Nine Wellingtons attacked two merchant vessels escorted by seven destroyers: no results seen due to effective smoke screen.

3. Approx 250 Army personnel daily assisting RAF servicing etc. Three UXBs totalling 0.6 tons disposed of not including incendiaries and anti-personnel.

4. Military casualties and damage – nil.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 19 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 20 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

Day No air raid alerts.

1100-1230 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled on intercept patrol: no enemy aircraft sighted.

1715-1835 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled on intercept patrol: no enemy aircraft sighted.

1755-1900 hrs Five Spitfires from Hal Far are sent to search for a missing Spitfire from the Photo-Reconnaissance Unit: nothing found.

0237-0322 hrs Air raid alert for five enemy aircraft approaching the Island. Only one crosses the coast and drops bombs in the area of St Paul’s Bay.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Talisman is 24 hours overdue. P211 arrived from Gibraltar, not having been expected until the following day. She was swept in by Hythe. P44 arrived and reported having sunk two small ships and damaged another off Misurata. Ploughboy carried out trial SS and LL sweep of Grand Harbour entrance having completed 5 months of refit.

AIR HQ Night One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Sicily. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire failed to return from reconnaissance mission: pilot missing.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 3. Dealt with 1 high explosive 250kg; 1 anti-personnel container; 13 anti-personnel bombs; 30 oil incendiaries.

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Posted by maltagc70 on September 19, 2022 in 1942, September 1942

Tags: 185 Squadron, 229 Squaddron, 249 Squadron, 37 Squadron, 3rd Minelaying Flotilla, 69 Squadron, Arno, Clare, hospital ship, Malta, Royal Canadian Air Force, war diary, World War 2

13 September 1942: George Cross Presented to People of Malta

13 Sep

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WATCH THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY 1942

At 9.15 am, a wooden display case holding the Cross was carried out of the Palace by Police Commissioner Joseph Axisa and handed to Viscount Gort, who addressed the assembled company:

Governor & C in C presents George Cross to Sir George Borg (c) IWM GM 1765

AIR RAIDS DAWN 13 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 14 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0910-1025 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol sight two ME 109s but lose them in the cloud. Two Macchi 202s are then seen flying at great speed. No combats.

Military casualties Flight Sergeant Lawrence Swain, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 185 Squadron.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY P34 and P42 returned from patrol and were swept in the Hythe. P35 returned to harbour with engine defect.

HAL FAR 1105-1210 hrs Five Spitfires were airborne on a sweep over South East Sicily: no enemy aircraft sighted.

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

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Posted by maltagc70 on September 13, 2022 in 1942, September 1942

Tags: 185 Squadron, 229 Squadron, 249 Squadron, 37 Squadron, 3rd Minelaying Flotilla, 69 Squadron, Arno, Clare, Malta, Royal Canadian Air Force, war diary, World War Two

6-12 September 1942: Malta Prays as Children Cry for Bread

12 Sep

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DON’T MISS NEXT WEEK – 70^TH ANNIVERSARY OF GEORGE CROSS PRESENTATION TO MALTA ON 13 SEPTEMBER 1942

“We were very close to starvation…I remember one particularly moving scene when a five year old boy with tears streaming down his face kept asking his mother for a slice of bread and the mother, weeping, saying, I haven’t got any, my son’… none of us there had any food to give him.” Carmen Sapiano (1)

6 September 1942: Malta Unites to Pray for Deliverance

Barracca Chapel, Valletta

The population of Malta, military and civilian alike, attended churches across the Island today to mark a National Day of Prayer. At 10 o’clock this morning the Army’s General Officer Commanding joined troops at the Barracca Church for a special service, followed by a parade outside the church and march back to barracks. This evening the GOC inspected the Home Guard at Qormi, Birkirkara, Sliema and St Julian’s.

ATTACK ON AXIS CONVOY COSTS THIRTEEN AIRMEN

This morning two 7000 ton merchant vessels from Taranto were seen to join up with 4800 ton SS Ankara and another 7-8000 tons merchantman from Brindisi. The convoy then proceeded south eastwards towards the Greek coast, escorted by eleven destroyers and patrolled by six Macchi fighters and six JU 88s.

Receiving details of the convoy, Air HQ Malta ordered nine Beauforts of 39 Squadron into the air, with eleven Beaufighters of 89 and 227 Squadrons. At 1330 hrs this afternoon, the attacking force caught up with the convoy 30 miles south of Cape Santa Maria di Leuca and attacked. Five of the Beaufighters drew the fire of the enemy air escort, destroying one JU 88, probably destroying a Macchi 200 and damaging one JU 88, one Macchi 200 and a flying boat.

Meanwhile the remaining six Beaufighters swooped in to divert defensive flak from the convoy, raking the destroyers and merchant ships with machine-gun and cannon fire, and dropping twelve 250 lb bombs, scoring several near-misses. Cleared to reach their target, the Beauforts released eight torpedoes, scoring at least one hit and another possible on a merchant vessel, which began to belch smoke. The Beauforts also destroyed one Macchi 200 and damaged two others as well as one JU 88.

Six Beauforts and two Beaufighters were damaged by enemy fighters or anti-aircraft flak during the raid. One Beauforts and three Beaufighters failed to return from the raid: thirteen Air Force personnel have been reported missing, presumed killed. The crew of the Beaufort piloted by Flight Sergeant Watlington had a lucky escape when their aircraft was hit and damaged by enemy fighters. Wireless Operator, Sergeant Hugh McIllaney and Air Gunner, Sergeant Leslie Tester, were both wounded by shrapnel. The Navigator Sergeant Charles Grant, rushed help, administering first aid to stop the bleeding. Sgt Grant then took over the Vickers gun to ward off further enemy attackers. Despite damage to The Beaufort’s hydraulics, flaps, tail assembly and turret, Flt Sgt Watlington managed to fly it back to Luqa and make a safe landing.

Later reconnaissance missions report that only three merchant ships and ten destroyers remained in the convoy: one merchantman was reported beached near Corfu.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 6 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 7 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility good.

1405-1414 hrs Air raid alert. Two enemy aircraft come to within 20 miles of the coast and then recede.

1720-1830 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to cover a returning fighter sweep: no sightings.

1910-1935 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron search for missing aircraft.

Maqluba Church

2038 hrs HQ Coy, 3^rd Bn Kings Own Malta Regiment report a ‘golden rain’ rocket over west Zurrieq, moving towards Maqluba Church. C Company patrol but report seeing nothing. Rocket believed to have been used by villagers.

Military casualties Sergeant Arthur Calvert, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR); Flight Sergeant James Cunningham, RAF VR, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; Sergeant Edward Cox, RAF VR; Sergeant Kevin Duncan, RAF VR; Lieutenant R Clifford Evans, South African Air Force, pilot; Flight Sergeant Roy Gibbons, RAF VR; Flight Lieutenant Donald Sharman, RAF, pilot; Sergeant Michael Wadham, RAF VR; Pilot Officer Robert Watson, RAF VR, all 39 [Beaufort] Squadron.

Sergeant Albert Cusworth, RAF VR, Navigator; Lieutenant Frederick Noome, South African Air Force, pilot; Flying Officer Dennis Partridge, Royal Australian Air Force, pilot; Sergeant Anthony Vivian, RAF VR, navigator; all 227 [Beaufighter] Squadron.

Gunner Carmel Buttigieg, 3 LAA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Speedy swept P44 to sea and then anchored at Marsaxlokk. An enemy merchant vessel was attacked when in convoy off Cape Ducato, by Beaufighters and Beauforts, and was hit and probably sunk.

AIR HQ Night Four Wellingtons were despatched to attack enemy shipping: no sightings. Arrivals One DC3 from LG 224; five Wellingtons from Gibraltar. Departures Three Hudsons to Gibraltar; one DC3, two Wellingtons to LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Wellington ran off the runway during take-off and crashed into a Beaufighter: crew uninjured. One Beaufort crashed on landing with hydraulic and turret trouble: crew uninjured. Six Beauforts and two Beaufighters were damaged by enemy fighters or flak while on shipping strike: one Beaufighter was seen crashing into the sea, two others and one Beaufort failed to return to base: all four crews are missing. One Beaufort’s Wireless Operator/Air Gunner was killed but the rest of its crew returned uninjured. Two Wireless Operators/Air Gunners were injured on board another Beaufort; the rest of the crew were unhurt and all returned to base. The crews of the remaining two Beauforts escaped injury and returned to base.

LUQA 0730 hrs Holy Communion in Poor House Cinema. 2030 hrs Community hymn singing.

TA QALI 0700-0815 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron were despatched on offensive reconnaissance. S/Ldr Woods attacked one of two 25 ton grey motor-driven two-masted craft, obtaining strikes on the hull and cabin with a four-second burst of cannon and machine-guns. The other Spitfires did not fire, in some doubt as to the identity of the craft. 1110-1220 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron on offensive reconnaissance: no sightings.

7 September 1942: Wellingtons Attack Surviving Axis Ships

RAF armourers prepare 500lb bombs for convoy attacks

The surviving vessels of the Axis convoy attacked by Malta air forces yesterday were today reported continuing on their course south eastwards. Today three Wellingtons of 69 Squadron were sent to carry out a further attack. Fifty miles north of Cape Aamer the Wellingtons came upon two merchant vessels with three destroyers as escort. The bombers released twelve 500lb bombs which they reported landing within 10 yards of the larger merchant ship. No damage report has yet been received.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 7 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 8 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0645-0745 hrs Two Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali search for a missing Beaufort crew: no sightings.

1210-1256 hrs Four Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled and orbit the Island at 12000 feet: nothing seen.

0103-0118 hrs Air raid alert: one enemy aircraft drops bombs in the sea five miles north east of Grand Harbour. A Malta night fighter is airborne and chases the unidentified raider but is unable to intercept.

Military casualties Flight Lieutenant Wallis Brown, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 1942

P46 HMS Unruffled returns to Malta after patrol

ROYAL NAVY Speedy swept P46 and Utmost in from sea. While towing targets in St Paul’s Bay area, WD vessel Clive swept two mines with her towing wire.

AIR HQ 1928-2300 hrs One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Sicily. Arrivals One Wellington, four Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures Two Beauforts, three Wellingtons to LG 224.

HAL FAR 0748-0850 hrs Seven Spitfires (one spare) flew over south east Sicily on Rodeo: nothing sighted.

LUQA Camp cinema: Tarzan Finds a Son.

TA QALI 1130-1240 hrs Five Spitfires 229 Squadron on offensive reconnaissance (two returned early): no enemy aircraft sighted.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT B Coy fired light machine guns on Pembroke Range. Other Coys on intensified training.

1^st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT Brigade ordered special vigilance for mine-watching posts.

Tuesday 8 September 1942: Maltese Go Hungry As Rations Prove Inedible

Thousands who were served at Victory Kitchens today with a new rationed version of Balbuljata (2), using powdered eggs with minced vegetables, threw the food away in protest. This is the second time a dish has been rejected as unpalatable: a week ago liver stew was found to be too bitter to stomach.

As well as claiming the Balbuljata was inedible, people expressed fury at the small portion on offer: no more than two tablespoonfuls, with another two of peas. The Government decided that due to shortages the dish must remain on the Victory Kitchen menu but subscribers will be allowed to opt out of the meal by paying for six meals instead of seven weekly. So far, very few have taken up the offer as they have no alternative way to feed themselves. (3)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 8 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 9 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

RAF Air Sea Rescue Launch

1008-1032 hrs Air raid alert. Four ME 109s cross the Island at great height. Heavy Ack Ack fire pointer rounds. Malta fighters are scrambled to intercept: one Spitfire is shot down into the sea off Bubaqra Battery. The pilot bales out and is later picked up uninjured by the Rescue Launch.

1050-1125 hrs Five Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled on intercept patrol: no sightings.

1550-1700 hrs Ten Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled to intercept three unidentified enemy aircraft: no engagement.

1855-1920 hrs Five Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled on intercept patrol: no sightings.

0001-0010 hrs Air raid alert. Three enemy aircraft approach to within 15 miles of the Island.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 1942

AIR HQ 2240 hrs One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Sicily. Departures Three Hudsons to Gibraltar; one Wellington to LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire was shot up by enemy fighters: pilot baled out, landed in the sea and was rescued uninjured.

HAL FAR 1127-1251 hrs Ten Spitfires (two spare, which returned early) flew over Lampedusa: nothing seen. 1824-1932 hrs Five Spitfires flew over south east Sicily as far as Comiso on Rodeo: no enemy aircraft seen.

LUQA Camp cinema: Rhythm on the River

TA QALI 0750-0845 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron on offensive reconnaissance (two return early): no enemy aircraft sighted. 1500-1600 hrs Ten Spitfires 229 Squadron and twelve of 249 Squadron on Rodeo (four of 229 return early). Four enemy aircraft were sighted but no interception possible.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT A Coy commenced firing on Pembroke Range. B Coy commenced changeover of billets Polverista to Dockyard. C Coy normal training.

1^st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT Lighter down in the sea 214 degrees Ta Silch Observation Post, two miles out.

9 September 1942: Black Marketeers Face Jail

32 days prison for stealing a tin of corned beef

…we could no longer get enough bread to satisfy our hunger on the grounds that supplies of flour are just about enough to meet the needs of the registered families. At that stage my family began to really feel the hunger brought on by the shortages…Protection Officers, with their staff, had the job of organizing the distribution and control of food to the families in their district. Each family was issued with a Ration Card. On it was written the number of men, women and children and the total weight of bread the family is allowed per day. Besides the allowance of bread, on the card was written the quantities of other foodstuff allowed per fortnight… At the back of the card there used be a number of squares printed with a number in each square [to] represent the day of the month.

Black market was rampant in towns and villages. The suppliers were normally the farmers who insisted on gold rather than paper money for payment…In view of the very grievous situation Malta was in at the time, the authorities took an extremely serious view of any stealing of goods which was costing so many lives and ships to bring in to the starving population and the garrison. Just one typical example: caught stealing one tin of corned beef off an unloading operation in the ports was punishable with thirty two days imprisonment.” J A Zahra, 2011

AIR RAIDS DAWN 9 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 10 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0925-0935 hrs; 1010-1040 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron at a time scrambled on intercept patrol: no sightings.

1330-1342 hrs Air raid alert. 15 enemy fighters approach but none cross the coast.

1313-1409 hrs Ten Spitfires are scrambled from Hal Far and patrol over St Paul’s Bay and the Island: nothing seen.

2236-2308 hrs Air raid alert. Three enemy aircraft approach to within five miles of Dingli, dropping bombs in the sea. Malta night fighters are airborne: no engagement.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Speedy, Hebe, Rye and 4 motor launches carried out a clearance sweep from position 210 miles to the northward. No mines were swept. The sweepers were reported as a convoy by German fighters. The two mines cut by Clive‘s towing wire the previous day were sunk by gunfire.

De Havilland Flamingo

AIR HQ Twelve Spitfire sorties on offensive reconnaissance over Sicily. One Macchi 202 and one ME 109 destroyed for the loss of one Spitfire. 2250 hrs One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Sicily. Arrivals One Wellington, one Flamingo, one Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire failed to return from a fighter sweep over enemy territory; believed force-landed: pilot missing.

HAL FAR 0930-1045 hrs Seven Spitfires flew over Sicily on Rodeo and attacked 3-4 enemy aircraft over Biscara. Captain Kuhlmann shot down a Macchi 202. Sgt Weaver, DFM crash-landed in Sicily and was taken prisoner. 1730-1840 hrs Five Spitfires flew over Sicily on Rodeo: nil report.

LUQA Camp cinema concert: Fly Gang in a new show.

TA QALI 0650-0745 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on offensive reconnaissance: no enemy sighted. 1400-1500 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron on offensive reconnaissance (one spare returned early). A few bursts of light flak 45 miles north east of Gela. No enemy aircraft sighted.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT A Coy fired rifles on Pembroke Range. B Coy continued move and D Coy moved from St Clements to Polverista. Remainder on training.

10 September 1942: Victory Kitchens Need Urgent Review, Says Strickland

Colonel R Strickland today moved a motion in the Council of Government to appoint a Select Committee to report on the running of the Victory Kitchens and make recommendations for improvements. The food distribution system is now struggling under the sheer weight of demand: since 1^st August, the number of subscribers has trebled to 60,000. Many have felt forced to join since the Communal Feeding Department is now commandeering all available produce, leaving those outside the scheme unable to obtain meat or vegetables. Introducing his proposal, Col Strickland highlighted the people’s complaints:

“Extreme dissatisfaction prevails regarding the running of the Victory Kitchens, and the lot of the housewife has become well nigh impossible…The personnel employed in the Victory Kitchens is not suitable…[lacking] adequate knowledge of local customs and of Maltese habits and tastes…The Department is buying supplies at prices above the established controlled price…Cooks maintain that too much food is given to them, they do not cook it, by next morning it disappears…The cooking is bad…Another serious thing [is the] unequal portions being meted out…” (2)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 10 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 11 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0735-0815 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled on intercept patrol: no sightings.

0835-0930 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne to cover 1435 Squadron returning from a fighter sweep.

1003-1111 hrs Five Spitfires Hal Far area scrambled on intercept patrol: nothing seen.

2000 hrs Observers report three shipping plots three miles north east of the island.

2020 hrs C and D Coys, 1^st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report small craft in DELs, 30 degrees RA3.

2030 hrs Dorsetshire Regt report more craft in DELs: guns fire.

0005-0036 hrs Air raid alert. Four enemy aircraft approach to within 10-15 miles of Gozo and drop bombs in the sea. Malta night fighters are airborne: no engagement.

Military casualties Sergeant Roland Ainsworth, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR); Sergeant Thomas Kirkham, RAF VR; Sergeant William Law, RAF VR; Flight Sergeant James Pilling, RAF VR; Pilot Officer John Pope, RAF VR; Flight Sergeant Ruskin Rice, Royal Canadian Air Force; Sergeant Joseph Sloan, RAF VR; all 202 Squadron.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY 2130 hrs Three MTBs were reported from the plot one mile from the coast between Madliena and St. Paul’s Bay. Nothing was sighted.

AIR HQ 0010-0240 hrs One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Sicily: no enemy aircraft seen. Arrivals One Beaufort from Gibraltar. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar.

HAL FAR 0636-0756 hrs Five Spitfires flew over south east Sicily on Rodeo: nothing seen.

LUQA Luqa beat the Merchant Navy in a cricket match at Marsa: Luqa 107 for 6 declared; Merchant Navy 104. Camp cinema: Lady of the Tropics.

TA QALI 1000-1105 hrs Five Spitfires 229 Squadron (one spare returned early) on offensive reconnaissance. Enemy aircraft were reported but none sighted.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT A Coy fired rifles on Pembroke Range. One Officer and one NCO attended bomb recce course under Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal. B, C and D Coys held weekly night exercise.

11 September 1942: Malta Commanders Gather in Secret

Bomb damage in Palace Square, Valletta

Malta dignitaries, military and civil defence personnel gathered in Valletta today in conditions of the utmost secrecy to rehearse for the formal presentation of the George Cross to the Island which takes place on Sunday next. With the recent reduction in air attacks and the evident superiority of the RAF in the skies over Malta, the Governor and Commander in Chief has decided it is now safe for the important ceremony to take place. However, for security reasons it has been decided not to announce details of Sunday’s event beyond Malta’s shores.

The George Cross will be officially handed over by Lord Gort to Sir George Borg, Chief Justice of Malta at 9.15 am in Palace Square, which has been cleared of debris for the occasion. The Royal Malta Artillery have been chosen to provide the guard of honour and the band of the King’s Own Malta Regiment will play for the ceremony.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 11 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 12 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

1024-1038 hrs Air raid alert. One enemy fighter approaches the Island at 6000 feet to within eight miles of Grand Harbour, then recedes.

1200-1250 hrs Five Spitfires 229 Squadron (one spare returned early) on patrol: no enemy aircraft sighted.

2330-0042 hrs Air raid alert. Three enemy bombers approach the Island. One comes within five miles north of St Paul’s Bay and another 15 miles west of Dingli: both drop bombs in the sea. The third crosses the coast and drops bombs on the northern end of Ta Qali. Heavy Ack Ack engage. Malta night fighters are airborne: no engagement.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY P35 was swept out by Hebe and proceeded on patrol.

AIR HQ Two Wellingtons were despatched to locate and destroy a submarine in the Benghazi area: no sighting. Arrivals One Hudson, two Wellingtons from Gibraltar; one DC3 from Shallufa. Departures One Flamingo, one DC3 to LG 224; one Hudson to Gibraltar.

LUQA Camp cinema: At the Circus.

TA QALI 0725-0820 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron on reconnaissance patrol over Sicilian coast: no enemy aircraft sighted. 1125-1300 hrs Five Spitfires 229 Squadron (one spare returned early) on reconnaissance patrol over Sicilian coast: no enemy aircraft sighted. 1830-1940 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron on shipping patrol: no sightings.

10^th Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT Dress rehearsal for presentation of George Cross to Malta.

12 September 1942: Malta Air Forces 40 Attacks in 7 Days

MILITARY SITUATION REPORT WEEK ENDING 12 SEPTEMBER 1942

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

Ta Qali

1. Enemy air activity slight. 22 fighter sorties by day, 18 bomber sorties by night. One bomber crossed the coast: bombs on Ta Qali.

2. Beauforts and Beaufighters attacked a convoy of four merchant vessels and eleven destroyers. One merchant vessel hit, one probably hit. Two enemy aircraft escorting destroyed, one probable, six damaged.

3. Military damage and casualties [in Malta] nil. Training continues.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 12 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 13 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

0925-1025 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled on intercept patrol: no sightings.

1122-1226 hrs Five Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled and patrol the Island between Comino and Zonqor at 14000 feet: nothing seen.

1216-1308 hrs Four Spitfires Hal Far are airborne as cover for returning Spitfires, patrolling ato 14000 feet, 30-40 miles north of Grand Harbour: nothing seen.

2143-2203 hrs Air raid alert. Four enemy aircraft approach the Island at 23-26000 feet but drop all bombs in the sea.

Military casualties Nil.

Civilian casualties Qrendi Grezzju Dalli, age 52.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Hythe carried out search of QBB 273.

AIR HQ Twelve Spitfires carried out an offensive reconnaissance over Sicily. Four Beaufighters were despatched on shipping strike: no sightings. Night One Beaufighter on intruder patrol over Sicily. Arrivals One Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar; one Wellington to LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Beaufighter swung off the runway during take-off: crew uninjured.

HAL FAR 1530-1626 hrs Four Spitfires were despatched on Rodeo to south east Sicily: nil report.

LUQA Camp cinema concert.

TA QALI 1135-1235 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron on reconnaissance patrol over Sicilian coast encountered heavy Ack Ack at 16000 feet, accurate at height being only 250-500 yards behind Spitfires. No enemy aircraft sighted.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 18. Dealt with: 10 High Explosives inc 2 delayed action (1 x 1000kg; 1 x 500kg; 4 x 250kg; 3 x 50kg; 1 x 12kg AP); 18 anti-personnel bombs.

(1) The People’s War, Malta 1940/43, Laurence Mizzi, Progress Press, Malta 1998

(2) Normally made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes and onion

(3) Adapted from When Malta Stood Alone (1940-1943), Joseph Micallef, Interprint Malta, 1981

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Posted by maltagc70 on September 12, 2022 in 1942, September 1942

Tags: 13 September 1942, 202 Squadron, 227 Squadron, 39 Squadron, bomb disposal, Malta, Royal Engineers, Victory Kitchen, war diary, World War 2

30 August-5 September 1942: Malta Faces Malnutrition

05 Sep

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30 August 1942: Rations Cut Again – Meat Only Twice a Week

From: Governor Malta To: Air Ministry 30 August 1942

Please pass to Secretary of State for the Colonies and Chiefs of Staff MidEast please pass to Minister of State Cairo.

1. Unloading and dispersal of supplies from convoy is now complete except for aviation and benzene, fortress can hold out until early December. Aviation spirit position has been reported separately to Chiefs of Staff in HQ Med Sig 0726 of 25/8. Benzine consumption has been reduced to 15,200 gallons per week but even so stocks will only last until mid-November. Benzine can be made to last until target date by drawing on 77 octane but this is likely to be required for blending with aviation spirit. We have 600 tons of 77 octane available, of which 250 tons are held as fortress reserve of MT spirit and 100 tons are needed for consumption by naval and RAF craft.

2. Target date of early December allows for following adjustments of consumption on civil side:

(i) Bread ration for men between 16 and 60 will be increased by 3½ ounces per day to 14 ounces.
(ii) Fat ration will be at half normal ration level during September but I hope to increase it to normal level at beginning of October.
(iii) Regular issues of edible oil will be made at normal ration rates.
(iv) There will be regular issues of coffee with possibly one period skipped.
(v) Regular weekly issues of kerosene will be made as from 1^st October but at summer rather than higher winter rate.
(vi) Domestic electricity supply will be restored on 1^st October.
(vii) Brewing will be resumed as soon as possible.
(viii) Present reduced rations of sugar and soap will be maintained, sugar being issued twice every three half-monthly periods and soap once very two periods.

3. Victory kitchens now have 60,000 persons registered and 170 kitchens are in operation. Further rapid expansion is possible but supply of vegetables cannot be further increased while potatoes are now almost unobtainable and meat supply is not as great as was expected and is already falling off. In future it will be possible to provide meat on only two days a week instead of five, and this may later have to be reduced to one if registration increases as expected.

Victory Kitchen

In this situation I have been carefully considering the future of the Victory kitchens. Allowing for small increases in rations now being made, calorie value of rationed foods per day for a man between 16 and 60 who is member of average size family is 1300, or 200 calories below figure normally taken as minimum. Outside rations, very little food is obtainable. Fresh meat, fish and vegetables are all too scarce to be rationed, even if this were possible from other points of view. Marketing of meat and vegetables is now under control of Government and no meat except poultry and rabbits and small amount only of vegetables is being sold on open market. Victory kitchens provide only satisfactory method of distributing evenly what meat and vegetables are available and if we were now to revert to old arrangement under which kitchens provide meals only on surrender of rations allowing majority of meat and vegetable supply to return to open market, effect would be that poorer classes would get very little, while those who are prepared to pay any price would obtain what they wished.

4. I am satisfied that in our present food situation it is essential to continue existing policy of providing one meal a day through kitchens outside rations so as to raise calorie value of diet to about 1800 calories. This can only be done by introducing considerable quantities of imported supplies into the menus. I have decided accordingly that all civil supplies of dried vegetables, dried eggs and cheese shall be allotted to the communal feeding department and that [pasta] shall be issued through kitchens on a substantial scale, estimated to absorb 230 tons of flour per month on an average registration of 150,000 persons. This allotment of flour has been allowed for in calculating target date. Menu will then consist of macaroni and cheese on two days, minestra on two days, meat and vegetables on two days and an egg dish on one day. I anticipate that effect of new policy will be to encourage rapid increase in registration.

5. In spite of increased issues described above, the civil food situation is still causing me considerable anxiety. Rates of rations and general scale of diet remain low. No signs of serious malnutrition have yet appeared but prolonged continuance of present food shortage must have its effect both on health and morale and shortage will be more seriously felt in winter. Anything which can be done by special means at any time before another convoy is run, to supplement diet by importing concentrated foodstuffs or food of small bulk, will help greatly. I will telegraph our immediate requirements of these types of food in the course of the next two days in case any special opportunity occurs to send such supplies.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 30 AUGUST TO DAWN 31 AUGUST 1942

Weather Fine; little or no cloud: visibility 15-20 miles. Wind variable becoming southerly; light.

No air raid alerts.

1105-1215 hrs; 1625-1725 Ten Spitfires 249 Squadron then ten 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled on patrol: no enemy aircraft are sighted.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 1942

ROYAL NAVY Clyde arrived from Gibraltar and was swept into Marsaxlokk by Hythe. Una sailed on patrol.

AIR HQ Day Nine Beauforts escorted by eleven Beaufighters were despatched to attack an enemy convoy. Night One Beaufighter carried out an intruder patrol over Sicily. Arrivals Two Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures Four Beauforts to LG 224.

HAL FAR Ten Spitfires went out to area 15-30 miles south east of Correnti Island and patrolled at 20000 feet over returning Beauforts. No enemy aircraft seen.

TA QALI Final movement of 248 Squadron pilots to United Kingdom.

31 August 1942: Alerts Total 2225 in 25 Months

AIR RAID STATISTICS AUGUST 1942

Total number of alerts to date 2225
Total number of alerts this month 141
Bombing raids day 39 night 20
Raid-free days 3
Night raids 37
Raid-free nights 12
Alerts for own planes 8
Total time from air raid alert to raiders passed 2 days, 56 mins
Average length of alert 29.1 mins
Killed 41 (15 men, 12 women, 14 children)
Seriously injured 33 (10 men, 14 women, 9 children)
Buildings seriously damaged 58

OPERATION PEDESTAL UPDATE

Ledbury after Operation Pedestal, NWMA Malta

A total of 568 survivors from ships sunk during Operation Pedestal were landed at Malta. 207 of whom sailed in Penn, Bramham, and Ledbury on 18th August. The remainder being evacuated by air as opportunity arises. The bulk of the cargo was unloaded by 23rd August, about 12,000 tons of furnace fuel, 3600 tons of diesel fuel, and 32,000 tons of general cargo having been received. The enemy made no attempt to bomb any of the ships after they had arrived in harbour, or, in fact, once they were within comfortable range of shore based fighter protection.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 31 AUGUST TO DAWN 1 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Weather fine, visibility 20-30 miles. Wind south-westerly, light; varying north westerly, light to moderate.

Day No air raid alerts.

0915-1005 hrs; 1515-1645 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron then four of 249 Squadron Ta Qali carry out patrols: no enemy aircraft sighted.

2221-2246 hrs Air raid alert. Two enemy bombers approached from the north but receded before crossing the coast.

Military casualties Able Seaman Arthur Jones, Royal Navy.

Civilian casualties Birzebbugia Carmela Ellul, age 30. Mqabba Emanuel Zammit, age 7; Joseph Zammit, age 6. Paola Emanuel Paris. Qormi Spiro Saliba, age 40.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 31 AUGUST 1942

ROYAL NAVY ML carried out sweep of the area extending seaward of entrances to Grand Harbour and Marsamxett to the 40 fathom line, and swept two moored mines and one conical float.

AIR HQ Departures Two Hudsons to Gibraltar; one Bisley to LG 224.

INFANTRY R Company, Lancashire Fusiliers, took over area from E Company, 2^nd Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment, and vice versa.

1 September 1942: Anti-Personnel Bomb Kills Two Children

MALTA FIGHTERS’ SCORE NEARS 1000

Malta Radar stations detect raiders (NWMA Malta)

Reports released today show that 936 Axis aircraft have been destroyed over Malta or by Malta-based aircraft since Italy entered the war in June 1940.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 1 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 2 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fine, visibility 10-15 miles.

1300 hrs One anti-personnel bomb explodes on Ta Qali aerodrome, seriously injuring three Maltese children: two of them die in hospital.

1858-1907 hrs Air raid alert for three enemy fighters. Five Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept but the raiders turn back five miles from the Island.

Military casualties Nil.

Civilian casualties Rabat Francis Sammut, age 16; Carmel Tanti, age 14.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY P35 arrived and was swept into harbour, having sunk a southbound 5,000 ton merchant vessel.

AIR HQ 2150 hrs Five Wellingtons 69 Squadron were despatched to attack a 4000 ton tanker with an escort of two destroyers near Corfu. They dropped four 250lb and twenty 500lb bombs with several near-misses: the convoy continued on course. One Wellington missing. 0130 hrs One Beaufighter carried out an intruder patrol over Sicily. No enemy sighted.

Arrivals Four Beauforts, three Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures Two Hudsons to Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire tyre burst on take-off, crash-landed: pilot uninjured. One Beaufighter undercarriage collapsed on landing: crew uninjured.

HAL FAR 0930-1035 hrs Four Spitfires Hal Far carried out a high level sweep over Correnti Island, Noto, Ragusa and Pozzala in Sicily. No enemy aircraft or shipping sighted. 1315-1325 hrs The Spitfire of Pilot Officer Cheek crash-landed on an air test: his tyre burst on take-off and he had to land ‘wheels up’.

LUQA Luqa beat the Gun Operations Room in a cricket match: results Luqa 108 (Neale 46), GOA 97. Camp Cinema: Captain Fury.

TA QALI 0705-0805 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron carried out a sweep over Sicily: no enemy aircraft sighted. 1200-1315 hrs Nine Spitfires 229 Squadron and nine 249 Squadron Ta Qali on a sweep over Sicily saw ships believed to be tankers outside Licata Harbour. The Spitfires are met with heavy, accurate anti-aircraft fire over Licata at 11000 feet but see no enemy aircraft.

Nos 242, 314, 502 and 841 AME Stations, Observer Corps Detachments at Dingli, Torri L’Ahmar and Ghargur, Officers’ and Airmen’s rest camp at St Paul’s Bay taken over by this Station for administration and rations.

INFANTRY 0545 hrs Exercise to test the alertness of sentries and communications within 4 Brigade. Also rapid destruction of parachutists in the Brigade area. Exercise began with firing of three Verey lights around Marsaxlokk Bay.

1^st Bn DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY A Company are performing coast patrol duties at Il Kaus; B Company are manning Tal Virtu observation post.

2 September 1942: Malta Attacks Force Rommel’s Retreat

OFFENSIVE OPS CUT AXIS FUEL AND SUPPLIES

“We have some very grave shortages.” Letter from Rommel to his wife, 30 August 1942

Malta-based attacks on southbound convoys in the Mediterranean have forced Field Marshal Rommel to give up his attempt to retake El Alamein. The Island’s air and naval forces have starved the Axis of more than half of the supplies they need to continue the battle in North Africa. Rommel originally intended to begin a major offensive against British forces on 26 August but had to postpone due to a shortage of fuel, thanks to the sinking of two tankers in the Mediterranean.

Field Marshal Rommel’s plan stopped

With a promise that another convoy would set out immediately from Italy, at 2330 hrs on Sunday Rommel launched an attack at Alam el Halfa but came up against a massive minefield and a well-equipped British force under Lt Gen Montgomery. But nine Beauforts and eleven Beaufighters had already set off from Malta to attack the supply convoy, which had been spotted by 69 Squadron photo-reconnaissance pilots. At the same time destroyers, bombers and naval aircraft launched heavy attacks on Axis stores and workshops close to the battlefield.

Yesterday Malta-based submarine P 35 sank a southbound 5000 ton merchant vessel and the Island’s bombers stand ready to act immediately to any further attempts to re-supply the enemy. Attacks continued today with Wellington bombers targeting a tanker and Navy Air Service Albacores striking a merchant vessel and escort with torpedoes.

After three days of relentless allied bombing and artillery fire and faced with a precarious supply situation Rommel has been forced to call off the attack and withdraw his forces.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 2 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 3 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fair but cloudy.

0915-1020 hrs; 1015-1055 hrs Five Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali at a time on intercept patrol and sweep: no sightings.

1015-1045 hrs Five Spitfires Hal Far are airborne on patrol: nothing sighted.

1303 hrs Three enemy aircraft are reported approaching Malta. Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol sight one Macchi 202. F/Lt Hetherington, W/Cdr Donaldson and P/O Farmer each fire a burst in turn, all obtaining strikes. The tail of the Macchi is shot off and the aircraft goes down streaming glycol. The remaining aircraft recede without coming within 25 miles of the Island.

1930-1950 hrs Two Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol: no sightings.

Military casualties Corporal Arthur Simpson, Royal Engineers, Malta Territorial Force.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 1942

P34 HMS Ultimatum

ROYAL NAVY P34 swept out but returned to Marsaxlokk with a leaky DSEA hatch.

AIR HQ 1305 hrs An offensive reconnaissance by four Spitfires over Sicily. One Macchi 200 is shot down. Night Two Wellingtons were despatched to attack the tanker targeted last night, now 10 miles south west of Antipaxos. The drop six 500lb bombs on the tanker, scoring one hit and causing a large explosion, followed by clouds of white smoke.

Arrivals One DC3 from Shallufa two Beauforts one Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures One DC3 to LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Hudson tyre believed burst during take-off, crashed and burned out: crew uninjured.

HAL FAR 1720-1830 hrs Five Spitfires carried out a sweep over Sicily and encounter enemy aircraft. 2129-0235 hrs One Swordfish with flares and two Albacores NAS located and attacked a 5000 ton merchant vessel, escorted by two destroyers and a small flak ship, 15 miles north east of Cape Spartivento heading easterly. They located the target just off the toe of Sicily and score hits with two torpedoes, one aft of the funnel and one aft of the bridge, followed by a violent explosion. They leave the vessel down by the stern and belching clouds of black and white smoke. A later photo-reconnaissance report showed the merchant vessel aground close to where it had been attacked.

3 September 1942: Reconnaissance Pilots Praised for Axis Convoy Hits

“The Air Officer Commanding sends personal congratulations to 69 Squadron (Reconaissance) for successful attacks on two successive nights, when Wellingtons scored direct hits on an important tanker heading for North Africa and also near-misses on destroyers. The loss or even the disabling of the enemy tanker should greatly assist the British fighting Rommel.”

69 Squadron crew disembark Baltimore Luqa 1942 (c) IWM GM 1042

AIR RAIDS DAWN 3 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 4 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fair but cloudy.

0935-1030 hrs Five Spitfires Hal Far are airborne on patrol: nothing sighted.

1405-1510 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol: no sightings.

1701-1720 hrs Air raid alert. Five Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft. Two enemy fighters fly over Comino Channel at 20,000 feet. Spitfires chase them back to within 10 miles of the Sicilian coast but are unable to intercept.

1845-1930 hrs Six Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol: no sightings.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY P34 sailed for trials and proceeded on patrol. Clyde and P43 were also swept out to sea.

AIR HQ Departures Two Beauforts to LG 224.

LUQA Camp cinema: Tarzan Finds a Son.

TA QALI 1540-1635 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron on offensive reconnaissance circled Linosa and spotted a new building – ‘apparently’ a church. No enemy aircraft sighted.

4 September 1942: Navy Albacores Disable Axis Supply Ship

Fairey Albacore

Two Albacores Royal Naval Air Squadrons were despatched today to finish off the merchant vessel beached after their previous attack on Wednesday night. One Albacore scored a torpedo hit on the ship’s port quarter, while the other scored a direct hit with a 250lb bomb on the destroyer alongside, and straddled the merchant vessel with two other bombs. Photo-reconnaissance later showed that the merchant vessel had a large gap in her starboard side.

Later tonight two Wellington bombers took advantage of intense darkness to attack a small merchant vessel 30 miles east of Point Alice. They dropped a total of eight 500lb bombs on the ship but were unable to observe results, which will await confirmation by photo-reconnaissance.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 4 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 5 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Local thunder; rain with bright periods. Visibility 10-15 miles.

0848-0908 hrs Air raid alert. Two enemy fighters approach at low altitude, apparently intending a low-level machine gun attack, but turn back while still eight miles off the coast. Malta’s fighters are airborne: no engagement.

1459-1544 hrs Air raid alert. Eighteen enemy fighters approach the Island; four are identified as ME 109s. Some of the raiders skirt the Zonqor coast, while others patrol five miles north of Gozo. Malta fighters are airborne: no engagement. Heavy Ack Ack fire pointer rounds.

1700-1750 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on intercept patrol: no sightings.

2230 hrs Observers of 1^st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report a light out to sea, 80 degrees RA 4.

2313-2321 hrs Air raid alert. Two enemy aircraft approach the Island but turn back when 20 miles north west of Gozo, dropping bombs in the sea.

Military casualties Pilot Officer William Storer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; Private Ronald Rooke, 2^nd Bn Devonshire Regiment.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY Night Two Albacores RNAS were despatched to attack a merchant vessel beached eight miles north of Bianca.

AIR HQ 1720 hrs Six Beauforts and six Beaufighters were despatched to attack a convoy off Cape Spartivento but failed to locate the target. Night Two Wellingtons attacked a small merchant vessel 30 miles east of Point Alice, dropping eight 500lb bombs on the ship. No results are seen due to the intense darkness. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire had engine trouble, force-landed: pilot uninjured.

HAL FAR 1000-1115 hrs Four Spitfires carried out a Rodeo raid over Sicily but encounter no enemy aircraft. PM Seven Spitfires were despatched on a sweep over Sicily. The leader had a faulty radio and broke formation: owing to a misunderstanding the rest followed suit and as a result the Spitfires returned to base.

LUQA Luqa beat the RASC at cricket by nine wickets: RASC 36, Luqa 38 for one wicket. Camp cinema: Second Chorus.

TA QALI 0650-0750 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on Rodeo: no enemy aircraft sighted. 1320-1430 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on offensive reconnaissance sighted two unidentified aircraft but did not intercept due to a radio fault and subsequent misunderstanding.

1^st Bn DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY Major General Scobie, GOC troops Malta, visited the Battalion. This is the second time the Bn has been under his command – Tobruk October 1941 was the first.

5 September 1942: Dog Fight Over Grand Harbour

MILITARY SITUATION REPORT WEEK ENDING 5 SEPT 1942

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

1. Enemy activity confined 48 fighter sorties by day and 6 bomber sorties by night. One JU 88 crossed coast; good [searchlight] illumination. Bombs on land. One Macchi 202 destroyed, two ME 109s probably destroyed. Own losses nil. Recently there has been a large decrease in the numbers of bombers and fighters in Sicily, particularly German.

2. Own air offensive continues. 150 Spitfire sorties over Sicily also 4 Beaufighters by night. Malta based air attacks on convoys to Libya continue resulting in 1 tanker blown up, 1 tanker stationary, 2 merchant vessels hit by torpedoes, one destroyer hit by bombs; near-misses one merchant vessel, one destroyer.

3. Military damage and casualties nil. Intensified training being carried out. Small parties employed on aerodromes.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 5 SEPTEMBER TO DAWN 6 SEPTEMBER 1942

Weather Fair; visibility 10-15 miles.

0735-0810 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol: no sightings.

0910-0958 hrs Air raid alert. Six Spitfires 249 Squadron and five from Hal Far are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft. One Spitfire of 249 returns early, its hood blown off.

Grand Harbour

12 ME 109s and Macchi 202s cross the coast and circle over Grand Harbour area. Heavy Ack Ack fire pointer rounds. The Spitfires intercept some of the enemy over Grand Harbour and others 20 miles off Zonqor. 249 Squadron engage six ME 109s. P/O Williams scores strikes on one. P/O Giddings attacks a second; he sees no strikes but a panel flies off the port wing of the enemy aircraft. Hal Far pilot F/Lt Charney destroys one Macchi 202.

1440-1510 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy fighters. Heavy Ack Ack fire pointer rounds. The Spitfires see three ME 109s and four other fighters six miles east of Zonqor and chase them back towards Sicily: no engagement.

1725-1825 hrs Ten Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled to intercept a reported formation of enemy aircraft: raid does not materialise.

2250-2317 hrs Air raid alert. Two enemy bombers approach the Island; one recedes 40 miles from the coast. The other, a JU 88, crosses the coast and drops bombs in the area of Birkirkara. Malta night fighters are airborne: no interceptions. Searchlights effect one illumination and Heavy Ack Ack engage.

2230 hrs Observers of 1^st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report several white verey lights off the Delimara area.

Military casualties Nil.

Civilian casualties Tarxien Joseph Bonnici, age 56.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 1942

AIR HQ Arrivals One Beaufort, three Wellingtons, three Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar; two Beauforts to LG 224.

HAL FAR 0640-0800 hrs Five Spitfires 185 Squadron carried out a sweep over Sicily: no enemy aircraft encountered.

LUQA Camp cinema: camp talent contest.

TA QALI 1145-1315 hrs Thirteen Spitfires 249 Squadron (two returned early) and nine of 229 Squadron (one returned early) were despatched on a Rodeo raid. Two enemy fighters are seen but not intercepted.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 26. Dealt with: 7 High Explosives (2 x 500kg; 4 x 250kg; 1 x 50kg); 116 anti-personnel bombs, 18 oil incendiaries.

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Posted by maltagc70 on September 5, 2022 in 1942, August 1942, September 1942

Tags: 185 Squadron, 229 Squadron, 249 Squadron, 69 Squadron, August 1942, bomb disposal, Malta, Operation Pedestal, RNAS, Rommel, Royal Engineers, September 1942, war diary, World War Two

Malta: War Diary

Monthly Archives: September 2022

20-26 September 1942: Malta Forces Subdue Luftwaffe and Rommel

20 September 1942: George Cross Presented to People of Gozo

21 September 1942: Malta RAF is Helping Win the War, Says Air Marshal

22 September 1942: George Cross Starts Tour of Malta

23 September 1942: RAF Aircraft in Fatal Mid-Air Collision

24 September 1942: Malta Bombers Praised for Strike Against Rommel

25 September 1942: Luftwaffe Fighters Flee in Face of Spitfires

26 September 1942: Malta Attacks Enemy Tanker, Merchantmen, Destroyers and Subs

13-19 September 1942: Malta Celebrates the George Cross

13 September 1942: George Cross Presentation to People of Malta

14 September 1942: Mystery Loss of Flying Boat Clare

15 September 1942: Admiralty in Negotiations with Italians

16 September 1942: Lt Governor Flies Home to Recover

17 September 1942: Enemy Fear Malta Spitfires

18 September 1942: A Raid-Free Day

19 September 1942: Malta Troops in Landing Craft Training Exercise

13 September 1942: George Cross Presented to People of Malta

6-12 September 1942: Malta Prays as Children Cry for Bread

6 September 1942: Malta Unites to Pray for Deliverance

7 September 1942: Wellingtons Attack Surviving Axis Ships

Tuesday 8 September 1942: Maltese Go Hungry As Rations Prove Inedible

9 September 1942: Black Marketeers Face Jail

10 September 1942: Victory Kitchens Need Urgent Review, Says Strickland

11 September 1942: Malta Commanders Gather in Secret

12 September 1942: Malta Air Forces 40 Attacks in 7 Days

30 August-5 September 1942: Malta Faces Malnutrition

30 August 1942: Rations Cut Again – Meat Only Twice a Week

31 August 1942: Alerts Total 2225 in 25 Months

1 September 1942: Anti-Personnel Bomb Kills Two Children

2 September 1942: Malta Attacks Force Rommel’s Retreat

3 September 1942: Reconnaissance Pilots Praised for Axis Convoy Hits

4 September 1942: Navy Albacores Disable Axis Supply Ship

5 September 1942: Dog Fight Over Grand Harbour

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