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28 June-4 July 1942: Enemy Launches Night Attacks – 37 Killed

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28 June 1942: Soldiers Train as Dockers

Unloading convoy ship Welshman (NWMA Malta)

Malta command has reviewed the unloading of the recently arrived convoy ships and concluded that the involvement of troops was essential to its success. Military manpower doubled the labour force and ensured the fastest completion of the operation, before enemy attacks could destroy ships and supplies.

Following the review it has been decided to train service personnel as dockyard winchmen and charge-hands, in advance of the next convoy to Malta. There is no indication of how soon this will be.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 28 JUNE TO DAWN 29 JUNE 1942

Weather Wind westerly; no cloud.

0513-0555 hrs The air raid alert sounds for four enemy bombers with a 10 strong fighter escort. Bombs are dropped on Luqa and Safi, destroying one Beaufort and damaging a Baltimore. Hal Far is also attacked: many delayed-action and anti-personnel bombs land on the dispersal areas and on the aerodrome, which is put out of use until 1900 hrs. One Swordfish is destroyed and four Spitfires are damaged and one soldier is slightly injured.

0515-0614 hrs One Beaufighter 89 Squadron Luqa is airborne on intercept patrol: no combat.

0635 hrs; 0700 hrs Air raid alerts sound for enemy fighter sweeps.

0830-0915 hrs; 1135-1200 hrs Four Spitfires from Luqa, then two from 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on intercept patrol: no combat.

1515 hrs A formation of six Messerschmitts is reported approaching the Island. Twelve Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept but see nothing; they land at 1600 hrs.

1820 hrs Air raid alert. A formation of six ME 109s carry out a surprise attack on minesweepers off Grand Harbour.

2040 hrs Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

2345-0130 hrs One Beaufighter 89 Squadron Luqa on intercept patrol: F/O Mitchell destroys a JU 87.

0034 hrs; 0505 hrs Two air raid alerts sound. A total of 21 aircraft approach the Island in two raids; only nine cross the coast. Bombs are dropped across Mellieha, Safi and Hal Far, killing two Other Ranks 1^st Bn Hampshire Regt and injuring two.

0445 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept 10 JU 88s approaching the Island.

0450-0605 hrs One Beaufighter 89 Squadron is airborne on intercept patrol. The Spitfires observe F/O Fumerton engage one JU 88, which he destroys: it is seen later burning in the sea. He later attacks and destroys another JU 88.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 28 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY Nineteen mines swept. Sweepers were machine gunned by ME 109s from 5000 feet without causing damage or casualties.

AIR HQ Arrivals Six Wellingtons and two Blenheims from Gibraltar; five Wellingtons from Shallufa. Departures Six Wellingtons to LG 224; one Wellington to Shallufa.

HAL FAR 1900 hrs 185 Squadron and RNAS stood down.

LUQA One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance Taranto Harbour. One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance Catania, Gerbini, Gela, Biscari, Comiso, Noto. 2220-0142 hrs Nine Wellingtons despatched on shipping strike but were recalled without making the attack.

TA QALI 53 airmen of 601 Squadron arrived from Hal Far. 0125-0220 hrs; 0225-0310 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron patrol towards Sicily but see nothing. 0330-0415 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron patrol to Cape Passero and attempt to shoot up a beacon without success.

29 June 1942: Malta Fighters Chase Enemy Back to Sicily

AIR RAIDS DAWN 29 JUNE TO DAWN 30 JUNE 1942

Weather Wind south-westerly; moderate to strong. Little high cloud.

Lockheed Lodestar

0715 hrs Air raid alert. Two Spitfires Luqa area scrambled to intercept: no combat.

0855 hrs Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy fighters and sight eight ME 109s.

0900 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are also scrambled and sight two of the ME 109s, but lose them when gaining height.

0910 hrs The air raid alert sounds as the ME 109s near the Island. P/O Barbour, 603 Squadron, is jumped by two of the fighters: he bales out and is observed safely in his dinghy.

0915-1045 hrs Two pairs of Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne to cover and protect minesweepers operating off the coast. They guide the rescue launch to P/O Barbour.

1425 hrs The air raid alert sounds with the approach of four enemy fighters. Eight Spitfires from Ta Qali search and locate them forty miles south east of the Island. They chase the fighters off towards Sicily.

1515-1540 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to cover the return of 603 Squadron: no combat.

1655-1725 hrs Four Spitfires Luqa carry out a patrol: no combat.

1935-2040 hrs Fighters are reported heading for Malta. Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are airborne and ready to intercept: no combat.

2130-2340 hrs One Beaufighter 89 Squadron is airborne on intercept patrol.

2245 hrs Two Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept eight approaching enemy bombers. The Beaufighter pilot F/L Edwards attacks and destroys one JU 88.

2250 hrs The air raid alert sounds as the bombers approach the Island. Bombs are dropped on St Paul’s Bay and on Luqa, damaging a defence post and motor transport.

2335 hrs All clear.

Military casualties Private Edward Green, 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment; Bombardier David Lee, 74 Light Ack Ack Regiment, Royal Artillery; Private William Morgan, 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 29 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY Weather unsuitable for minesweeping.

AIR HQ Arrivals Three Hudsons, three Wellingtons, one Beaufort from Gibraltar; one Lodestar from LG 104; One Beaufighter from Middle East. Departures Three Hudsons to Gibraltar; two Blenheims, one Wellington to LG 224; one Lodestar to Heliopolis; one Wellington to Shallufa. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire crashed in sea after combat; pilot safe.

LUQA One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance (PR) Taranto reports 100% cloud over Sicily and Foggia. One Spitfire PR Taranto reports naval situation unchanged.

TA QALI 0625-0700 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on a search mission sight a dinghy in the water ten miles south of Cape Passero.

30 June 1942: Clamp Down on Black Marketeers

The Government of Malta is to introduce very severe penalties for Black Market trading. The new measures include a maximum term of five years’ imprisonment for those convicted. The new measures take effect from tomorrow. (1)

AIR RAID STATISTICS JUNE 1942

Total number of raids 173
Raid-free days nil
Night raids 60
Raid free nights 4
Alerts for own planes 11
Total time from air raid alert to raiders passed 3 days, 15 hrs, 43mins.
Average length of alert 30.4 mins.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 30 JUNE TO DAWN 1 JULY 1942

Weather Wind westerly; no cloud.

0910 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy fighters. They encounter seven ME 109s over St Paul’s Bay but there is no combat.

1020-1125 hrs Three Spitfires from Ta Qali patrol over Gozo. The air raid alert sounds at 1045 hrs for approaching fighters but there are no interceptions.

1310 hrs Air raid alert. Four Spitfires from Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept enemy fighters. They patrol 20 miles towards Sicily but see nothing.

1510-1535 hrs; 1900-1910 hrs Two Spitfires 601 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne each time to intercept enemy aircraft but raid does not materialise.

1930-2030 hrs Four Spitfires 601 Squadron patrol over Gozo. Two more Spitfires 601 Squadron are despatched to provide cover for launches in Grand Harbour. The air raid alert sounds at 1955 hrs for approaching fighters but there are no interceptions.

2145-2335 hrs; 2250-2359 hrs Two Beaufighters on intercept patrol: no combat.

2234-0515 hrs Air raid alert. Six JU 88 bombers drop high explosive bombs in the area of Luqa, Qrendi, Birzebbuga and Delimara, and on Fleur de Lys.

0410-0515 hrs Thirteen enemy bombers and fighters approach the Island. Bombs are dropped on Safi and Luqa, where a starter battery is destroyed.

Military casualties Petty Officer Steward Joseph Attard, HMS St.Angelo.

Civilian casualties Attard Veneranda Scicluna, age 45. Safi Concetta Cashia, age 34; Carmela Cachia, age 2; John Farrugia, age 5.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 30 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY Weather unsuitable for sweeping. SS King of England escorted by ML 462 proceeded to Marsaxlokk, arriving 2150 hrs. King of England pumped 100 tons of fuel oil from Breconshire during the night. Total number of unexploded bombs dealt with by Royal Navy in June: 3.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Whitley, one Blenheim, one Beaufort from Gibraltar; Departures One Whitley to Gibraltar; one Beaufort to LG 224.

LUQA 2151-0605 hrs Three Wellingtons S/D Flight despatched on shipping search. Two Malta-based Wellingtons attacked a southbound enemy convoy of three 6000 ton merchant vessels and four destroyers, 23 miles from Cape Maria de Leuca. Near-misses were observed on one of the merchant vessels. Three more Wellingtons of 38 Squadron attacked with torpedoes, scoring two hits on one merchant vessel. The pilots observed a lot of smoke and the ship came to a stop. After the attack, part of the convoy was seen to turn back towards Taranto.

1 July 1942: Malta Bombers Delay Rommel’s Convoy

A Spitfire of Malta’s photo-reconnaissance unit yesterday brought back photographs of Taranto showing much enemy activity in the harbour. Signs indicate that the convoy subjected to recent attacks has now been re-assembled. The deck cargo from the damaged merchant ship has been removed and transferred to another ship. Several more merchant vessels were observed berthed in the outer harbour, ready to embark with supplies for North Africa.

Wellington bombers

Overnight, a search was carried out by two Wellingtons in the Gulf of Taranto, to locate and bomb the enemy ships, and guide in torpedo-carrying Wellingtons ready to attack the convoy as it emerged from harbour. Another Wellington carried out a search to the south of the Gulf to cover a wider area in case the convoy made more rapid progress. The five torpedo-bearing Wellingtons left Malta at nightfall and circled near Cape Santa Maria di Leuca, ready to strike as soon as the convoy emerged from the Gulf.

At 0135 hrs this morning, three merchant ships and four destroyers were spotted crawling along the coast near Gallipoli, in the heel of Italy. The Wellingtons bombed and launched their torpedoes, scoring hits on one ship and near misses with bombs on others. The Italian crews appeared to panic, and immediately turned tail to head back to Taranto.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 1 JULY TO DAWN 2 JULY 1942

Weather Wind southerly; no cloud.

0810-0817 hrs Air raid alert for enemy fighter patrol.

0910-0930 hrs Air raid alert. Two Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept enemy patrol: no combat.

0950-1100 hrs Six Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy fighters. At 1002 hrs the air raid alert sounds. The patrolling aircraft see four enemy fighters but are unable to engage.

1450-1520 hrs Air raid alert. Four JU88s escorted by 20 fighters drops one large high explosive bomb on the shore near Qawra Tower. Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled: no interceptions.

1815-1925 hrs Twelve Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept two approaching formations totalling some forty aircraft, two Cant 1007s with BR 20s, ME 109s, RE 2001s and Macchi 202s.

1840 hrs Air raid alert. The first formation of two Italian SM 84s with a close escort of Italian fighters heads for Ta Qali. The bombers drop twelve 100kg bombs on the Imtarfa area. A separate formation of German and Italian fighters is spotted to the north east of Gozo. P/O Hurst, 603 Squadron, attacks one bomber from 300 yards to point-blank range and sees strikes on the aircraft. Hurst is hit by return fire and loses all his glycol. Sgt Parkinson destroys one ME 109 and damages another. Parkinson is then jumped by another fighter and has to bale out. He is slightly injured and is rescued later.

1930 hrs All clear.

2000-2015 hrs Air raid alert.

2015-2130 hrs Three Spitfires 603 Squadron are despatched on dusk patrol: nil report.

2215-2245 hrs; 2330-2335 hrs; 2359-0045 hrs Air raid alerts. A total of 25 aircraft cross the Island, including Italian and German bombers with fighter escort. Bombs are dropped on Qrendi, Marsaxlokk, Hal Far, Luqa, Kalafrana, Boschetto, Ta Qali, Marfa and Rabat. Heavy Ack Ack engage.

0150-0245 hrs Air raid alert. Unidentified enemy aircraft drop bombs in the Luqa area, destroying one Wellington and one Beaufort.

Military casualties Private James Hoare, 2nd Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment; Colour Sergeant Thornton Springett, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment.

Civilian casualties Qrendi Carmela Spiteri, age 70.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 1 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY SS King of England returned from Marsaxlokk escorted by ML 462, having recovered 100 tons of fuel oil from Breconshire.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Hudson, one Whitley, two Hudsons, one Wellington from Gibraltar. Departures One Hudson, one Whitley from Gibraltar; one Wellington from Heliopolis; two Wellingtons, one Blenheim from LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire shot down into the sea: pilot safe.

2 July 1942: Fire bombing of Boschetto Camp Kills 7; Injures 11

Boschetto

Seven RAF servicemen were killed when enemy bombers targeted the RAF camp in Boschetto Gardens in the early hours of this morning. Three high explosive bombs hit the tented camp at 0100 hrs. One landed directly on a tent and the others exploded nearby, causing considerable damage to tents, marquees and equipment. Seven servicemen were killed and two were rushed to hospital with extensive wounds. Eleven more were taken to hospital later, either suffering from injuries or severe shock.

Dozens of incendiary bombs were also dropped in the raid, setting fire to the trees which burst into flames. Despite the ongoing air raid, all available men grabbed fire extinguishers and sand buckets to put out the flames.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 2 JULY TO DAWN 3 JULY 1942

Weather Wind south-easterly; little cloud.

0830-0920 hrs Air raid alert for approaching enemy fighters. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron intercept six ME 109s. F/O Mitchell damages one ME 109. P/O Hurst is reported missing.

0920 hrs Twelve Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft. They engage eight ME 109s and five Cant 1007 bombers. S/Ldr Lucas and F/Sgt Parkes each destroy one ME 109. W/O Ramsay damages a starboard engine of one aircraft and sees pieces fly off the port wing. F/Sgt De Nancrede scores hits on the leading bomber and damages the port bomber. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron are also airborne and see a Cant 1007 with 20 strong fighter escort. P/O King and P/O Glazebrook together probably destroy a Macchi. Both pilots are then attacked head-on and they crash land at Ta Qali.

0955-1020 hrs Air raid alert. The five Cant 1007s drop thirty 100kg and five 50kg bombs on Safi and Kalafrana. Spitfires of 603 Squadron attack. P/O Smith damages one Cant and destroys one ME 109. F/O Mitchell and P/O Newman both attack a bomber, leaving his engine smoking. Sgt Parkinson and P/O Johnson each damage one RE 2001.

1055-1205 hrs; 1205-1245 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron, then two of 603 Squadron search for P/O Hurst.

1245-1400 hrs Four Spitfires attack a fishing smack south of Kalafrana.

1400 hrs Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy bombers.

1420 hrs Air raid alert. Three JU 88 bombers escorted by four fighters drop bombs on Luqa from 23000 feet, killing two civilians and wounding two civilians and two servicemen. One Beaufighter is slightly damaged. The Spitfires attack the JU 88s. P/O Spradley damages the centre one; P/O Linton damages another. P/O Daddo-Langlois attacks the port bomber and the crew bales out 40 miles north of the Island. F/Sgt Middlemiss spots a ME 109 on the tail of P/O Kelly. He opens fire and sees the ME 109 dive down and splash into the sea. P/O Kelly does not return.

1455 hrs All clear.

1505-1615 hrs Spitfires of 249 Squadron search for P/O Kelly but find nothing.

1825-1842 hrs Air raid alert.

1855-2000 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne on patrol to cover minesweepers.

1920 hrs Air raid alert. Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled and sight eight Cant 1007s with a 15 strong fighter escort. S/Ldr Lucas damages one ME 109. F/Sgt Parkes also damages one ME 109 which is last seen diving down. F/Sgt De Nancrede is hit in the engine in a head-on attack and crash-lands at Ta Qali.

1946-2015 hrs Air raid alert. Two Cants drop 100kg bombs on Luqa, safi and Hal Far from 20000ft.

2300-2307 hrs; 0005-0030 hrs Air raid alerts. Italian and German bombers drop high explosive and anti-personnel bombs on scattered areas. Heavy and Light Ack Ack engage.

0055-0154 hrs Air raid alert. Enemy aircraft drop bombs on Luqa. One Beaufighter is airborne. P/O Fumerton fires a one-second burst at a JU 88 which causes an explosion. A further burst sets the bomber on fire and it falls into the sea. Four pilots of 249 Squadron search for a pilot in the sea 10-12 miles north of Grand Harbour. They locate him and observe the launch completing the rescue.

Military casualties Leading Aircraftsman Norman Clark, Royal Air Force; Aircraftsman 1 Cecil Clarke Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR); Corporal Gilbert Cruickshank, RAF; Pilot Officer John Hurst DFC, RAF VR, Leading Aircraftsman John Johnson, RAF VR; Aircraftsman Harry Lapish, Mentioned in Despatches, RAF VR; Aircraftsman George Meyrick, RAF VR; Corporal Bertie Nichols, RAF VR; Leading Aircraftsman J Portelli, RAF.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 2 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Minesweeping in progress. 22 mines swept.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Beaufort, three Hudsons, five Wellingtons from Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire crashed on landing: pilot uninjured. One Spitfire badly shot up in combat: pilot injured. One Spitfire shot down in combat: pilot missing, believed killed. One Spitfire shot down in combat into the sea: pilot missing, believed killed. Two Spitfires crashed on landing after combat: both pilots safe. One Spitfire force-landed after combat: pilot uninjured.

LUQA Three Malta-based Wellingtons attacked an enemy convoy of three merchant ships and one destroyer, 8 miles from Madonna Isle and heading south-easterly. The largest of the merchant vessels was targeted and a direct hit claimed, as well as several near-misses. Three more Wellingtons of 38 Squadron attacked with torpedoes and a small faire was observed on one of the merchantmen.

3 July 1942: On the Trail of a Convoy

Santa Maria de Leuca

AIR RAIDS DAWN 3 JULY TO DAWN 4 JULY 1942

Weather Wind south-easterly; no cloud.

0855-0940 hrs The air raid alert sounds for a formation of three Cant 1007s escorted by about 12 fighters. The bombers drop twenty-one 100kg bombs on Lija and Attard from 21000 feet.

1145-1235 hrs; 1350-1410 hrs Air raid alerts for enemy fighters on patrol.

1820 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are despatched to act as cover for arriving Beauforts. Eight more are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy fighters.

1830-1845 hrs; 1935-1945 hrs Air raid alerts for enemy fighter sweeps.

2235-2240 hrs; 2330-2333 hrs Air raid alerts: raids do not materialise.

0015-0124 hrs Air raid alert for 14 raiders; 10 cross the coast and drop bombs on Ta Qali, Luqa, Qawra and Dingli. Several delayed-action bombs are dropped near the runway extension and the cuttings at Ta Qali.

Military casualties Lance Sergeant Randolph Dutton, 10 Battery, 7 Heavy Ack Ack Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Civilian casualties Attard Grace Borg, age 30; Mary Gauci, age 53. Floriana Laurence Cauchi, age 26. Hamrun Eleonora Apap, age 66. Rabat Consiglio Portellil, age 53. Siggiewi Laurence Cutajar, age 62; Josephine Muscat, age 52; Emanuel Muscat, age 22; Rosina Muscat, age 20; Mary Concetta Muscat, age 16; Saviour Muscat, age 7; Joseph Schembri, age 50. Sliema Peter Cordina, age 57.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 3 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Four mines swept. Channel considered clear as far as Zonkor Point.

AIR HQ Arrivals Three Hudsons, two Beauforts, one Wellington, six Whitleys from Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire suffered engine failure and crashed into the sea: pilot safe. Two Beauforts failed to return from shipping strike: crew missing.

TA QALI Corporal Thomas and Leading Aircraftsman Portelli died of their injuries at Imtarfa Hospital.

LUQA Three aircraft attacked a convoy of three 9000 ton merchant vessels and seven destroyers, thirty miles from Sapienza. The pilots reported near-misses on two of the merchantmen. Another Wellington of 38 Squadron attacked with one torpedo but could not see results due to a smoke screen. Four Beauforts escorted by five Beaufighters carried out a dusk attack on a convoy of eight destroyers and three 7000 ton merchant vessels steaming south east…miles from Sapienza. One of the merchant ships was hit, causing much smoke and a red glow. Another was possibly hit.

4 July 1942: Morale Remains High Says Governor

From: Governor & C in C Malta To: C in C Middle East Rptd: War Office Military situation report week ending 4 July 42

St George’s Barracks

2. Enemy aircraft destroyed: by Ack Ack at night 2 bombers. By Beaufighters at night 8 bombers. By Spitfires 2 JU 88s, 3 Cants, 9 fighters. Probably destroyed or damaged by RAF P 7 bombers, 18 fighters. For loss of 6 Spitfires and 8 damaged.

3. Offensive air action limited to 11 sorties by Wellingtons against enemy convoys.

4. Military casualties. 5 Other Ranks killed, 9 Other Ranks wounded. Training of soldiers as winchmen, chargehands, etc for unloading future convoy proceeding. Morale remains high.

BEAUFORTS MISSING AFTER CONVOY RAID

This afternoon a Baltimore sent to find the main convoy from Taranto sighted the three merchant vessels with an escort of eight destroyers 15 miles south of the island of Zante, heading south westerly. Eight Beauforts were despatched to launch a dusk attack. They found the convoy ten miles south of Sapienza and attacked, claiming at least one hit. However, the Beauforts failed to return. Three Wellingtons launched a second attack with torpedoes and bombs, claiming near misses.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 4 JULY TO DAWN 5 JULY 1942

Weather Wind westerly; no cloud.

0645-0745 hrs Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali search for a missing Beaufort crew: no sighting.

0810 hrs Ten Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft.

0845 hrs Air raid alert. Three Italian SM 84s with an escort of ME 109s, Macchi 202s and Re 2001s drop bombs between Attard and Luqa, where they destroy the Signals Maintenance section and damaging another building. The Spitfires spot the Italian bombers and fighters and attack. S/Ldr Lucas destroys one bomber; F/Lt Daddo-Langlois and F/Sgt Middlemiss together destroy a second and F/Sgt Rae the third.

0855-1015 hrs Four Spitfires 603 Squadron patrol above the rescue launch and then intercept six Macchi 202s. P/O King is shot up but unhurt.

0905-1050 hrs Two Spitfires 603 Squadron continue a patrol for the rescue launch as it searches for Italian air crew in the sea.

1550-1555 hrs; 1615-1645 hrs Air raid alert: raids do not materialise.

1730-1830 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on patrol: nil report.

1935 hrs Eight Spitfires from Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft.

1948 hrs Air raid alert. Five Cant 1007s with 15 fighters drop bombs on Ta Qali and Musta. The Spitfires of 249 Squadron attack the raiders. F/Sgt De Lara damages one Italian fighter. P/O McElroy probably destroys one RE 2001 and sees two others spinning downwards. Fighters jump S/Ldr Lucas, damaging his aircraft.

2000 hrs All clear.

2130-2205 hrs Two Spitfires 603 Squadron on patrol: nil report.

2215-2305 hrs; 2315-2359 hrs; 0250-0425 hrs Air raid alerts. A total of 26 aircraft approach the Island; 18 cross the coast. Bombs are dropped on Ta Qali, Mosta, Imtarfa, Wardia, Naxxar, Floriana and Valetta. Beaufighters are airborne on patrol: no engagement.

Military casualties Private Edward Walker, 8th Battalion, Manchester Regiment.

Civilian casualties Luqa Andrew Coleiro, age 53. Siggiewi Concetta Frendo, age 16.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 4 JULY 1942

AIR HQ Aircraft casualties One Beaufort crashed into the sea in transit from Malta to Kasfareet: crew missing. One Spitfire crash-landed: pilot uninjured.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 60. Dealt with: high explosives 31 (3 x 500kg, 11 x 250kg, 10 x 50kg, 7 AP containers); German 2kg anti-personnel (AP) 275; Italian 2kg AP 46; large no of dud German 1kg incendiaries collected.

(1) Malta Diary of a War, Michael Galea, Publishers Enterprises Group, 1994

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

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Posted by maltagc70 on July 4, 2022 in 1942, July 1942, June 1942

Tags: 126 Squadron, 249 Squadron, 38 Squadron, 601 Squadron, 603 Squadron, 89 Squadron, Devonshire Regiment, Hampshire Regiment, Malta, RAF, Royal Artillery, war diary, World War Two

28 May 1942: Eyes of the World on Malta

28 May

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Lord Gort

LORD GORT ADDRESSES MALTA GOVERNMENT

When Lord Gort, Governor of Malta, presided for the first time over the Malta Council of Government, he declared in reply to an address of welcome that the eyes of the whole world were upon the Island. The three services and the civilian population, he said, stand together, and the fortunes of each are inextricably bound together. (1)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 28 MAY TO DAWN 29 MAY 1942

Weather Wind south-easterly, moderate to fresh. Fair; 90% cloud above 20000 feet. Visibility 15 miles.

0950 hrs Four Spitfires 603 Squadron airborne to intercept enemy fighters but are unable to catch them.

1030 hrs The air raid warning sounds as the hostile fighters approach and carry out a fighter sweep over the Island.

1403-1454 hrs Four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept enemy fighters. The air raid alarm sounds at 1415 hrs as they approach. The Spitfires do not engage and the fighters complete a sweep over the Island.

1505-1645 hrs Three Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft which carry out a fighter sweep with no combat.

1638 hrs Four Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled from Luqa to intercept a formation of 24 aircraft, including fighter bombers and fighters. F/S Schade claims one ME 109 probably destroyed.

1715 hrs The air raid sounds as the hostile aircraft come within range of the Island. They approach Luqa airfield and four fighter bombers drop bombs on Luqa airfield, injuring two airmen.

1750-1910 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali airborne to intercept another sweep of fighters: no interceptions.

2030-2115 hrs One Spitfire 601 Squadron is airborne on night patrol: no comabt.

2207-2220 hrs One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit carries out night patrol: no combat.

2232 hrs Enemy bombers drop 100kg bombs on Luqa. One lands between the old NAAFI buildings and airmen’s billets.

2258-0139 hrs One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit carries out night patrols: no combat.

2306 hrs Enemy raiders drop high explosive bombs on Ta Qali.

0327-0759 hrs One Beaufighter Malta Night Fighter Unit carries out night patrols: no combat.

0415 hrs The air raid alert sounds for incoming enemy aircraft.

0428 hrs Bombs are dropped in Grand Harbour.

0440 hrs All clear.

Military casualties Nil.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 28 MAY 1942

AIR HQ Arrivals One Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures One Lodestar to Heliopolis.

HAL FAR 2130 hrs Four Albacores and two Swordfish are airborne to attack a southbound convoy in the Pantelleria area. Three Albacores return early with engine trouble. The remaining aircraft did not locate the convoy.

LUQA 0803-1030 hrs One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance of Messina and Catania. 2121-0427 hrs One Wellington S/D Flight on armed search for a convoy east of Malta. One unescorted merchant vessel was sighted: no strike. 2102-0110 hrs One Wellington 104 Squadron despatched to attack a given sector of Catania aerodrome. Bombs were seen to strike on or near main runway, among buildings and causing two small fires.

1^st BN THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT 0725 hrs Revert to normal. E boats believed to have been laying mines. Working parties continue at Luqa; party for Fuel and Light finished for the time being.

1^st BN THE DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT 1000 hrs Pte Meader is buried at Imtarfa Cemetery.

1^ST BN THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY Working parties on Luqa aerodrome continue.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 6; dealt with 3 (1 x 1000kg; 2 x 500kg).

1^ST BN THE HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT 17 vehicles, 4 Officers, 130-150 Other Ranks at Safi strip widening and levelling runway.

2^ND BN THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS Aerodrome working parties continue.

8^TH BN THE KINGS OWN ROYAL REGIMENT Night working parties building pens for aircraft 6 Officers 200 Other Ranks.

11^TH BN THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS Luqa working party continued. 0715 hrs Revert to normal conditions. 0725 hrs Beach posts informed of minesweeping activity at entrance to Grand Harbour.

(1) AAP, Valletta – The Argus, Melbourne, 28 May 1942

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

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Posted by maltagc70 on May 28, 2022 in 1942, May 1942

Tags: 126 Squadron, 249 Squadron, 601 Squadron, 603 Squadron, Malta, Malta Night Fighter Unit, war diary, World War 2

25 May 1942: Enemy Hits Back Hard After Convoy Attacks

25 May

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Savoia-Marchetti SM 84

REPRISALS FOR ATTACKS ON AXIS BASES AND SHIPPING

Yesterday’s attacks on enemy shipping have prompted immediate reprisals from the enemy today. All three airfields were targeted in a raid at dusk this evening in one of the heaviest attacks in recent days. The enemy action seemed designed to knock out Wellington and Albacore aircraft which have restarted successful offensive operations again against Sicilian aerodromes and enemy shipping.

PROSPECT OF INVASION STILL LOOMS

“The Photographic Reconnaisance Unit had detailed the construction of airstrips in Italy for gliders. Field Marshall Kesselring seemed to have convinced Hitler, Mussolini and General Rommel that Operation Herkules [the invasion of Malta] should go ahead in July. General Student, who commanded the bloody aerial assault on Crete, was developing similar plans for Malta.

On the evening of May 25 a large German air raid on Gasr El Arid, in Libya, intending to knock out as many of the RAF planes in North Africa as possible, started Rommel’s “Operation Theseus”, his last great advance that died at El Alamein. He had decided that the best way to win the Mediterranean was to conquer North Africa first, then take on Malta. His strategy was generally flawed, as aircraft from Malta could intercept his supplies. Especially with the new supplies of Spitfires. As it turned out, Rommel was a much better tactician than a strategician. Kesselring was correct, Operation Herkules was necessary to knock out Malta prior to defeating the Allies in North Africa.

The rest of May would turn out to be the harshest month yet.” (1)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 25 MAY TO DAWN 26 MAY 1942

Weather Wind southerly; slight.

0530-0610 hrs Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali airborne on patrol: no interceptions.

0830-0945 hrs Four Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept a reported plot of enemy aircraft: no engagement.

0855-0930 hrs Four Spitfires airborne from Ta Qali and see two ME 109s but do not intercept.

1420-1550 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept a 60 strong enemy formation, including three Italian bombers, forty-two ME 109s and Italian fighters attack Luqa.

1457 hrs 16 Spitfires 126 and 601 Squadrons Luqa are scrambled too late to contact the bomber force; they engage the fighter escort. F/Sgt Goldsmith damages one Cant 1007 and one Re 2001. P/O Caldwell fails to return. The Spitfires of 249 Squadron also engage the enemy. F/O West destroys one Italian Re 2001. P/O McNair probably destroys one ME 109. S/Ldr New damages one Cant 1007. F/O Lee damages one Cant 1007 but is then himself hit in the wing and engine. Sgt Brennan damages one Re 2001. Sgt De Nancreds damages one ME 109.

1503 hrs Three Italian Savoia-Marchetti SM 84 aircraft drop eighteen 100kg bombs on the Luqa area from a high level.

1938 hrs Waves of enemy bombers with fighter escort approach the Island. Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali and four Spitfires 601 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept the enemy aircraft: no combat is reported.

1945 hrs Nine JU 88s and six ME 109 fighter bombers with an escort of 20 plus fighters attack all three aerodromes, plus Kalafrana and Corradino. Raiders are engaged by Heavy Ack Ack fire. Delimara gun position is hit, killing seven members of 4 Heavy Ack Ack Regiment Royal Artillery.

At Luqa bombs fall near the main stores and damage the aerodrome including a large crater on the main runway. Delayed action bombs are dropped in the dispersal area and near the runway. Two Wellingtons are damaged.

2057 hrs Three JU 88s attack, dropping nine high explosive bombs on the Safi strip and Mqabba areas.

2145 hrs Four Spitfires 126 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne from Luqa to intercept six JU 88s: no engagement. They land at Ta Qali.

Night Eleven enemy raiders come in and drop bombs at various places on the Island including areas around Valletta. In the early hours of the morning, high explosive bombs on Hamrun cause damage to civilian properties, killing thirteen and injuring six. The enemy engaged by barrage gunfire.

2300 hrs One Beaufighter airborne from Luqa at 2035 hrs lands at Ta Qali. Bombs are dropped on Ta Qali airfield, on top of the caves between the western dispersal hut and Imtarfa.

0106-0213 hrs Nine raiders drop bombs on Luqa. An unserviceable Wellington is burned out and a number of craters made in the dispersal area.

0139 hrs One aircraft drops two bombs on Misrah Blandun and two bombs on the Safi strip.

Military casualties Pilot Officer Walter Caldwell, Royal New Zealand Air Force, 601 Squadron; Lance Bombardier Alfred Broadhurst, 4 Heavy Ack Ack (HAA) Regiment, Royal Artillery; Gunner John Fitzsimons, 5 Battery, 4 HAA Regiment, Royal Artillery; Gunner William Kelly, 4 HAA Regiment, Royal Artillery; Bombardier Walter Longville, 4 HAA Regiment, Royal Artillery; Sergeant John McCarthy, 4 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery; Gunner George O’Brien, 4 HAA Regiment, Royal Artillery; Gunner Harold Ward, 4 HAA Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Civilian casualties Hamrun Carmel Borg, age 35; Stella Borg, age 34; Carmel Borg, age 3; William Brimmer, age 38; Carmela Brimma, age 62; Joseph Darmanin, age 68; Concetta Decelis, age 64; Adelaide Fabri, age 32; Antonia Falzon, age 60; Carmela Felice, age 66; Carmela Pace, age 5; Paul Rizzo, age 70; Doris Rizzo, age 18.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 25 MAY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Harbour craft swept Grand Harbour entrance and destroyed one mine. About 20 tons of fuel oil was extracted from Breconshire in drums and landed by small craft.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Lodestar from Gambut. Departures Two Wellingtons, Five Beauforts, two Blenheims to LG 222; one Hudson to Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Beaufort crashed on take-off: crew uninjured. One Blenheim damaged while taxiing: crew uninjured. One Spitfire failed to return from operations: pilot missing.

LUQA 0815-1035 hrs One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance Augusta Harbour. 2054-2345 hrs Two Wellingtons 104 Squadron despatched to bomb a train ferry at Messina. Bombs straddled the target and some fell in the south and south east of the harbour.

4^th BN THE BUFFS (ROYAL EAST KENT) REGIMENT 0900-1700 hrs Working party of 9 Officers and 200 Other Ranks plus 8 x 15 cwt trucks daily for reconstruction of pens for aircraft at Luqa aerodrome.

1^st BN THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT Working parties at Luqa and Ospizio continue.

1^ST BN THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY Working parties on Luqa aerodrome continue. Summer dress is adopted for all purposes.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 3; dealt with 4 (3 x 250kg, 1 x 50kg).

1^ST BN THE HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT 17 vehicles, 4 Officers, 150-250 Other Ranks at Safi strip widening and levelling runway.

8^TH BN THE KINGS OWN ROYAL REGIMENT Night working parties building pens for aircraft 6 Officers 200 Other Ranks.

11^TH BN THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS Luqa working party continued.

8^TH BN THE MANCHESTER REGIMENT CSM May was buried in the Military Cemetery, Imtarfa.

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

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

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Posted by maltagc70 on May 25, 2022 in 1942, May 1942

Tags: 106 Squadron, 249 Squadron, 601 Squadron, 603 Squadron, Malta, war diary, World War 2

9 May 1942: 60 Spitfires Reach Malta

09 May

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OPERATION BOWERY A SUCCESS

Spitfires 601 Squadron

Commanders in Malta are in celebratory mood tonight after the second major attempt to supply the Island with a Spitfire force proved a resounding success. Under ‘Operation Bowery’ 60 new fighters reached the Island today out of a total of 64 which took off from the aircraft carriers USS Wasp and HMS Eagle. From the early hours of this morning Malta’s three airfields of Hal Far, Luqa and Ta Qali stood ready for the new arrivals. The Island’s artillery loaded their guns, ready to fight off enemy attacks intent on destroying the Spitfires.

The first arrivals came into view just before 10 am and ground crews went into action. Each aircraft was allocated a number which matched them to a specific ground crew, before being taken to a protective pen to refuel and re-arm. Within minutes, every new Spitfire was ready for a fresh pilot to take off to fight off enemy attacks on the next arrivals. The new measures ensured there was no repeat of the heavy losses following the previous delivery attempt in April.

RAF fighter sorties: 125 by Spitfires, 9 by Hurricanes
RAF casualties: 2 Spitfires destroyed
Enemy bomber sorties: 24 JU 88s, 17 JU 87s, 10 Cant 1007s, 5 BR 20
Enemy casualties: destroyed 4 ME 109s, 3 Cant 1007s; probably destroyed 2 ME 109s, 3 JU 87s, 1 Macchi, 1 BR 20; damaged 7 ME 109s, 3 JU 88s, 2 JU 87s, 2 Macchi 202

AIR RAIDS DAWN 9 MAY TO DAWN 10 MAY 1942

Weather Wind southerly; no cloud – haze.

0400 hrs Malta airfields – reveille at Ta Qali, Luqa and Hal Far. Working parties are picked and final arrangements confirmed for the arrival of Spitfires. Royal Artillery raise ammunition restriction to cover arrival of Spitfires.

Ready to take off from Wasp

0500 hrs USS Wasp and HMS Eagle, Western Mediterranean: ‘Operation Bowery’ – Spitfires ready to take off for Malta at first light.

0722 hrs One JU 88 and six ME 109s carry out reconnaissance over Malta.

0800 hrs Zero hour – Malta’s airfields at state of readiness.

0915 hrs Five Italian bombers approach the Island with a mass formation of 53 ME 109 fighters. A number of ME 109s are engaged by two Ack Ack light machine guns of 225 Light Ack Ack Battery (LAA): hits claimed.

0924 hrs Five Cant 1007s drop bombs on the Marsa and Floriana areas. Bombs hit Haywharf, causing a fire in the HQ of No 1 Section 24 Fortress Company Royal Engineers and destroying searchlight equipment. In Marsa Private Shepherd B Coy 2nd Bn Devonshire Regt is injured in the leg by a cannon shell.

0940 hrs Nine Hurricanes are airborne, six from Luqa and three from Hal Far, as escort for the arrival of Spitfires from the western Mediterranean. Six Spitfires 242 Squadron are also scrambled from Ta Qali to give high cover. 242 Squadron are attacked by four ME 109s over Luqa. F/Lt Sanders destroys one ME 109 and F/O Holland and P/O Mitchell between them destroy another. One Spitfire ditches in the sea: F/Lt Buckstone is missing.

1000 hrs Ta Qali logs the first 22 new Spitfires and their pilots to arrive over the next hour. Each aircraft is numbered ready to be met by an allocated ground crew and taken to a protective pen to refuel, re-arm and repair as necessary, ready for a fresh pilot to take off within 20 minutes as cover for the next arrivals.

1015-1020 hrs Ack Ack Light Machine Guns of 225 LAA engage ME 109s at 3-600 feet: hits claimed.

1055 hrs Ta Qali: 11 of the new Spitfires take to the air with experienced pilots of 249 Squadron and engage ME 109s. P/O Nash destroys one and probably destroys another; F/Lt Buchanan probably destroys one. P/O Milburn crashes near Safi and is killed.

1100 hrs 11 more new Spitfires arrive at Hal Far plus another flight at Luqa, all to be met, serviced and airborne within minutes. Ack Ack guns defend them from attack by numerous ME 109s swarming over the airfield at 150-500 feet: hits claimed.

1145 hrs Guns of 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt at Wolseley Camp engage ME 109s heading in over Fort Ta Silch to attack Hal Far: no claims.

1200 hrs Four Spitfires on patrol make visual contact with delivery aircraft heading in towards Malta: one new Spitfire is observed falling into the sea. A ME 109 is spotted nearby and chased away.

1205 hrs The last batch of new Spitfires lands. 60 have arrived out of a total of 64.

1258 hrs Raiders passed.

1312 hrs News of the delivery of Spitfires has reached the Luftwaffe in Sicily. A formation of 14 JU 88s and 20 ME 109s is observed heading towards Malta.

1315 hrs Eleven Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft. Two JU 88s claimed as damaged. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are also airborne: P/O Nash damages one ME 109. Five Spitfires 185 Squadron are also up: Sgt Tweedale crashes at Luqa and is killed.

1330 hrs Six JU 88s drop 24 high explosive bombs on Ta Qali, damaging two motor transport vehicles. A delayed action bomb explodes near the caves, injuring A/C Oliver. Three airmen slightly are injured in the Maintenance Quarry, Attard-Rabat Road.

1355 hrs Nine JU 88s attack on Hal Far and Safi. One bomb damages the runway and the aerodrome is unserviceable for an hour. About six delayed action bombs are also scattered over the area. One soldier is seriously injured and four others slightly injured. Bombs are dropped on Wied Znuber: three Other Ranks 4th Bn Hampshire Reg are injured by bomb splinters.

1356-1415 hrs Two JU 88s at 2-3000 feet engaged by guns of 225 LAA Bty.

1405 hrs Four Spitfires from Hal Far and Luqa land at Ta Qali. P/O Noble is shot up over Ta Qali.

1423 hrs Raiders passed.

1531 hrs One JU 88 carries out reconnaissance.

1550 hrs 12 Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept incoming ME 109 fighters. F/O Holland, P/O Mitchell and F/Sgt Hurst each damage one ME 109. One Spitfire is damaged.

1610 hrs Messerschmitt 109s carry out a fighter sweep.

1615 hrs 14 JU87s with a 40-strong fighter escort dive-bomb the Safi and Siggiewi dispersal areas. One Wellington already damaged is burned out. Three JU 87s break away to attack the San Pietru gun position, killing two Other Ranks and wounding five more, and drop bombs between Hompesch and St Clements Church.

1620 hrs Five Spitfires 185 Squadron attack JU 87s over Grand Harbour. F/Lt Lawrence damages one ME 109. Sgt Broad claims one JU 87 probably destroyed; he also damages one JU 87. F/Lt Lawrence and P/O Wigley each claim one JU 87 probably destroyed.

1630 hrs One JU 87 is engaged by one gun of 225 LAA Bty: hits claimed.

1640 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron, Ta Qali, returning from a patrol over Sicily attack JU 87s who have been bombing Luqa and Grand Harbour. P/O Nash probably destroys one.

1700 hrs Raiders passed.

1727 hrs 11 Spitfires (4 of 601 Squadron and 7 of 126 Squadron) are scrambled from Luqa to intercept approaching enemy aircraft. Nine aircraft engage in combat; two no contact. Claims three probable Italian BR 20s destroyed; one Macchi 202 destroyed, two Macchi 202 damaged.

1744 hrs Five Cant 1007s and numerous fighters attack, dropping fifty 100kg bombs on Attard camp and on Ta Qali airfield.

1805 hrs Nine Spitfires 601 Squadron are scrambled from Luqa to intercept incoming enemy aircraft. Four have combat; five make no contact. Claims: one ME 109 and one JU 88 damaged.

1835 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron and three Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne from Ta Qali but did not manage to intercept five Cant 1007s and seven JU 88s which go on to attack the airfield. F/Lt Douglas destroys one ME 109; F/O Slade damages another. F/L Douglas goes into a bomb crater on landing and damages his aircraft.

1846-1934 hrs Seven JU 88s drop 40 high explosive bombs on Ta Qali causing craters on the aerodrome. Three Spitfires are damaged.

0040 hrs; 0230 hrs Two air raid alerts: a total of 12 aircraft drop bombs in the Tal Handaq area, on Tigne parade ground and in the sea. An E boat and some aircraft appear to be minelaying in the sea north of Grand Harbour. Some damage is caused to gas and water pipes. One JU 88 is probably destroyed by Ack Ack.

0050-0212 hrs; 0250-0520 hrs Two Beaufighters are airborne from Luqa on patrol to intercept enemy aircraft. One BR 20 is claimed as probably destroyed.

0414-0421 hrs Three German schnellboote lay a triangular minefield off Sliema point to cover one possible approach of HMS Welshman which has been reported by the Luftwaffe heading for Malta.

0438 hrs Schnellboot S-31 collides with a loose mine and sinks. 13 men are rescued including her Commanding Officer and two Italian officers; 13 are lost.

Military casualties Sergeant Alwyn Bentley, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (VR); Flight Lieutenant John Buckstone, Royal Air Force VR, 603 Squadron; Aircraftsman I John Clarke, Royal Air Force VR; Pilot Officer Harold Milburn, Royal Air Force VR, 245 Squadron. Corporal Frederick Few, Royal Air Force, Squadron Leader John Gorringe-Smith, Royal Air Force, Flight Sergeant Thomas Grosvenor, Royal Air Force VR, Flying Officer John Leslie, Royal Air Force VR, Flying Officer William White, Royal Canadian Air Force; all 221 Squadron. Sergeant John Jacklin, Flight Lieutenant Raymond Sly, Pilot Officer Gordon Tweedale, all Royal Australian Air Force. Private Leonard Harvey, Private Lindon Lever, Corporal Thomas Maloney, Private Raymond Small, all 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. Gunner Seraphim Cauchi, 30 Bty, 3 LAA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery; Gunner Joseph Falzon, 11th AA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery; Gunner Peter Portelli, 11 HAA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery.

Civilian casualties Attard Carmela Muscat, age 23. Balzan Sister Alexandra Borda, age 31. Floriana Mary Polidano, age 17. Gzira Joseph Mifsud, age 36. Qormi Teresa Sammut, age 20. Zejtun Gaetan Mifsud, age 54.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 9 MAY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Further sweep of Grand Harbour entrance channel with all available minesweeping craft.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Lodestar from Gambut. Departures One Lodestar to Heliopolis, three Hudsons to Gibraltar, one Beaufort, one Wellington to 108 MU. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire shot down in combat; pilot killed. One Spitfire shot down in the sea off Malta; pilot missing, believed killed. One Hurricane straffed by ME 109s while landing; pilot uninjured.

LUQA 0847-1210 hrs One Spitfire photo-reconnaissance and visual reconnaissance of Messina, Palermo and Trapani harbours and south Italian aerodromes. 1525-1730 hrs Spitfire on search to locate enemy shipping Malta to Messina. 2123 hrs One Wellington S/D Flight on special search: failed to return. S/L Gorringe-Smith, P/O Leslie, P/O White, Sgt Bently, Sgt Grosvener, Sgt Jacklin, C/L Few missing.

TA QALI 3 Officers, 14 Airmen from HQ Mediterranean, 19 from Gzira, attached for temporary duties. 1535-1640 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron patrol over Sicily.

1^st BN THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT Special party four Officers and 100 Other Ranks required for work on Luqa on stand by to fill in bomb craters from 0500-1000 hrs daily. Working party of 12 men to fill belts for RAF. 9 and 30 cwt lorries required for work at Luqa. Large deliveries of Spitfires expected. Italians dropped bombs from a great height in Bn area. Cpl Maloney, Pte Lever, Pte Harvey, Pte Small killed; Pte Schooley very badly injured, not expected to live. Capt Roddy slightly injured. Very unfortunate as men were caught absolutely unawares. Ptes Harvey and Small were manning the Ack Ack light machine gun.

1^ST BN THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY Working parties on Luqa aerodrome continued.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 20; dealt with 10 (1 x 1000kg, 3 x 250kg, 4 x 50kg, two Italian anti-personnel bomb containers).

1^ST BN THE HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT 17 trucks, 14 officers and 261 Other Ranks building pens and filling craters on Hal Far aerodrome.

2^ND BN THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS Battalion assisting in maintaining and servicing of aerodromes: arrival of reinforcements of Spitfires.

11^TH BN THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS 1430 hrs This unit takes over Luqa working party from Durham Light Infantry. No craters required filling today.

8^TH BN THE MANCHESTER REGIMENT This unit supplied a working party of 150 men: Spitfires arrived.

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

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Posted by maltagc70 on May 9, 2022 in 1942, May 1942, Uncategorized

Tags: 126 Squadron, 185 Squadron, 1st Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment, 1st Bn Cheshire Regiment, 1st Bn Hampshire Regiment, 249 Squadron, 601 Squadron, 603 Squadron, bomb disposal, Malta, Operation Bowery, Royal Engineers, war diary, World War 2

22 April 1942: ‘Malta’s Darkest Hour’ – Only 7 Spitfires Fit to Fly

22 Apr

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‘MALTA’S DARKEST HOUR’ – SPITFIRE PILOT BUCK MCNAIR

‘Buck’ McNair (Canadian Aces)(1)

“Within an hour of landing the radar plotters showed the Luftwaffe were up and leaving their bases in Sicily. It took three hours to get all of the Spitfires refuelled, and rearmed due to the excessive security. Also, despite assurances the cannons had not been air-tested in England and had to be set-up and there was a problem with faulty ammunition. All of the regular hands took off in what new Spits were ready and were into the first of a series of heavy raids intended to destroy as many of the new fighters on the ground as possible. The Germans were quite successful. Forty-eight hours later only seven of the forty-six Spitfires remained fit to fly. The old hands could only look at each other. It was Malta‘s darkest hour.” Robert Wendell “Buck” McNair (1)

AIRMEN FIRE ON ENEMY RAIDERS FROM THE GROUND

Airmen are encouraged to fire rifles from slit trenches at low-flying enemy aircraft. Many rifle brigades are formed and the morale of airmen considerably improved. During raids 21st and 22nd April from the machine-gun site on top of the caves: W/O Satchell damaged one JU 88 and two ME 109s; S/L Westmacott damaged one JU 88 and one ME 109. In the morning raid, W/C Satchell hit three JU 88s. War Diary, Ta Qali, April 1942

AIR RAIDS DAWN 22 APRIL TO DAWN 23 APRIL 1942

Weather Strong south-westerly wind. 100% medium cloud.

0435-0500 hrs; 0728-0759 hrs Air raid alert sounds for incoming aircraft: nothing transpires.

0915 hrs 36 enemy bombers with fighter escort approach the Island. Four Spitfires 601 Squadron are scrambled from Luqa to intercept incoming enemy aircraft: one JU 88 probably destroyed.

0932 hrs 11 JU 88s drop bombs from a high level on Luqa near Schinas Reservoir, and on the Safi strip. One Wellington is damaged by shrapnel.

0945 hrs Three guns of 225 Light Ack Ack Battery engage one JU 88: hits claimed.

Seven Spitfires 249 & 603 Squadrons are airborne from Ta Qali and see 20 JU 88s heading inland over St Paul’s Bay. They attack. Four Spitfires return to Luqa after a few minutes. P/O West (249) attacks a second wave of JU 88s, damaging one, and also later attacks and damages the reconnaissance aircraft. F/Sgt Hurst destroys one ME 109. P/O Murray does not return. Two Spitfires crash on landing: pilots unhurt. Total destroyed 1; damaged 2.

1000 hrs 25 JU 88s drop over 100 high explosive bombs on Ta Qali, causing craters and further damage to buildings.

1018-1120 hrs Air raid alert. Four ME 109 fighter-bombers attack Ta Qali.

1219 hrs Approximately 50 enemy bombers with fighter escort approach the Island. 15 JU 88s carry out a high level bombing attack on Ta Qali and Mosta. 22 JU 87 Stukas and 12 JU 88s attack the Grand Harbour area, dropping bombs across a wide area including Valletta and Floriana, Corradino and Addolorata. In Floriana bombs explode on the Central Civil Hospital, St Calcedonio Square and St Johns Ditch.

1349 hrs Air raid alert. Raid does not materialise.

1705 hrs Massed formations of enemy aircraft approach the Island from the North, splitting into various plots to attack Ta Qali, Luca and Safi, Hal Far and the Grand Harbour area.

1724 hrs Six Spitfires 601 Squadron are scrambled from Luqa to intercept incoming enemy aircraft. P/O Jemmett is believed to have been shot down near Rabat.

Two Hurricanes from Hal Far are airborne and intercept 12 JU 88s heading for the airfield with a fighter escort of ME 109s. P/O Wigley probably destroys one ME 109. P/O Ormrod, DFC, is missing.

1730 hrs Twelve JU 88s carry out a high level bomb attack on Luqa, damaging workshops and equipment stores. One Hudson previously written off is now burned out. Two Wellingtons and a Blenheim are damaged. A bombing raid on Hal Far by five JU 88s partly demolishes the Torpedo Shop and damages one Hurricane. A raid on Ta Qali by 13 JU 88s leaves further craters and buildings damaged. The enemy concentrate on cuttings which they apparently believe are underground hangars.

1740-1750 hrs 12 JU 88s drop bombs on the Safi strip.

1740-1810 hrs Guns of 225 Light Ack Ack Battery engage numerous JU 88s: hits claimed by five guns. One gun claims two hits on one aircraft and flames emitted.

1750 hrs 21 JU 87s and 26 JU 88s attack Grand Harbour, including Valletta and Floriana, Kalkara and the Dockyard. Bombs land between ADS Zabbar and the Cottonera Lines.

Bombers target several anti-aircraft guns. Two Light Ack Ack gun positions are hit by bombs, killing five Other Ranks and wounding seven, including one seriously. A bomb explodes close to Tal Handaq Heavy Ack Ack gun position wounding one Other Rank and putting two guns out of action. Others land close to San Pietru gun position, setting ammunition on fire, and Gudia searchlight position wounding one Other Rank.

1800 hrs Four ME 109 fighter bombers raid Ta Qali, demolishing the main billet at Bukana Camp.

1850 hrs All clear.

2200 hrs 3rd Bn Kings Own Malta Regiment at Ghar Lapsi report a boat showing a light four miles offshore.

2240-2251 hrs The alert sounds for one aircraft which does not cross the coast.

0225 hrs One aircraft approaches the Island and drops bombs in the sea off Torri l’Abjad.

0300-0330 hrs One aircraft comes in from the north east and drops mines on Zonqor Point.

Military casualties Pilot Officer Frank Jemmett, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (VR), 601 Squadron; Pilot Officer Gordon Murray, Royal Canadian Air Force, 603 Squadron; Pilot Officer Oliver Ormrod, Royal Air Force VR, 185 Squadron; Squadron Leader Stewart Surridge, MC, Royal Air Force VR.

Private James Barrowman and Private Roy Douglass, 1st Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry.

Gunner Tom Berry, Gunner James Booth, Gunner Michael Kelly, all 223 Bty, 32 Light Ack Ack Regiment, Royal Artillery; Gunner Cecil French, Bombardier Harry Gentle, Gunner William Gilbert 182 Bty, Gunner Gilbert Nixon, Bombardier Albert Norris, all 4 Heavy Ack Ack Regiment, Royal Artillery; Sergeant Bernard Alliston, 276 Bty, 68 Heavy Ack Ack Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Civilian casualties Birkirkara Emmanuela Gatt, age 60. Valletta Vincent Schembri, age 60. Zejtun Joseph Scicluna, age 18. Zurrieq Emanual Mangion, age 18.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL 1942

ROYAL NAVY Urge returned from uneventful patrol south of Pantellaria.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Hudson from Gambut; one Wellington, one Beaufort from Gibraltar. Departures One Wellington to 108 MU.

LUQA 0605-0650 hrs Two Spitfires 601 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft on interceptions: no combat. 1408-1457 hrs One Spitfire 69 Squadron on photo-reconnaissance east Sicilian aerodromes. 2105-0540 hrs Six Wellingtons S/D Flight despatched to attack a convoy: bombs dropped but no results seen. 2040-0555 hrs Twelve Wellingtons 148 Squadron are despatched in three waves to attack Comiso aerodrome. Bombs are dropped in the dispersal area but no fires seen.

TA QALI Two senior NCOs and 35 airmen attached from Kalafrana for temporary duties. A salvage section is attached from Luqa. An attachment of 48 airmen from Kalafrana is accommodated in Boschetto Gardens. No night operations.

1^st BN THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT Working parties continue as yesterday; B Company still salvaging.

1^ST BN THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY Seven Other Ranks were wounded by enemy action on Ta Qali: one died same day. One Other Rank killed by enemy action on Ta Qali.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bombs at Haywharf – Offices, Stores and Equipment destroyed, 2 engines damaged. Bomb nr NAAFI Lintorn damaging 24Coy store and destroying depth charge – no casualties. Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 19; dealt with 17 (1 x 500kg, 3 x 250kg, 12 x 50kg; 1 x 15kg anti-personnel).

2^ND BN THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS Working parties from Battalion on aerodrome.

11^TH BN THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS 2100 hrs Luqa and Hal Far working parties continued.

225^TH LIGHT ACK ACK BATTERY, ROYAL ARTILLERY Two unexploded bombs of 250kg and 500kg are reported 400 yards south of a gun position; not evacuated.

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

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Posted by maltagc70 on April 22, 2022 in 1942, April 1942

Tags: 601 Squadron, 603 Squadron, bomb disposal, Durham Light Infantry, Malta, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, war diary, World War Two

21 April 1942: Malta’s Troops Praised World Over Says CO

21 Apr

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Maj Gen D M W Beak

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO ALL RANKS OF THE ARMY 21 APRIL 1942

FROM MAJOR-GENERAL D M W BEAK VC DSO MC, GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING TROOPS, MALTA

“I wish you all to know how much I appraise and appreciate the steadfast and excellent work you have been giving and still are to our cause which is the cause of all free people.

You have been experiencing a tense period fraught with intense difficulties. Nevertheless you have responded gallantly and never once failed or faltered. You are sticking to the job with a cheerfulness and fortitude which is beyond praise. Much has been asked of you but more have you given.The spirit of your effort is representative of the best which the British breed has ever produced in its long history of brilliant achievement and that is saying much.

I know you are straining at the leash to be able to get at the enemy. Nothing can be more trying than having to ‘sit and take it’. The day will come when we shall ‘rise and give it’ and then I know you will not be weighed in the balance and found wanting.

There must be many questions passing through your minds which cannot, at the moment, be answered. Remember that there are no points in the present situation which are forgotten and no efforts lacking to see it through to a successful conclusion.

Your spirited work is known and praised the world over but nowhere is it better known, more understood and appreciated, than in this Island by those of us who are fully in the picture. Your effort is magnificent. You may be justly proud.”

ME 109

KINGS OWN MALTA REGIMENT: FEARLESS RETALIATION

Troops of D Company, 3rd Battalion Kings Own Malta Regiment were attacked by two Messerchmitt fighters while out on a route march at noon today. As the ME 109s swooped low over the march, the infantrymen primed their rifles and returned fire.

Later this afternoon a number of ME 109s flew low over the sector of 1^st Battalion, whose Ack Ack Platoon immediately responded with a volley of machine gun fire. An hour later, A Company of 3^rd Battalion opened fire on another enemy aircraft, which then crashed into the sea about four miles off the coast.

AMERICAN PILOT LOST

American pilot Hiram Putnam was killed this afternoon when his Spitfire hit a steel wireless mast and crashed. Texas born Putnam, serving as a Pilot Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force, had been attacked with cannon fire by an enemy fighter. It is believed he was mortally injured by the attack: his aircraft which spun out of control and crashed into the pylon near quarters of 8^th Bn Kings Own Royal Regiment who immediately mounted a guard at the site.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 21 APRIL TO DAWN 22 APRIL 1942

Weather Wind easterly; 50% cloud at 15000 feet.

0722 hrs Large formations of enemy aircraft, including over 70 bombers plus fighter escort, approach the Island.

0830 hrs Four Hurricanes 185 Squadron and two Hurricanes 229 Squadron based at Hal Far are airborne and intercept twelve JU 88s. P/O Horricks claims one JU 88 probable and one ME 109 damaged. Sgt Finlay damages one ME 109. Sgt Fullalove 229 Squadron is missing.

Four Spitfires 601 Squadron are also airborne from Luqa to intercept enemy aircraft. Two JU 88s and one ME 109 are destroyed; one JU 88 damaged. One Spitfire from Luqa is shot up by ME 109s and crash-lands at Hal Far; the Pilot F/Lt Barnham is uninjured. P/O Brooker does not return.

13 JU 88s attack Ta Qali, aiming for what they believe to be underground hangars beneath the airfield.

Six JU 88s carry out a medium level bombing raid on Luqa causing slight damage to a Maryland.

0845 hrs As the JU 88s turn away from their attack on Luqa, they are intercepted by six Spitfires from Ta Qali. S/L Grant and P/O Plagis between them destroy one JU 88. P/O Plagis destroys one ME 109 and Sgt Hesselyn damages one. F/O Buchanan damages one JU 88.

35 JU 88s dive-bomb Ta Qali in two waves, dropping some 150 high explosive bombs on the airfield, causing craters in dispersal roads and damaging buildings. Four Spitfires are written off and five slightly damaged.

0910 hrs Twelve JU 88s attack the Dockyard, Corradino and Marsa Creek. SS Pampas is hit.

0910-0930 hrs Six guns of 225 Light Ack Ack Battery engage numerous JU 88s. One gun claims a hit on the nose of a ME 109: smoke appears and gunners claim the aircraft as ditched in the sea.

1032 hrs All clear.

1210 hrs Several plots of enemy aircraft are identified approaching the Island from the north. Bombers peel off to attack Salina Bay, damaging billets of 2^nd Bn Kings Own Malta Regiment and wounding one Other Rank at Salina gun position.

1220-1335 hrs Four Spitfires 601 Squadron from Luqa are airborne to intercept enemy aircraft, claiming one JU 88 probably destroyed; two JU 88s and one ME 109 damaged. S/L Bircher is shot down: pilot safe.

1230 hrs 16 enemy bombers and fighter bombers head for Ta Qali but are attacked by eight Spitfires before they reach the airfield. Sgt Hesselyn destroys one JU 87 and one ME 109, damaging another. P/O Watts destroys one ME 109. F/O Buchanan destroys one JU 87. P/O Watts damages one ME 109.

1235-1305 hrs Twelve JU 88s with fighter escort head drop bombs Hal Far airfield. Bombs are also dropped on the Safi strip. Guns of 225 Light Ack Ack Battery engage numerous JU 88s and ME 109s: hits claimed.

1245 hrs Four ME 109s and twelve JU 87s dive-bomb Ta Qali, dropping 25 bombs on the aerodrome and causing craters but the runway remains serviceable.

1335 hrs Raiders passed.

1450-1530 hrs Two Spitfires 601 Squadron from Luqa carry out a search for a missing Spitfire pilot: nothing sighted.

1612 hrs Several formations of enemy aircraft approach the Island in waves, dividing to attack Grand Harbour, Ta Qali, Luca and Safi. ME 109s flying low over the sector manned by 1^st Bn Kings Own Malta Regiment are engaged by their Ack Ack Platoon: no claims.

13 bombers attack the Grand Harbour area: San Pietru gun position is bombed.

20 JU 88 bombers carry out another heavy bombing raid on Ta Qali airfield.

1640-1745 hrs Two Spitfires 601 Squadron are airborne to intercept enemy aircraft: one JU 88 possibly damaged.

1645 hrs Eight Spitfires from Ta Qali dive to attack ME 109s but two are themselves jumped by the enemy fighters. One Spitfire is slightly damaged.

1720 hrs Nine Spitfires from Ta Qali attack enemy aircraft. F/Lt McQueen destroys one ME 109 F; Sgt Brennan probably destroys one JU 88. F/Lt McQueen damages one JU 88. Total enemy aircraft destroyed ten; damaged seven.

1740 hrs Two ME 109s and six JU 88s bomb Hal Far, severely damaging one Hurricane. Guns of 225 Light Ack Ack Battery engage the enemy aircraft: hits claimed.

1744 hrs Eight JU 88s dive-bomb Luqa and Safi. One latrine and a wash house are demolished and the main runway is cratered. Two Wellingtons are burned out and written off and one damaged. Bombs are also dropped on Tal Handaq gun positions.

1910-1945 hrs One Spitfire 601 Squadron carries out another search for the missing Spitfire pilot: nothing sighted.

2121-2210 hrs One aircraft approaches the Island from the north but does not cross the coast.

Night The air raid alert sounds for eight aircraft approaching the Island singly. All bombs are dropped in the sea.

0340 hrs One German airman comes ashore at St Thomas’ Bay and gives himself up to 1^st Bn Dorsetshire Regiment at Munshar searchlight detachment. He is held at Fort Ta Silch.

Military casualties Pilot Officer Hiram Putnam, 126 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force; Pilot Officer Stanley Brooker, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (VR), 601 Squadron; Corporal Peter Clarke, Royal Air Force; Sergeant John Fullalove, Pilot, Royal Air Force (VR), 229 Squadron; Lieutenant George Treadwell, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment; Private Joseph Salkeld, 8th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster).

Civilian casualties Mosta Vincent Zammit, age 39.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 21 APRIL 1942

ROYAL NAVY Uproar P31 returned from patrol off Spartivento with leaking rivets. Jade sunk by bomb.

AIR HQ Arrivals Eight Wellingtons from Kabrit; one Wellington from Gibraltar. Departures four Wellingtons, one Beaufighter, one Beaufort to 108 MU.

LUQA 1130-1330 hrs One Spitfire 69 Squadron on photo-reconnaissance of Sicilian aerodromes. 2259-0505 hrs Five Wellingtons 148 Squadron to attack Comiso aerodrome. Bombs are dropped on the aerodrome and surrounding area, and on Augusta. Bursts are seen but no results confirmed.

TA QALI Aerodrome runway serviceable. More tents and land taken in Boschetto Gardens. Kitchens re-erected. Aerodrome runway serviceable and extensive repairs proceeding. Cut in rations – difficult to feed men adequately already.

1^st BN THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT Working parties as for yesterday. Likely to take some time yet.

1^st BN THE DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT 1400 hrs Lt Treadwell is buried at Imtarfa Cemetery. 1500 hrs L/Cpl James and Pte Macpherson are buried at Pieta Cemetery.

1^ST BN THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY Work on aerodromes continued.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 15; dealt with 17 (3 x 1000kg; 1 x 500kg, 9 x 250kg, 4 x 50kg).

2^ND BN THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS Cpl Bynter is wounded by an aircraft machine-gun bullet.

8^TH BN THE KINGS OWN ROYAL REGIMENT Bn moved to new headquarters at 415202 from 423199. Pte J Salkeld, A Company, died of wounds received as a result of enemy action on 18/4/42.

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Posted by maltagc70 on April 21, 2022 in 1942, April 1942

Tags: 601 Squadron, bomb disposal, Kings Own Malta Regiment, Malta, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Engineers, war diary, World War Two