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MALTA WAR DIARY FINISHES 5 DECEMBER 1942
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29 November 1942: Starvation Rations Barely Eased Despite Convoy
Malta has been holding its breath for news from the Government following the arrival of last week’s convoy. The first one subject on everyone’s mind is food. For many weeks, the Island’s armed forces and civilians alike have been on the verge of starvation. The want of food has created a greater fear even than heavy bombing. Children crying for want of food have become a common sight in the streets. The death rate among babies and the elderly has risen, viral and infections diseases have increased.
Although they could not openly acknowledge it, the authorities knew that without the convoy supplies would have run out completely on 3 December. Even with the latest delivery, stocks are only sufficient to feed the Island for another two weeks and there is no certainty when the next convoy will arrive.
Today’s announcement outlined the difficult choice faced by the Government: whether to raise rations in the hope of another convoy, or to be cautious until safe passage for supply ships is guaranteed. In the event rations will be raised slightly, with an increase in the all-important bread allowance targeted at men from 16 to 60 in the first instance, starting 1 December. For the rest of the population cheese and fats rations will be doubled and sugar restored to previous ration rates. Any increase in other commodities will have to wait until further convoy deliveries.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 29 NOVEMBER TO DAWN 30 NOVEMBER 1942
Weather Mainly fair.
0740-0825 hrs Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are airborne to patrol Cape Scalabri as rear cover for returning bombers: no enemy aircraft seen.
1005 hrs Spitfires from Luqa are airborne to provide cover for 185 Squadron returning from a bombing mission.
1100-1215 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to act as cover for returning Spitfires of 185 Squadron: no enemy sighted.
1425-1605 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron on patrol: no sightings.
1640-1647 hrs Air raid alert: aircraft identified as friendly.
1220-1325 hrs Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron carry out a sweep over south east Sicily: nothing sighted.
Night Beaufighters 89 Squadron on intercept patrol over the Island and surrounding area: no enemy aircraft seen.
0230-0505 hrs One Swordfish is despatched to search for a missing Wellington crew: an oil patch is spotted on the sea, but no dinghy.
Military casualties Nil.
Civilian casualties Zejtun Emanuel Carabott, age 53.
OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 1942
P 46 HMS Unruffled
ROYAL NAVY Hythe swept P 46 to sea.
AIR HQ Arrivals One Beaufighter, one Hurricane from Bone; two Hudsons from Gibraltar; two Wellingtons from Benghazi. Departures One DC 3, one Wellington to LG 224; one DC 3 to El Adem; one Liberator to Gibraltar; one Beaufighter to Bone; one Beaufighter to Algiers via Bone. Aircraft casualties One Beaufort shot down by enemy aircraft: crew missing.
LUQA Five sorties by photo-reconnaissance Spitfires 69 Squadron covering harbours and aerodromes in Italy. 1730-2300 hrs Seven Wellingtons 40 and 104 Squadrons were airborne to attack the docks at Bizerta in three waves. Bombs fell near fuel tanks and among buildings, causing one large fire visible 50 miles away. Eight Beauforts 39 Squadron were sent to lay mines in the entrance of Palermo harbour: one was hit by flak and ditched into the sea. The crew pilot F/Sgt Ellis Walker and Sgts R J McCallough, G R A Duffield and G D Stevens are missing.
TA QALI 0605-1055 hrs Two Beaufighters 227 Squadron on offensive sweep strafed motor transport and railway in Pantelleria. 0725-0920 hrs Two Spitfires 227 Squadron on offensive sweep: no sightings. 0730-0830 hrs Nine Spitfires, five carrying bombs, of 249 Squadron on bombing sweep: bombs were dropped on Comiso aerodrome with good results. Beaufighters had their most active day of the month, flying 18 sorties against shipping and aircraft in the north east area of Tunis. 1010-1330 hrs Three Beaufighters 227 Squadron on offensive sweep: one coaster attacked and damaged. 1250-1630 hrs Two Beaufighters 272 Squadron on offensive sweep: P/O Palmer destroyed one JU 52.
1st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT Convoy duties continue.
4th Bn THE BUFFS 77 motor transport drivers, six 15 cwt and one 3 ton truck engaged at sub-depot.
30 November 1942: Spitfire Bombers Turn Table on Axis
AIR RAID STATISTICS NOVEMBER 1942
- Total number of alerts to date 3165
- Total number of alerts this month 30
- Number of blank days 11
- Number of night raids 13
- Raid free nights 23
- Alerts for own planes 7
- Total time from air raid alert to Raiders Passed 10 hrs 35 mins
- Average length of alert 21.2 mins
MALTA’S FIGHTER BOMBERS KEEP AXIS AIRCRAFT ON THE GROUND
Spitfire Mk V fighter bomber
Having suffered for many months at the hands of Messerschmitt fighter bombers, Malta has turned the tables on the Axis with its own Spitfire Bomber force. Brought into use for the first time at the beginning of this month, the Island’s fighter bombers have carried out many attacks on the southern Italian aerodromes, flying a total of 54 successful sorties in which they dropped 13 tons of bombs.
Main targets for the Spitfire Bombers are Comiso and Gela aerodromes. Although many German and Italian fighters are still based in south east Sicily, they have shown a surprising reluctance to engage Malta’s fighter bombers. On the few occasions when enemy fighters have been encountered the close escort of Spitfires has had no difficulty in driving them off. Their busiest day so far was Wednesday 25 November, when Spitfire Bombers flew 19 sorties.
Today saw 13 sorties: the first this morning was by 185 Squadron. Four fighter bombers with four Spitfire fighters as close escort were despatched to bomb Comiso aerodrome. Four explosions were observed to the rear of the main buildings east of the aerodrome. On the way out, the second pair of Spitfire bombers was attacked from below by a Macchi 200. Strikes hit Sgt Gunstone in Red 3, who fired three bursts in return, seeing strikes along the Italian’s fuselage and can claim one Macchi 200 damaged. 17 more Spitfires, nine of which were carrying bombs, attacked Comiso in two waves: one Macchi 200 was damaged.
272 SQUADRON COMMANDING OFFICER BACK FROM THE DEAD
Two RAF officers walked into the RAF Officers’ mess today to the surprise and delight of their comrades who thought they had been lost in action. Squadron Leader Antony (Tony) Watson, Commanding Officer of 272 Squadron, and his navigator Pilot Officer C F Cutting were reported missing on 14 November. During an attack on El Aouina aerodrome, they were strafing a German JU 52 on the ground when their Beaufighter was hit by flak, damaging the starboard engine. They were last seen making an emergency landing on the beach at Tunis, six miles from the airfield.
S/Ldr Watson today related how he and P/O Cutting set fire to the Beaufighter, then set off to find the Allied lines, which they managed to reach without being captured. Eventually they were able to hitch a ride back to Malta, where they have been duly given membership of the ‘Late Arrivals Club’.
NORTH AFRICAN VENTURE CANCELLED AGAIN
The proposed Army mission to a French port in North Africa was called off again today. The move follows the report from the RAF, following a reconnaissance flight yesterday. The project leader Major H M Vaux, MC, also liaised with 1st Army at present in Tunisia and, having reviewed all the information, Fortress Headquarters decided to cancel the proposed operation.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 30 NOVEMBER TO DAWN 1 DECEMBER 1942
Weather Variable; local showers.
0705 hrs Two Spitfires 1435 Squadron Luqa are airborne to search for a missing Beaufort: no dinghy is seen.
0755 hrs Four Spitfires 126 Squaqdron Luqa are airborne to cover the return of fighter bombers: no enemy aircraft seen.
1615-1645 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on intercept patrol: no sightings.
1615-1700 hrs Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far on patrol Grand Harbour: nothing seen.
2359 hrs One Beaufighter 89 Squadron Luqa on patrol over Pantelleria: no sightings.
0212-0214 hrs Air raid alert: aircraft identified as friendly.
Military casualties Sergeant William Clark, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR); Sergeant Kenneth Gamble, RAF VR; Flight Sergeant Laurence Helme, RAF VR; Sergeant Thomas Howarth, RAF VR; Sergeant Ronald McLean, RAF VR; Sergeant William Richards, RAF; all 39 Squadron. Sergeant Donald Reeve, RAF VR, 242 Squadron; Flying Officer Richard Twomey, Royal Australian Air Force.
Civilian casualties Nil.
OPERATIONS REPORTS 30 NOVEMBER 1942
ROYAL NAVY The move of 821 Squadron of the Fleet Air Arm (twelve Albacores) from the Western Desert was completed today. No aircraft were lost during passage. Hebe swept P 35 out and P 311 and P 44 in. P 311 joins Tenth Submarine Flotilla, reporting an uneventful passage direct from the United Kingdom.
P 44 HMS United
HMS Una arrived from patrol in the Gulf of Tunis. On 27 November, she torpedoed and sank a 4000 ton merchant vessel, one of two escorted by a destroyer. The merchant vessel blew up causing superficial damage to the Una at 1200 yards. HMS P 44 returned from a patrol off Burat-el-Hsun, Tripoli and Kerkennah areas. At 1845 hrs on 21 November, P 44 entered Burat harbour and engaged a schooner with her 3″ gun, scoring twelve hits; the schooner was considered sunk.
Axis shipping losses November 1942: 19 merchant ships sunk totaling 41,450 tons; 14 merchant ships damaged totaling 29,540 tons.
AIR HQ Beaufighters on offensive patrols damaged two JU 52s, one SM 79 and two Macchi 200s in the air; destroyed two Cant Z 506s and damaged two more as well as one JU 52 on the ground. One schooner, motor transport and a train were also shot up.
Two Beaufighters of 227 Squadron attacked a 1500 ton merchant vessel approaching Pantelleria harbour, sighted earlier by a Baltimore. The two Beaufighters attacked from such a low level that one of them was slightly damaged by striking the funnel of the merchant ship, with its starboard propeller. Two ME 109s made an abortive attempt to intercept. Two direct hits were scored, causing a terrific explosion followed by a large column of black and white smoke. The vessel can be considered destroyed.
Departures One Hurricane to Bone. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire shot down over enemy territory: pilot missing. One Spitfire failed to return from operations: pilot missing. One Wellington crash-landed: crew uninjured. Two Beauforts failed to return from operations: crews missing.
HAL FAR 12 delivery Albacores arrived from Middle East. 1004-1701 hrs One Hurricane carried out a special mission: Hal Far to Bone and return.
Poor House Luqa
LUQA Strengths: 230 Officers, 665 NCOs, 2079 Other Ranks, 771 Army, 600 civilians. Personnel accommodation made by fixing up Poor House with steel tubular 3-tier bunks. Owing to inability to obtain beds from equipment sources, 1500 bunks were made. Material was obtained from aerodrome obstructions and made entirely by RAF personnel working parties. Three sorties by photo-reconnaissance Spitfires 69 Squadron covering the harbours of Naples, Palermo, Bizerta, Tunis and Sousse.
1425 hrs Three Spitfire bombers with four Spitfires as close escort, all 126 Squadron, are despatched to attack Gela aerodrome: no enemy aircraft seen. 1718 hrs Ten Wellingtons 40 Squadron were airborne to attack Bizerta: bombs were dropped on target and all aircraft returned safely. 1815 hrs Eight Beauforts 39 Squadron were despatched to lay mines in Bizerta and Tunis harbours. Two aircraft failed to return and missing crews were named as: F/Sgt Twomey, F/Sgt Helme, Sgts Gamble and Howarth; P/O Brown and Sgts Richards, McLean and Clark.
TA QALI 0710-0820 hrs Ten Spitfires 249 Squadron carried out a bombing sweep of Gela aerodrome: bombs were dropped on the runway. 0715-0810 hrs Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron carry out a bombing sweep of Comiso aerodrome: all bombs dropped on and around target. 1155-1305 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron, six carrying bombs, attacked Gela aerodrome. Bombs were dropped but results not observed. Sgt Wendt does not return and is declared missing. 1535-1645 hrs Nine Spitfires 229 Squadron on reconnaissance patrol: no sightings.
1st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT Green dump cleared and guard dismounted. Other convoy duties continue. Company strengths 29 Officers, 788 Other Ranks; 3 Officers, 9 Other Ranks attached.
1st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT For period 11-30 November working party provided at Hal Far: four 15 cwt lorries for food delivery, servicing aircraft and as mobile repair vehicles; two impressed lorries for crater filling; two motor cycles as special despatch riders; 16 Other Ranks to man above vehicles. For period 18-30 November the following were working at Zabbar sub-depot: four 15 cwt lorries, five impressed lorries and 16 Other Ranks for convoy transport work. Throughout the month two Twin Lewis guns were manned in the anti-aircraft defence of Safi Strip.
2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT Recce by CO of new central dump at Floriana for unloading of next convoy.
4th Bn THE BUFFS 77 motor transport drivers, six 15 cwt and one 3 ton truck engaged at sub-depot.
24 FORTRESS COMPANY ROYAL ENGINEERS Strength of Company: 5 Officers and 226 Other Ranks. During the month the CQMS store was completed except for finishing touches to roof and the messroom at camp was covered in. Part of 2 Section billet, weakened by bomb explosions, fell down and is to be rebuilt. Hot baths were constructed for the Company in No 3 Section billets.
1 December 1942: Another Convoy for Malta
A convoy of four merchant ships with a large escort of cruisers and destroyers sailed from Port Said at 1430 hours this afternoon heading for Malta. The four merchantmen gathered at Lake Timsah by noon yesterday, when a conference was convened by the senior officer of the escort who had flown in from Alexandria for the meeting.
Glenartney
The merchantmen are named as British ships Glenartney and Suffolk, and the American vessels Agwimonte and Alcoa Prospector. They are accompanied by the cruiser Orion and destroyers Belvoir, Hursley, Pakenham, Petard and Queen Olga (the Greek ship RHS Vassilissa Olga), who were sailed from Alexandria to Port Said to await the arrival of the supply ships. Codenamed Operation Portcullis, convoy MW 14 was delayed by fog at Ismailia which has now cleared.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 1 DECEMBER TO DAWN 2 DECEMBER 1942
Weather Fair.
0720-0800 hrs; 0835-0910 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali at a time on standing patrol: no enemy aircraft sighted.
1142 hrs Air raid alert for approaching enemy aircraft. Four Spitfires 1435 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept but the raiders turned back before they are seen, and while still 20 miles north east of the Grand Harbour.
1155-1305; 1335-1425 hrs; 1425-1535 hrs 12 Spitfire sorties 185 Squadron Hal Far: nothing sighted.
1330-1350 hrs Air raid alert for four approaching ME 109s which circle over Grand Harbour at a great height before receding north. Pointer rounds are fired by six Ack Ack gun positions. Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept but the raiders are too high to engage and avoid combat.
1350 hrs One transit Wellington from the Middle East carried out an anti-submarine patrol.
1600-1710 hrs Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are airborne to act as cover for Spitfire bombers of 249 Squadron. They are attacked by enemy fighters and take evasive action: P/O Mowbray is reported missing.
Military casualties Flying Officer John Mowbray, Royal Canadian Air Force, 229 Squadron; Warrant Officer Class II (CSM) Berkley Evans, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment; Private Alfred Syddall, 8th Battalion, Manchester Regiment.
Civilian casualties Nil.
OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 1 DECEMBER 1942
ROYAL NAVY Una swept in from patrol by Speedy.
AIR HQ Arrivals Three Wellingtons from Benghazi; one Baltimore from LG 227; one Spitfire from Benina. Departures Two Hudsons to Gibraltar; one Beaufighter to Heliopolis; one Hurricane to Bone. Aircraft casualties One Beaufighter crash landed due to engine failure: two crew slightly injured. One Beaufort missing from operations: crew missing. One Spitfire believed forced down into sea by enemy action: pilot missing. One Wellington force landed: crew uninjured.
HAL FAR 0640-0735 hrs Four Spitfire bombers with four Spitfires as close escort, all 185 Squadron, were dispatched to bomb Comiso aerodrome. Bomber leader suffered engine cut when still 20 miles south of Sicily so jettisoned his bombs and returned. The remainder of the bomber formation followed suit. The escort then set course to Noto and returned: nothing seen. 1000 hrs Hurricane left for Bone.
Albacore pilot prepares for night raid (c) IWM A161612
1827-0030 hrs One special Albacore and three strike Albacores carried out a torpedo attack on enemy shipping off the west coast of Sicily. 1925-0040 hrs Two special Albacores and five strike Albacores 821 Fleet Air Arm Squadron were dispatched to attack the same convoy but failed to locate the vessels. 2255 hrs Fleet Air Arm Albacores damaged a tanker in a convoy of four merchant vessels and five destroyers when fifteen miles south of Marittimo at 2255. Sub/Lt Pratt and Sub/Lt Kendrick scored one hit on a 6-7000 ton tanker which was left ablaze.
LUQA Personnel arrivals: 25 Other Ranks. Three sorties by photo-reconnaissance Spitfires 69 Squadron on aerodromes and harbours of Naples, Taranto, Messina, Palermo and Trapani. 2215 hrs Three Beaufighters 89 Squadron patrolled the area of Gabes-Tunis.
TA QALI 29 airmen detached from Station to 39 Squadron, Luqa. 0800-0905 hrs Ten Spitfires 249 Squadron, including six bombers, carried out a bombing raid on Biscari aerodromes: explosions are seen on the airfield. 0905-1325 hrs Two Beaufighters 272 Squadron on offensive sweep sighted two unidentified aircraft: no engagement. 1040-1145 hrs Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron on reconnaissance patrol: no sightings. 1155-1635 hrs Two Beaufighters 272 Squadron on offensive patrol, one carrying bombs. One crashed just after take-off: crew uninjured. 1530-1815 hrs Two Beaufighters 227 Squadron on offensive sweep attacked a merchant vessel and set the deck cargo on fire. 1545-1655 hrs Ten Spitfires 249 Squadron, including six bombers, carried out a bombing raid on Gela aerodrome: bombs were seen to explode in the north west dispersal area.
1st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT Working party provided for administrative and crater-filling duties at Hal Far: four 15 cwt lorries, two impressed lorries, two motor cycles, 16 Other Ranks.
2nd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT Five 1 ton, two 30 cwt, one 3 ton lorries provided for special service Zabbar.
4th Bn THE BUFFS 77 motor transport drivers, six 15 cwt and one 3 ton truck engaged at sub-depot. 6 Officers, 200 Other Ranks engaged on aircraft pen construction at Qrendi.
24 FORTRESS COMPANY ROYAL ENGINEERS Company billeted at Bahar-ic-Cahaq (less No 1 section on DEL stations with HQ at Haywharf, No 2 Section building pens at Qrendi and Maltese details working in barracks, attached to Bomb Disposal, or on convoy duties).
2 December 1942: Convoy Rescues RAF Crew Adrift in Dinghy
OPERATION PORTCULLIS CONVOY ASSEMBLES IN MED
HMS Orion
The cruiser HMS Orion escorted by destroyers Paladin, Dulverton, Exmoor, Hurworth, Aldenham and the Greek Pindos sailed from Alexandria today to rendezvous with the convoy heading for Malta. Late this afternoon Hurworth was found to have defects; at 1800 hrs she left the convoy to return to Alexandria.
Later this evening Petard spotted a small boat adrift on the sea. It was identified as an RAF dinghy and its six occupants were rescued and taken aboard the destroyer.
Following a report from Vice Admiral Malta that furnace fuel was urgently required, a last-minute decision has been taken to include a tanker in the convoy. A vessel which had been originally intended for a later convoy to Malta will now depart immediately from Benghazi. Destroyers HMS Croome and Tetcott are on their way from Malta to Benghazi to act as escort for the tanker.
MALTA NAVAL FORCES IN COMBINED ATTACK
HMS Jervis
Royal Navy ships have wasted no time in returning to the offensive following their arrival in Malta last Friday. Destroyers Jervis, Javelin, Kelvin and Nubian launched a joint operation with Naval Air Squadrons to attack a convoy off Kerkennah.
The ships sailed at 1400 hrs this afternoon to intercept the enemy convoy of one tanker and two merchant ships, escorted by two torpedo boats and a destroyer, as they steered for Ras Turgeuness. At 2100 hrs aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm and HM Submarine P 35 attacked the convoy south of Kerkennah and sank two merchant ships, seriously damaging another vessel.
The Force K destroyers arrived on the scene shortly after midnight and sank a torpedo boat destroyer which was engaged in picking up survivors from one of the merchant ships.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 2 DECEMBER TO 3 DECEMBER 1942
Weather Fair.
No air raid alerts.
0625-0725 hrs Two Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far patrol over the Island: nothing sighted.
0700-0815 hrs Two Spitfires 229 Squadron search for a missing pilot: no sighting.
Military casualties Sub-Lieutenant William Guy, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS St Angelo; Sub-Lieutenant Colin Taylor, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS St Angelo.
Civilian casualties Nil.
OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 2 DECEMBER 1942
HMS Trooper
AIR HQ Arrivals One Wellington from LG 104; one DC 3 from El Adem. Departures One Hurricane to Bone. Aircraft casualties One Albacore lost on operations: crew missing.
HAL FAR 1500 hrs One Hurricane RNAS which left for Bone yesterday returned: mission accomplished. 1730-2315 hrs Three Albacores RNAS and eight 821 Squadron were despatched to attack two 5000 ton merchant vessels, one cruiser, one destroyer and one sloop in the Gulf of Gabes. Both merchant ships were hit and left burning: fires could be seen 70 miles away on the return journey. One Albacore landed at Luqa; another is missing, along with crew S/Lt Taylor and S/Lt Guy.
LUQA No operations.
1st Bn DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY All drivers report to sub-depots for convoy unloading duties.
1st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT Working party provided for administrative and crater-filling duties at Hal Far: four 15 cwt lorries, two impressed lorries, two motor cycles, 16 Other Ranks.
2nd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT Five 1 ton, two 30 cwt, one 3 ton lorries provided for special service Zabbar. Four 1 ton lorries, one Officer, 78 men on fatigue at Ta Qali.
2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT COs conference on establishment of new dumps to be formed at Floriana under 2nd RWK called Pink Dump and at Attard under 2nd Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers called White Dump.
4th Bn THE BUFFS 77 motor transport drivers, six 15 cwt and one 3 ton truck engaged at sub-depot. 6 Officers, 200 Other Ranks engaged on aircraft pen construction at Qrendi.
3 December 1942: Tanker Joins Operation Portcullis Convoy
ESCORT STRENGTHENED AS SHIPS APPROACH MALTA
HMS Tetcott
Minelayer HMS Welshman joined the Operation Portcullis convoy at daylight today on her way to Malta, taking advantage of the escort protection. Then at 1700 hrs this afternoon the American tanker Yorba Linda, escorted by destroyers Croome and Tetcott linked up with the main convoy north east of Benghazi. Soon afterwards, Welshman left the remaining ships to speed on ahead to Malta.
To cover the final approach of Convoy MW 14 to the Island, Force K cruisers Cleopatra, Dido and Euryalus with destroyers Jervis, Kelvin and Nubian were sailed from Grand Harbour this evening. They will provide protection for the convoy against possible surface attack.
US LIBERATORS ATTACK ITALIAN BATTLE FLEET
US Liberator bombers from the Middle East today attacked Italian ships in the Bay of Naples, sinking the Muzio Attendolo and damaging two other warships. The Italian cruiser was photographed yesterday undergoing trials in the Bay of Naples, following recent repairs.
Italian light cruiser Muzio Attendolo
Major units of the Italian fleet have been observed gathered in southern Italian ports from where they could threaten Allied sea movements through the Mediterranean, including convoys which might attempt the run to Malta. As well as Attendolo, three Littorio battleships and two other cruisers are presently at Naples; five other cruisers are in port at Messina and three battleships at Taranto.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 3 DECEMBER TO DAWN 4 DECEMBER 1942
Weather Mainly fine; fair.
No air raid alerts.
1030-1215 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali on intercept patrol: no sightings.
1039-1131 hrs Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far patrol north of base at 25000 feet: nothing seen.
1440-1525 hrs; 1550-1635 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron at a time on intercept patrol: nothing sighted.
Military casualties Sergeant Everard Aspell, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR), 108 Squadron; Sergeant Ronald Semley, RAF VR, 40 Squadron.
Civilian casualties Nil.
OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 1942
AIR HQ Arrivals One Hurricane from Bone; one Beaufighter from Gambut; one DC 3 from El Adem; one Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures One DC 3 to El Adem. Aircraft casualties One Wellington’s bombs hung up and exploded while aircraft was taxiing: two of crew killed, rest uninjured.
Hurricanes at Hal Far
HAL FAR 1150 hrs One Hurricane RNAS landed from a special mission. He was attacked 50 miles off Kerkennah by one JU 88. The enemy aircraft overshot and the Hurricane was able to counter-attack with several short gun bursts: claims one JU 88 damaged.
1840-0010 hrs One special Albacore and three strike Albacores 821 Squadron were sent to attack enemy shipping off the coast of Sicily. Two 3000 ton merchant vessels were located 44 miles off Zuara moving at 8 knots. Both ships were hit by torpedoes and blown up. 1900-2005 hrs One special Albacore and three strike Albacores 821 Squadron were sent to attack the tanker hit last night and since reported stationary 10 miles west of Marittimo. The tanker was not located; only two hospital ships were seen in the area. All torpedoes were brought back.
LUQA No operations.
TA QALI 0835-1330 hrs Six Beaufighters 227 Squadron on offensive sweep: no sightings. 0835-1145 hrs Six Beaufighters 272 Squadron on offensive sweep sighted one JU 88 which is destroyed by F/Lt Rankin and F/O Coate. 0445-1000 hrs Four Beaufighters 272 Squadron are airborne to act as convoy escort: no sightings.
1st Bn DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY Battalion provided a working party of 3 Officers and 200 Other Ranks for pen building on Qrendi aerodrome.
1st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT Working party provided for administrative and crater-filling duties at Hal Far: four 15 cwt lorries, two impressed lorries, two motor cycles, 16 Other Ranks.
2nd Bn KING’S OWN MALTA REGIMENT Five 1 ton, two 30 cwt, one 3 ton lorries provided for special service Zabbar. Four 1 ton lorries, one Officer, 78 men on fatigue at Ta Qali. Three Officers reported daily to APM for traffic duties.
4th Bn THE BUFFS Personnel engaged on co-operational duties (maintenance, refuelling, arming etc) with RAF at Luqa aerodrome, taken over from 2nd Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers. 57 drivers engaged at motor transport sub-depot.
4 December 1942: HMS Welshman Arrives Safely
WELSHMAN REPORTS MED QUIET FOR PASSAGE OF PORTCULLIS
HMS Welshman enters Grand Harbour
HMS Welshman arrived in Grand Harbour today having left Convoy MW 14 yesterday evening. The minelayer reported an incident-free passage through the Mediterranean. Conditions appear favourable for the progress of the convoy.
Force K signalled at daylight that all vessels have joined up safely with Operation Portcullis the convoy and will remain in close escort throughout the day. The ships are now within reach of Malta aircraft which will mount a constant escort for the remainder of their passage to Grand Harbour. The arrival of Welshman has already attracted the attention of enemy aircraft which approached the Island on reconnaissance twice, triggering first air raid alerts in three days.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 4 DECEMBER TO DAWN 5 DECEMBER 1942
Weather Fair to fine.
0740-1245 hrs Four Beaufighters 227 Squadron are airborne to act as escort for the approaching convoy (one returned early): no sightings.
1025-1041 hrs Air raid alert for ten ME 109s which cross the coast over the Grand Harbour area at a height of 25000 feet, apparently on reconnaissance. Heavy Ack Ack fire pointer rounds. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne and see five unidentified aircraft making smoke trails north and south of Malta at 28000 feet. On sighting the Spitfires below them, the enemy raiders turn northwards for home.
1100 hrs One Beaufighter 89 Squadron Luqa searches for the friendly convoy.
1400 hrs One Baltimore 69 Squadron searches in the Cape Bon area.
1440-1610 hrs One Beaufighter 227 Squadron is airborne to act as escort to the convoy: nothing sighted.
1452-1507 hrs Air raid alert for three ME 109s which approach the Island at 26000 feet and fly over Grand Harbour. Ack Ack fire pointer rounds. Four Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled to intercept: they see the three ME 109s over Grand Harbour at 22000 feet. The enemy aircraft dive away over the coast to avoid combat.
1535-1630 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron on intercept patrol: no sightings.
1600-1730 hrs; 1630-1750 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron at a time are airborne to act as escort to the convoy: no sightings.
Night One air raid alert: aircraft are identified as friendly.
Military casualties Flight Lieutenant Andrew Breakey, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR), 18 Squadron; Flying Officer Robert Curtis, RAF VR, 81 Squadron; Flight Sergeant Sidney Greene, RAF VR, 18 Squadron; Flight Sergeant Arthur Simpson, RAF VR, 18 Squadron; Sergeant Peter Turner, RAF VR, 81 Squadron.
Civilian casualties Nil.
OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER 1942
HMS Porpoise arrives Malta (NWMA Malta)
ROYAL NAVY Hythe swept HMS Welshman and P 35 in, and Porpoise out to head for refit in the UK via Gibraltar. Four MTBs arrived from Bone. Naval aircraft attacked shipping in the Zuara area. Two merchant ships were hit, one of which sank in three minutes; the other was left burning.
AIR HQ Arrivals One Wellington from LG 237; one Beaufighter from Souk El Arba; eight Hudsons, one DC 3 from El Adem; two Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures One DC 3 to LG 224; one Hudson to Algiers; eight Hudsons to El Adem.
LUQA 0900 hrs Six sorties flown by photo-reconnaissance of 69 Squadron. 1930 hrs One Beaufighter 39 Squadron patrolled over Comiso aerodrome at 32000 feet: no enemy aircraft seen. 1700-2225 hrs Six Wellingtons 40 Squadron and four 104 Squadron bombed the docks at La Goulette, Tunis.
TA QALI 249 Squadron operating from RAF Qrendi. Air crew remain attached to Ta Qali for accommodation and rations only. 26 airmen arrived by air from Middle East.
1st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT HMS Welshman arrived No 5 Dock approx 0830 hrs. Unloading commenced about 0915 hrs. Bn provided 200 Other Ranks alongside 100 Other Ranks Dorsets. Cargo was extremely difficult as it contained fifty 21” torpedoes among a miscellaneous cargo. The torpedoes were unloaded last so the whole operation was hampered. The ship was not cleared until 1900 hrs.
1st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT Working party provided for administrative and crater-filling duties at Hal Far: four 15 cwt lorries, two impressed lorries, two motor cycles, 16 Other Ranks.
2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT Floriana Pink Dump and Attard White Dump marked out for reception of convoy cargoes.
4th Bn THE BUFFS Personnel engaged on maintenance, refuelling, arming etc with RAF at Luqa aerodrome. 63 drivers engaged at motor transport sub-depot.
5 December 1942: The Siege of Malta is Lifted
OPERATION PORTCULLIS CONVOY ARRIVES UNMOLESTED
Convoys now have safe passage to Malta under Allied air protection (c) IWM A13678
At dawn today the four merchant ships Glenartney, Suffolk, Alcoa Prospector and Agwimonte, and the tanker Yorba Linda were safely in the shelter of Grand Harbour. Commanders of Operation Portcullis report that, in spite of being shadowed at various times during the voyage, they encountered no enemy attacks throughout the entire passage from Alexandria.
By 10 am the remaining ships of the convoy escort had entered Grand Harbour, bringing the number of warships and merchant vessels in the harbour to over 40.
Two of the merchant ships are being unloaded by Army personnel and two by civil labour, who are working with great enthusiasm. Approximately 3200 soldiers are employed on unloading and dispersing the cargoes to dumps. A further 1800 are assisting the RAF in maintenance of aircraft and airfields to ensure the protection of Malta’s air space and offensive ops during unloading. However, no attempt was made by the enemy to attack the ships in harbour, or even to approach the Island on reconnaissance during the day.
MALTA’S SUPPLY ROUTES SECURE
The arrival of a tanker with much-needed fuel relieves the concerns of military leaders. More importantly, the second delivery of food and general supplies in a matter of days brings the chance of a real increase in civilian rations. This should improve morale and help to stem the decline in the general health of the population which is giving real cause for concern. The inclusion of a few long absent luxuries among the essentials brought a smile to many faces.
The siege is over but much of Malta lies in ruins
Malta’s commanders are cautiously taking the unhampered passage of Operation Portcullis as an indication that future supplies can be carried through without significant risk. Since January 1941 two aircraft carriers, twenty warships and several submarines have been lost in attempts to supply the Island.
It has now been decided to run regular pairs of merchant ships for Malta alongside ordinary Western Desert Convoys to the Benghazi area, where surface forces from the Island will reinforce the escort for their final passage. The supply of Malta – almost impossible a month ago – is now all but secure. The siege is over.
SITUATION REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING 5 DECEMBER 1942
From: Governor & C in C Malta To: C in C Middle East Rept: The War Office
1. Enemy air: four daylight alerts for enemy fighters on reconnaissance.
2. Convoy of four merchant vessels and one tanker escorted by cruisers and destroyers arrived safely am 5 December. Unloading is proceeding well: 3200 Army personnel employed; a further 1800 on aerodromes.
3. Spitfire bombers successfully attacked aerodromes Comiso, Gela and Biscari. Spitfire close escort damaged one Macchi 200. Beaufighters on daylight offensive sweeps area Tunisia destroyed two Cant Z ‘06 and damaged two more at moorings. One Italian bomber, one transport damaged on the ground. One JU 88 destroyed; three transports, two fighters damaged in combat. Coaster 1100 tons, two destroyers, goods trains and lorries effectively shot up. Merchant vessel 1100 tons set on fire and abandoned. Two direct hits bombs causing violent explosion merchant vessel off Pantelleria.
Wellington bombers
By night approx 45 Wellington sorties docks Bizerta 23 sorties docks Tunisia. Also successful attacks Catania, Trapani, Comiso and Gerbini. Bombs dropped areas Ragusa, Augusta, Syracuse, Gela and Castel Vetrano. Beaufighters bombed railways Tunis and shot up trains. Reggio di Calabria attacked by two Beaufighters. Beauforts laid mines entrance Bizerta, Tunis and Palermo harbours. Albacores on shipping strikes sank two merchant vessels 5000 tons, blew up merchant vessel 3000 tons and set two other merchant vessels and a tanker on fire. Other results unobserved. Four destroyers Force K sank one enemy TBD.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 5 DECEMBER TO DAWN 6 DECEMBER 1942
Weather Cloudy.
No air raid alerts.
0620-0940 hrs Six aircraft 126 Squadron Luqa maintain a patrol for the arrival of a convoy.
0800-0915 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali on standing patrol: no sightings.
0845-1010 hrs Four Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far carry out shipping patrol: nothing seen.
1150-1310 hrs Four Spitfires 185 Squadron on standing patrol over the Island: nothing seen.
1335-1510 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron on standing patrol: no sightings.
1455-1550 hrs; 1630-1725 hrs Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron on standing patrols over the Island: nothing seen.
Military casualties Pilot Officer John MacDonald, Royal Australian Air Force; Sergeant Thomas Mincher, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 93 Squadron.
Civilian casualties Nil.
OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER 1942
ROYAL NAVY Hebe swept P 35 to sea. P 42 was swept in from patrol by HM 135. 1600 hrs HMS Welshman sailed for Alexandria with Paladin.
AIR HQ Arrivals Two Halifax from UK; ten Hudsons from El Adem. Departures One DC 3 to El Adem; two Hudsons to Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Baltimore overshot aerodrome and crash landed due to engine failure: crew uninjured. One Wellington crashed into another aircraft while landing: crew uninjured.
HAL FAR 2100-0100 hrs Two Albacores 821 Squadron were despatched to bomb and illuminate for Beaufighters at Reggio di Calabria aerodrome. One Albacore returned early with rear cockpit trouble; the other arrived too late over the target to contact the Beaufighters but dropped its bombs on the new corner of the aerodrome.
LUQA Four sorties by photo-reconnaissance Spitfires. 1400 hrs Two Beaufighters 89 Squadron were despatched to attack Reggio Calabria. One Beaufighter was slightly damaged by Ack Ack splinters: crew unhurt. Night One special Wellington carried out a shipping search in the Marittimo-Cavoli area: no sightings.
TA QALI One senior NCO and four airmen arrived by air from Middle East. 0955-1130 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron on reconnaissance patrol: no sightings. 1140-1425 hrs Three Beaufighters 272 Squadron on offensive reconnaissance: no sightings. 1345-1640 hrs Four Beaufighters 227 Squadron (one carrying bombs) on offensive reconnaissance attacked an enemy destroyer causing a small explosion and fire near the bridge.
1st Bn CHESHIRE REGIMENT A convoy arrived at dawn. 1100 hrs The Bn began unloading the Glenartney at Hamilton Wharf in 3 shifts of 84 Other Ranks. The vessel is carrying 8000 tons of cargo. Unloading went well during the day.
1st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT 6 Officers, 107 Other Ranks unloading M/V Alcoa Prospector.
Agwimonte
1st Bn DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY The Bn was detailed to provide: 3 Officers, 42 Other Ranks to report at 1000 hrs for traffic control; 5 fire-fighting parties of 1 Officer, 13 Other Ranks each, to live on board the merchant ships; 42 drivers, 6 vehicles, 3 Officers, 150 Other Ranks as general reserve. 2200 hrs Fire-fighting parties reported to allotted berths and went on board the following vessels: Alcoa Prospector, Glenartney, Agwimonte, Suffolk, Yorba Linda.
2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT Arrival of convoy: Bn in position on Pink Dump in two shifts of 12 hours, day and night. Total employed 14 Officers, 200 Other Ranks on Dump plus 2 Officers, 51 Other Ranks on motor transport sub-depot.
4th Bn THE BUFFS Personnel engaged on maintenance, refuelling, arming etc with RAF at Luqa aerodrome. 63 drivers engaged at motor transport sub-depot.
FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 8. Dealt with: High Explosives 1 x 50kg; anti-personnel bombs 8.
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Malta: War Diary 