8-14 November 1942: Fortress Malta Underpins North African Invasion

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8 November 1942: Malta Aircraft & Submarines Join Operation Torch

Operation Torch troops hit beaches near Algiers

Under cover of darkness early this morning scores of thousands of American troops were landed on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of French North Africa.  The objective is to forestall an Axis invasion, remove the threat of an attack on America from the West African coast, and establish an effective second front to assist Russia. British divisions will follow the Americans.

Marshal Petain has ordered the French African Army to resist, and Vichy Radio reports fighting east and west of Algiers. It is reported from Allied Headquarters that initial objectives have been achieved in landings on two important beaches, and that US airborne troops were first landed to seize aerodromes and vital channels of communication.(1)

Malta’s task is now to hinder the enemy’s attempts to rush men and materials into the north east corner of Tunisia by sea and air.  Twenty submarines of the 1st, 8th, and 10th Flotillas are operating from the Island as part of Operation Torch and other Malta-based vessels will come under operational control of Captain (S), 10th Submarine Flotilla, when east of longitude 8 degrees east.

Wellington bombers are to make sorties against targets in Tunisia, Sardinia and Sicily.  They opened their offensive last night with an attack on Cagliari (Elmas) aerodrome to cover the arrival of the Allied landing force in Algeria.

With the opening of the new campaign in North Africa, the role of Malta’s photo-reconnaissance pilots has also been changed, from covering Libyan convoys to monitoring the Italian battle fleet.  They will now be covering Taranto, Messina, Navarino and Naples two or three times a day.

BRITISH BOMBERS USING DELAYED ACTION FUZES

Three special Wellingtons despatched on shipping searches sighted one merchant vessel with escort.  Seven Wellingtons were despatched to attack Elmas and Decimomannu aerodromes: the results were difficult to asses as many of the bombs had long delayed action fuzes.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 8 NOVEMBER TO DAWN 9 NOVEMBER 1942

Weather  Fine/fair.

No air raids.

0925-1015 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on intercept patrol: no sightings.

1720-1745 hrs  Two Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on dusk patrol: no sightings.

2045-2240 hrs; 0320-0455 hrs  One Beaufighter 89 Squadron at a time patrol over the Island and surroundings: no enemy aircraft seen close to Malta.

Military casualties  Flying Officer John Greig, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR); Flying Officer Peter Mould, RAF VR; Flight Sergeant Walter Owen, RAF VR; Flying Officer Roy Quarendon, RAF VR; Flight Sergeant Hilgrove Teale, RAF VR; Pilot Officer Frank Snelling, RAF VR; Pilot Officer Edward Robbins, RAF VR; Flight Sergeant Thomas Parker, RAF VR; Sergeant Ernest Stott, RAF VR; all 233 Squadron.  Flying Officer Harry Lethbridge, Royal Australian Air Force.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 1942

Cape San Vito

ROYAL NAVY  1125 hrs  Submarine HMS P 44 witnessed an attack on a Regolo class cruiser by HMS P 46, 16 miles northwest of Cape San Vito, which blew a considerable portion of the cruiser’s bow away.  P 44 attempted to finish her off but missed, though an escorting destroyer may have been hit.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Two Beauforts from Mariut; three Spitfires from Gibraltar.  Departures  One Liberator, two LG 224s to DC 3.  Aircraft casualties  One Spitfire crashed: pilot seriously injured.

HAL FAR  One Spitfire on a practice flight crash-lands: pilot unhurt.

LUQA  Nine sorties were flown by photo-reconnaissance Spitfires covering aerodromes and harbours of Sicily, Pantelleria and southern Sardinia.  Seven Wellingtons (four 104 Squadron, three 40 Squadron) were despatched to bomb Elmas and Decimomannu aerodromes.  Five aircraft dropped bombs on Elmas aerodrome, scoring hits on the runways and doing considerable damage.

4^th Bn THE BUFFS  All duties at Luqa aerodrome taken over by 2^nd Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers.

1^st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT  During the past 24 hours has found working parties at Hal Far as for Nov 7^th.

2^nd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT  9 trucks, 1 motor-cycle, 1 Officer and 20 Other Ranks reported for fatigue duties on Ta Qali.

 

9 November 1942: Axis Fighters Move From Sicily to Tunisia

Over 80 enemy fighters are reported to have left Sicily since Wednesday.  It is believed that many of them are heading for Tunisia, as part of the effort to hold that territory in the face of the recent invasion.

FLEET AIR ARM ATTACK CONVOY

Fairey ‘Swordfish’ with torpedo

At midnight two torpedo-carrying Albacores and one torpedo-carrying Swordfish co-operated with a special Swordfish in an attack on three enemy cruisers and several destroyers en route from Navarino to Messina in position 144 degrees Spartivento 75 miles.  Three torpedoes were aimed at the cruisers but an effective smoke screen was put up.   Two explosions were observed, but all three cruisers were subsequently located at Augusta.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 9 NOVEMBER TO DAWN 10 NOVEMBER 1942

Weather  Fair to cloudy; clearing later.

No air raids.

1320-1425 hrs  Five Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on practice flying and intercept patrol: no sightings.

1400-1440 hrs; 1525-1625 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne at a time on intercept patrol: no sightings.

Night  One Beaufighter 89 Squadron Luqa is airborne for a raid which does not materialise.  It patrols north of Malta at 12000 feet but sees no enemy aircraft.

Military casualties  Flight Lieutenant Charles Brennan, Royal Canadian Air Force, 544 Squadron.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Clyde sailed being swept out by Hebe.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Wellington from Gianaclis.  Departures  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance to Kilo 8.  Aircraft casualties  One Wellington failed to return from operations: crew missing.

LUQA  Seven sorties were flown by photo-reconnaissance Spitfires which covered the aerodromes of southern Sardinia and harbours of Sicily, Tunis and Bizerta.  Three special Wellingtons 69 Squadron carried out shipping searches of Taranto, Messina and Sardinia areas.  One cruiser and three destroyers were sighted.  One aircraft failed to return: P/O Matthews, P/O Moffat, P/O James, P/O Reay, P/O Burgess, Sgt Watt missing.

Decimomannu aerodrome aerial view

1913-0330 hrs  Seven Wellingtons (three 40 Squadron, four 104 Squadron) were despatched to attack Elmas and Decimomannu aerodromes.  Bombs were dropped on the aerodromes and on buildings to the south.  Some Heavy Ack Ack was encountered.  All aircraft returned.  2020-2125 hrs  Three torpedo-carrying Wellingtons of 69 Squadron were despatched to attack shipping in the Navarino area: no enemy aircraft seen.

1^st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT  0900 hrs  Convoy duties: 3 NCOs and 15 Other Ranks reported to Camerata Barracks for duties as tally clerks.  1 Officer, 5 NCOs and 16 Other Ranks reported to Mifsud’s Verandah for duties at Broken Case Store.  1200 hrs  1 Officer, 1 Warrant Officer and 12 Other Ranks reported for duty at Zabbar motor transport sub-depot.

1500 hrs  Transport and 26 drivers reported to sub-depot for duty.  Unit transport involved eight 15 cwt trucks, two 30 cwt trucks and three impressed vehicles.  1700 hrs  Green Dump established at San Gregoriu Church: 3 Officers, 11 NCOs and 50 Other Ranks reported for duty.  1 Officer 3 Other Ranks reported for duty with Docks Unit.  3 NCOs 18 Other Ranks reported Porte des Bombes for fire fighting duties at Docks.

1^st Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT  1730 hrs  18 Officers 361 Other Ranks in position at five convoy dumps and one motor transport sub-depot, locations Pawla, Attard, Tal Balal, L’Imsierah, Hamrun and Gzira.

2^nd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT  3 x 1 ton lorries and six Other Ranks reported for transport duties on Luqa.  3 trucks and 6 drivers reported for Brigade special duties at Naxxar.

10 November 1942: Enemy Transport Aircraft Arrive in Med

Axis command has introduced large numbers of transport aircraft into the Central Mediterranean area.  The planes were reported by pilots returning from reconnaissance missions over Trapani and Tunis, where no fewer than 40 of the aircraft have arrived since yesterday.

ME 323 Transport Aircraft

The majority of the new aircraft are JU 52s but a few larger models have also been seen, including JU 90s, FW 200s and ME 323s.   The latter is a six-engined plane with a 180 foot wingspan and is believed capable of carrying 40-50 fully equipped troops.  The transport aircraft have been observed flying in convoys of 25-30 planes each.

The transport fleet is understood to be part of the renewed efforts North African campaign by Axis forces.  Intelligence reports indicate that the enemy intend to occupy and defend as much as possible of Tunisia.  In response, Malta Air Command have been instructed to transfer the main weight of their bomber effort to the aerodrome of El Aouina at Tunis, where many of the Axis transports and some large gliders are concentrated.

MALTA AIR CREW CAPTURED

Junkers JU 90

One of nine Beaufighters of 272 Squadron despatched to attack German aircraft on El Aouina aerodrome in Tunis last night has been reported missing.  Visibility was good, with only a slight ground haze when the Beaufighters attacked in waves of four, strafing aircraft on the ground.  They reported destroying five JU 52s, two JU 90s and one JU 87, one large glider and a twin-engined aircraft.  They also damaged three JU 87s, two ME 109s, two JU 52s, one large glider, three twin-engined aircraft and five more unidentified aircraft.

The aerodrome’s defences opened up with small gun fire: one Beaufighter appears to have been hit: it was seen by crews of the other aircraft making a successful emergency landing near the airfield.  As the area is French territory the crew are likely to be interned if captured.

A Wellington bomber is also missing after an attack on Elmas aerodrome.  The bomber was one of seven Wellingtons sent to attack the airfield.  Bombs are reported to have fallen all over the aerodrome and runway, causing 17 small fires – believed to be aircraft.  Many hits were scored on an ammunition dump which exploded.

One torpedo-carrying and one bomb-carrying Wellington returned safely after attacking Axis shipping.  The two Wellingtons were on shipping reconnaissance west of Benghazi when they found a westbound merchant ship with a single escort vessel 80 miles east of Misurata.  One of the Wellingtons dropped flares, while the other attacked the merchantman with three 500 lb bombs, scoring near-misses.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 10 NOVEMBER TO DAWN 11 NOVEMBER 1942

Weather  Fair to fine.

No air raids.

0650-0800 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on intercept patrol: no sightings.

0740-0840 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne to act as escort to friendly shipping.

0830-0945 hrs; 0945-1035 hrs  Three and then four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on intercept patrol: no sightings.

1018-1118 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far patrol over the Island at 12-15000 feet.

1100-1230 hrs  Four Spitfires 229 Squadron are airborne on intercept patrol: no sightings.

0320-0338 hrs  One air raid alert for a single aircraft which proves to be friendly.

Military casualties  Warrant Officer II Byard Fisher, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF); Flying Officer Francis James, RCAF; Flying Officer Allison Burgess, RCAF; Sergeant Ralph Bland, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR); Flight Sergeant Hugh Locke, RCAF; Flying Officer William Mathews, RCAF; Flying Officer Verdun Ray, RCAF; Flight Sergeant Frank Lewsley, RAF VR; Flying Officer Bernard Moffatt, RCAF; Warrant Officer II Burchester McNall, RCAF; Warrant Officer II Frank Olsen, RCAF; all 69 Squadron.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 1942

HMS Porpoise

ROYAL NAVY  HMS Porpoise was retained at Malta for a possible landing of military personnel in the Sousse area to captain certain coast defence guns.  0710 hrs  During patrol for Operation Torch HMS Una sighted an enemy force of three 6 inch cruisers, escorted by six destroyers in position 37-11N, 15-30E. Una attacked but missed the cruisers, but a fleet destroyer on the far side of the screen was hit and sunk.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Three Hudsons from Gibraltar.  Aircraft casualties  One Beaufighter landed in French territory: crew believed to have been interned.

LUQA  Seven sorties were flown by photo-reconnaissance Spitfires covering aerodromes and harbours in Sicily, northern Sardinia, Tunis and Bizerta.  1645-0450 hrs  Three torpedo-carrying Wellingtons and one special Wellington 69 Squadron were despatched to locate and attack enemy snipping in the Navarino area.  The special Wellington sighted three cruisers and two destroyers.  1730-0535 hrs  Four special Wellingtons 69 Squadron were airborne to search for enemy shipping in the Straits of Messina: no important sightings made.

1^st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT  1300 hrs  1 Officer, 7 NCOs and 16 Other Ranks reported at Docks for fire fighting duties on ships.  10 NCOs and 40 Other Ranks standing by as General Duty reserve.  Other convoy duties as yesterday.  5 Other Ranks reported as reserve drivers to sub-depot.

1^st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT  During the past 48 hours has found working parties at Hal Far: 4 x 15 cwt trucks for food delivery, servicing aircraft and for mobile vehicle repairs; 2 impressed lorries for crater-filling; 2 motor-cycles for motor control work; 16 Other Ranks working above trucks.  At Zabbar sub-depot: 4 x 15 cwt trucks.

1^st Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT  Dumps and sub-depot on four hours readiness.

2^nd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT  3 x 1 ton lorries and six Other Ranks reported for transport duties on Luqa.  3 trucks and 6 drivers reported for Brigade special duties at Naxxar.

 

11 November 1942:  Qrendi Air Strip Opens

Qrendi air strip (NWMA Malta)

Qrendi air strip officially opened yesterday afternoon.  His Excellency the Governor and Commander in Chief Viscount Gort performed the opening ceremony which was attended by commanders of all Services.  The Air Officer Commanding was given the honour of being the first pilot to use the new airfield, taking off in a fighter immediately after the formal proceedings.  The air strip is now expected to be fully operational.

MERCHANT SHIP GROUNDED EN ROUTE FOR MALTA

HMS Manxman grounded early this morning as she was embarking to bring supplies to Malta.  Manxman sailed from Alexandria at 0500 hours escorted by destroyers Dulverton, Beaufort, Aldenham, Hurworth and Belvoir.

On passing through the boom, the merchant vessel grounded outside the quarantine breakwater of Alexandria Harbour. She was refloated an hour later with the help of a tug.  An inspection of the hull reported no apparent damage and she was declared safe to proceed. After dark, the destroyers turned back for Alexandria and Manxman is reported continuing towards Malta at high speed.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 11 NOVEMBER TO DAWN 12 NOVEMBER 1942

Weather  Fair to cloudy.

No air raids.

1230-1340 hrs; 1345-1430 hrs  Four and then five Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali search for a submarine: no sightings.

1425-1535 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far search for the submarine but find nothing.

1450-1525 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne on intercept patrol: no sightings.

1505-1810 hrs  Six Beaufighters were despatched to patrol the area between Cape Bon and Trapani.  One HE 115 was destroyed and one schooner shot up.

1620-1655 hrs  Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on intercept patrol: no sightings.

2020-2125 hrs  One Beaufighter 89 Squadron patrols over the Island: no enemy aircraft sighted.

Military casualties  Flying Officer Charles Hall, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR); Flight Sergeant Basil Conway, RAF; Sergeant Claude Hotchkiss; Sergeant Kenneth Keston, RAF VR; Sergeant George Love, RAF VR; Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Maxton, RAF; Sergeant Eric Mudd, RAF VR; Sergeant William Parsons, RAF; Sergeant Harold Watson, RAF VR; all 210 Squadron.  Lieutenant Gordan Brodziak, South African Air Force; Flight Sergeant Malcolm Humphrey, RAF; Sergeant William Lip-Guey, Royal New Zealand Air Force; Sergeant Wallace Moss, RAF VR; all 608 Squadron.

Civilian casualties  Zejtun  Joseph Busuttil, age 58.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY  P 46 was swept in by Hebe, returning from patrol off Cape San Vito for Operation Torch. At 1123 on 8th November in position 38-14N, 12-43E she torpedoed and hit a Regolo class cruiser heavily escorted by destroyers. This hit was confirmed by a subsequent reconnaissance of Palermo.

Liberator Lands in Malta

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance from Gibraltar; one Liberator, one DC 3, one Wellington from LG 224.  Departures  Three Hudsons to Gibraltar.  Aircraft casualties  One photo-reconnaissance Spitfire failed to return: pilot missing.  One Wellington failed to return from operations: crew missing.  One Wellington shot down in the sea: crew picked up uninjured.

LUQA  0800 hrs  One 5-6000 ton motor vessel is seen 10 miles south of Naples.  Night sorties by photo-reconnaissance Spitfires 69 Squadron cover aerodromes in Italy, Sicily and southern Sardinia.  2010-0125 hrs  Two Wellingtons 40 Squadron and three 104 Squadron were despatched to attack Tunis aerodrome.  Bombs were dropped on the target, causing considerable damage.  Night  Four Wellingtons were airborne on reconnaissance and patrol, covering the Straits of Messina area: no important sightings made and all aircraft returned safely.

1^st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT  Ships’ fire fighting party stands down.  Other convoy duties as for yesterday.

1^st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT  4 Other Ranks temporarily attached to 1^st Bn Cheshire Regt as tally clerks on docks.  1 Other Rank temporarily attached to Docks Unit as batman.

2^nd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT  3 x 1 ton lorries and six Other Ranks reported for transport duties on Luqa.  3 trucks and 6 drivers reported for Brigade special duties at Naxxar.

12 November 1942:  Manxman Arrives With Supplies and Men

HMS Manxman

HMS Manxman entered Grand Harbour at 5 o’clock this afternoon after a successful 1000 mile passage through the eastern Mediterranean from Alexandria.  Manxman was carrying 350 tons of varied foodstuffs including much needed supplies of powdered milk, dried cereals, and preserved meat.  There were also 200 passengers, including RAF and Army personnel, for Malta.  The food was loaded into heavy sacks which slowed the unloading process.  Despite this 1^st Bn Cheshire Regiment managed to complete the task by 0230 hours.  The cargo was immediately dispersed to safe keeping in the Island’s storage facilities.

A second supply run by HMS Welshman from the east has been delayed.  The ship set out from the UK on 1^st November but has been delayed by bad weather in the eastern Meditteranean.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 12 NOVEMBER TO DAWN 13 NOVEMBER 1942

Weather  Rain early becoming fair.

No air raids.

0835 hrs  Four Spitfires 1435 Squadron Luqa are scrambled: raid does not materialise.

0855-1010 hrs  Twelve Spitfire sorties by 126 Squadron Luqa and twelve by 1435 Squadron: no enemy aircraft seen.

1345-1450 hrs  Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to act as escort to approaching ship: no enemy aircraft sighted.

1415-1540 hrs  Four Spitfires 229 Squadron patrol over the ship 20 miles off Kalafrana.

1435-1520 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far on intercept patrol: nothing sighted.

1500 hrs  B Company 1^st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report a circular object with red painted horns floating in the sea 100 yards offshore.

1536-1845 hrs  Seven Beaufighters were despatched to patrol over the Tunis-Sicilian channel.  Five Savoia Marchetti 82s with German markings were sighted 40 miles south east of Pantelleria on a northerly course.  A further SM 82 with Italian markings was following behind.  The Beaufighters attacked and destroyed them all.  Several khaki-clad figures were seen struggling in the water.

1735 hrs  C Coy 1^st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report flashes on the horizon due east of Della Grazia, identified as possible gun fire.

1825 hrs  Air raid alert sounds for approaching aircraft which turn out to be friendly.

0405 hrs  C Company 1^st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report a red glare on the horizon off Della Grazia.

Military casualties  Sergeant Bruce Norman, Royal New Zealand Air Force, 154 Squadron, RAF.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 1942

HMS Utmost

ROYAL NAVY  Hythe swept Utmost in from patrol, and then went out again to sweep Manxman into Grand Harbour.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Wellington from LG 224.  Departures  One DC3, one Liberator to LG 224.  Aircraft casualties  Two Beaufighters overshot runway on landing: crew uninjured.  One Beaufort crashed on landing: crew uninjured.  One Spitfire belly-landed at Luqa: pilot uninjured.

LUQA  The Air Officer Commanding has sent personal congratulations to ground staff for achieving a record high level of serviceability, including 100% Spitfire serviceability, demonstrating excellent teamwork on the part of all concerned.  Seven sorties were flown by photo-reconnaissance Spitfires covering aerodromes and harbours in Sicily, Sardinia and Tunis.

1805-0505 hrs  Six Wellingtons attacked El Aouina aerodrome, starting many fires and causing a large explosion – believed to be a fuel dump.  The Wellingtons made a second sortie against the target and caused more fires.  Bombs were seen to explode near hangars and a gun position was silenced.  All aircraft returned safely.  2015 hrs  Six Wellingtons (two of 40 Squadron, four of 104 Squadron) were despatched to attack Tunis.  All bombing was confined to the aerodromes: fires and large explosions seen.  0120-0540 hrs  Five Beauforts 39 Squadron were despatched to lay mines in the approachs to Tunis harbour.

1^st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT  Bn ‘stood by’ to unload HMS Manxman.

1^st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT  1630 hrs  General Duty reserve reported to No 5 Dock and were employed in unloading HMS Manxman.  Other convoy duties as for yesterday.

4^th HEAVY ACK ACK REGIMENT  PM  Orders given to preset ammunition for ship barrage for HMS Manxman.  Dockyard barrages now have priority.

1^st Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT  Red, Brown and Blue [Supply] Dumps remain in position.  White and Pink Dumps stand down except for skeleton guard.  Sub-depot continues operating.

1^st Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT  E Company apprehended 6 civilians smuggling eggs and cheese from Gozo: they were handed over to the civil police.

2^nd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT  3 x 1 ton lorries and six Other Ranks reported for transport duties on Luqa.  3 trucks and 6 drivers reported for Brigade special duties at Naxxar.

 

13 November 1942: Malta Fighters Disable 13 Axis Transport Planes

Focke-Wulf FW 200

Seven Beaufighters patrolling the Tunisian-Sicilian channel at 5000 feet today sighted large formations of enemy transport planes flying at 100 feet.  The Beaufighters attacked, destroying six enemy aircraft and probably destroying seven.  One Beaufighter is missing and six were slightly damaged in the attack.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 13 NOVEMBER TO DAWN 14 NOVEMBER 1942

Weather  Cloudy.

No air raids.

0845-0920 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far patrol north of the Island: nothing sighted.

1100-1315 hrs  Eight Spitfires 1435 Squadron Luqa are airborne and patrol as far as Mandia but see no aircraft or shipping.

1535-1700 hrs  Four Spitfires 229 Squadron on patrol see a Spitfire crash into the sea and cover the pilot in his dinghy until he is picked up by the High Speed Launch.

1535-1845 hrs  Seven Beaufighters 272 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol sight and attack six Savoia Marchetti  82s, shooting all six down into the sea.  Two Beaufighters are damaged in combat: one crash-lands at base and is written off.

1612-1707 hrs  One Swordfish RNAS Hal Far is despatched on Air Sea Rescue and drops a dinghy to a pilot in the sea 16 miles west of Dingli.  He is later picked up by the High Speed Launch.

Military casualties  Warrant Officer II John Stephen, Royal Canadian Air Force; Sergeant Samuel Whear, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; both 227 Squadron.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER 1942

ROYAL NAVY  Una and P 44 were swept in by Rye after missions for Operation Torch.  HMS P 44 was returning to Malta from patrol off the northwest of Sicily.   HMS Una was back from patrol off the southern approaches of Messina and Port Augusta.  Speedy, Hythe and Hebe carried out searching sweep of QBB 298 and swept six mines.

AIR HQ  Arrivals  Two Spitfires from Gibraltar.  Departures  One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance to LG 224.  Aircraft casualties  Four Beaufighters damaged by enemy action: crews uninjured.  Two Beaufighters crash-landed at Luqa: crews uninjured.  One Beaufighter shot down in the sea: crew missing.  One Spitfire missing in transit from Gibraltar to Malta.

LUQA  Six sorties were flown by photo-reconnaissance Spitfires covering the harbours of Naples, Taranto and Messina.  Two Baltimores 89 Squadron searched for shipping in the Marittimo area.  Night  One special Wellington 69 Squadron was sent on a shipping search in the area Cavoli-Marittimo: a number of sightings.

1^st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT  0315 hrs  General Duty reserve completed unloading duties.  Personnel employed at Green Dump reduced to 3 NCOs and 12 men on guard duties.

2^nd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT  3 x 1 ton lorries and six Other Ranks reported for transport duties on Luqa.  3 trucks and 6 drivers reported for Brigade special duties at Naxxar.

 

14 November 1942: El Aouina Under Fire

Axis aircraft destroyed at El Aouina

At 1525 hours this afternoon seven Beaufighters of 272 Squadron based at Ta Qali were sent to attack El Aouina aerodrome in Tunis.  Despite intense flak over the target, they strafed the airfield, destroying three JU 52s and three JU 88s, and damaging one JU 87 and one single-engined aircraft on the ground.

Two Beaufighters have been reported missing following the raid.  One was seen making an emergency landing on the beach at Tunis: the crew S/Ldr A Watson and P/O C F Cutting are believed taken prisoners of war.  The whereabouts of the other crew, F/Lt Bale and Sgt Soutter,  are unknown.  The remaining Beaufighters landed safely at 1850 hours this evening.

Tonight seven Wellingtons were despatched to attack El Aouina.  Bombs explode on the landing ground and in dispersal areas, starting several fires.  The Wellingtons made a second sortie and bombs were seen exploding among the buildings, starting two large fires.  All aircraft returned safely.

SITUATION REPORT WEEK ENDING 14 NOVEMBER 1942

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

1.  No enemy air activity.

2.  Much offensive and reconnaissance air activity in support of Operation Torch.  Beaufighters on daylight shoot-ups El Aouina, destroyed ten transport planes, one large glider, five other planes.  Damaged two transports, one glider and five other planes on the ground.  Beaufighters and Spitfires on patrol Tunisian Sicilian channel intercepted and destroyed 20 transport planes and three other planes; probably destroyed seven transport planes.

By night Wellingtons and Fleet Air Arm aircraft scored torpedo hits: one, possibly two, cruisers near misses with bombs on one merchant vessel.  Wellingtons bombed Elmas and El Aouina where much damaged caused.  Also Cagliari and Decimomannnu.  Beauforts laid mines on approaches to Tunis.

3.  HMS Manxman arrived with approximately 350 tons foodstuffs unloaded by army personnel.  Large working parties on aerodromes continue.

4.  Qrendi landing strip opened.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 14 NOVEMBER TO DAWN 15 NOVEMBER 1942

Weather Fair.

No air raids.

0645-0810 hrs  Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on intercept patrol: no sightings.

0900-1015 hrs  Four Spitfires 1435 Squadron Luqa patrol 30 miles north east of Malta in response to a report of a possible air raid: enemy aircraft do not approach the Island.

Messerschmitt Bf 110

1000-1255 hrs  Eight long-range Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa carry out a reconnaissance patrol over the Tunisian-Sicilian channel.  They sight one BR 20 with escorting fighters and attack: P/O Piggot destroys one BR 20; P/O Hibbert destroys one ME 110.  Sgt Hendry damages one JU 90 and Sgt Mortimer damages one ME 110. 

1400-1630 hrs  Eight Spitfires 1435 Squadron and four 126 Squadron carry out reconnaissance in the Cape Bon area.  P/O Kirkman or Sgt Kebble destroy one BR 20; F/Lt McLennan destroys one SM 82 [later identified as S 75].

1155-1325 hrs  Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far patrol north of Gozo: nothing sighted.

1215-1555 hrs  Eight Beaufighters on patrol destroy one JU 88, one SM 85 and one ME 109.  Two Beaufighters are reported missing.

1400-1630 hrs  Eight Spitfires on reconnaissance patrol sight a BR 20 and a SM 82 and attack, destroying them both.  Four  Spitfires 185 Squadron patrol as far as Lampedusa and Linosa: no enemy aircraft sighted.

1505-1650 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on intercept patrol: no sightings.

1605-1735 hrs  Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne on intercept patrol: they chase one enemy aircraft but do not engage.

1645 hrs  Seven Beaufighters patrolling the Sicilian channel destroy one HE 114.

Military casualties  Sergeant Cecil Candler, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR); Sergeant John Hughes, RAF; Flying Officer Robert Pearson, RAF; Flying Officer David Witherspoon, Royal Canadian Air Force; all 227 Squadron.  Flight Lieutenant Leslie Bale, RAF VR; Flight Sergeant Robert Soutter, RAF VR; both 272 Squadron. Flight Lieutenant Francis Bassett, RAF, 152 Squadron; Flight Lieutenant George Davidson, Royal Canadian Air Force, 126 Squadron.

Civilian casualties  Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 1942

AIR HQ  Arrivals  One Spitfire, six Hudsons from Gibraltar; two Beaufighters from ECDU; two Baltimores from LG 227; two Liberators from LG 224; four Wellingtons from Gianaclis.  Aircraft casualties  Four Beaufighters shot down by enemy aircraft: crews missing.  One Beaufighter force-landed in French territory: crew saved.

2^nd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT  3 x 1 ton lorries and six Other Ranks reported for transport duties on Luqa.  3 trucks and 6 drivers reported for Brigade special duties at Naxxar.

3^rd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT  200 men began pen-building at Qrendi aerodrome.  1600 from various units are distributed on the other aerodromes, assisting with maintenance and servicing.

(1) Adapted from Sydney Morning Herald 9 November 1942

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