RSS

Tag Archives: 603 Squadron

26 July-1 August 1942: Six Air Raid Warnings a Day

01 Aug

Malta – World War 2. First visit to maltagc70? CLICK HERE

For your weekly update direct to your computer – sign up to follow maltagc70 (see right).

26 July 1942: 188 Air Raid Alerts in July

Heading for shelter, South St Valletta (NWMA Malta)

AIR RAID STATISTICS – JULY 1942

Total number of air raid alerts 188
Raid-free days Nil
Night raids 57
Raid-free nights 15
Alerts for own planes 17
Total time from air raid alert to raiders passed 3 days, 18 hrs, 3 mins
Average length of alert 27.7 mins

AIR RAIDS DAWN 26 JULY TO DAWN 27 JULY 1942

Weather Wind southerly; clear.

0920-0943 hrs Air raid alert: three ME 109s cross the Island.

1030 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft.

1038-1110 hrs Air raid alert. Seven JU88s attack Ta Qali, dropping high explosive and anti-personnel bombs on the airfield. High explosive bombs are dropped on the western dispersal area: one Spitfire is damaged by fire, three others by shrapnel. Delayed-action bombs are dropped opposite Cave No 4, and between the main Rabat-Valletta road and the site of Chateau Bertrand. Several anti-personnel bombs fall on Mosta. Heavy Ack Ack fire: no claims. Spitfires attack the bombers and twelve fighters after their raid: one Macchi 202 is damaged.

1405 hrs Eight Spitfires are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft but do not see them.

1411-1445 hrs Air raid alert. Five JU88s with an escort of twenty fighters attack Hal Far from 18000 feet. Heavy Ack Ack engage: no claims.

1600 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft; seven return early with engine trouble. The remaining Spitfire makes no interceptions.

1651-1740 hrs Air raid alert. Seven JU 88s with fighter escort attack Luqa, destroying one Spitfire and three Beauforts and damaging one Wellington. Twelve bombs are dropped on the Safi strip runway and on the dispersal area from a high level. Several delayed-action bombs are also dropped. Heavy Ack Ack engage. Malta fighters destroy one JU 88 and damage one ME 109.

1830 hrs; 2130 hrs Delayed-action bombs explode at Ta Qali.

2215-2300 hrs; 0020-0035 hrs Air raid alert. Two aircraft approach the Island: all bombs are dropped in the sea. Heavy Ack Ack engage and searchlights illuminate both raiders.

Military casualties Identity unknown. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 26 JULY 1942

AIR HQ Four Hurricanes were despatched to attack Gela aerodrome. One returned early with mechanical trouble; another did not locate the target and returned with bombs. The third, owing to heavy petrol consumption, could not reach the target but released two 250lb bombs in the vicinity of Scilli. The fourth attacked Gela. Bombs were dropped from 3000 feet and buildings and motor transport machine-gunned, but no results were seen in either case.

Arrivals One Wellington, two Hudsons, one Sunderland, one Hudson from Gibraltar. One Wellington en route Gibraltar to LG 224 landed Malta. One Liberator from LG 224. Departures Two Hudsons from Gibraltar; one Wellington from LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Beaufighter skidded on landing: crew uninjured.

27 July 1942: Thousands Homeless – Governor Warns PM

GORT PRAISES MALTESE BUT WARNS OF HARDSHIPS TO COME

Maltese living in shelters (NWMA Malta)

Lord Gort has today written to the Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill warning that thousands of Maltese could be homeless next winter due to the devastation wrought by enemy bombing. More than ten thousand homes have been destroyed so far and the Island lacks the manpower or resources to rebuilt them during the continuing conflict.

Gort praised the stoicism of the Maltese, whose morale has been lifted by the recent deliveries of Spitfires to the Island. However, with the loss of Malta fighters averaging three a day, he reminded the PM that more will be needed to protect any future convoy.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 27 JULY TO DAWN 28 JULY 1942

Weather Wind westerly.

0740 hrs Delayed-action bombs explode near Ta Qali camp.

0831-0840 hrs Air raid alert. Two enemy aircraft orbit north of the Island and then recede.

0855 hrs Six Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft. Sgt Beurling destroys one ME 109. Malta fighters destroy another three ME 109s and one Macchi 202, probably destroy one JU 88 and damage two JU 88s and one ME 109. Heavy Ack Ack also engage.

0915-0933 hrs Air raid alert. Nine JU88s with fighter escort attack Ta Qali, killing one Army Officer. High explosive bombs are dropped on the aerodrome and runway. Some delayed-action bombs are suspected. The aerodrome is temporarily unserviceable. 249 Squadron moves to operate from Luqa and 603 Squadron from Hal Far.

1157-1235 hrs Air raid alert. Four JU 88s attempting a bombing raid are intercepted by Malta fighters and forced to jettison their bombs in sea. They recede north without crossing the coast. One Heavy Ack Ack pointers engage. Malta fighters destroy three JU 88s and four ME 109s, and damage one JU 88 and one ME 109.

1305-1325 hrs; 1355-1420 hrs; 1545-1605 hrs Three air raid alerts sound for aircraft carrying out searches to the north east of the Island and one fighter sweep by two ME 109s. Malta fighters probably destroy one ME 109 and damage another.

1935 hrs Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft see two JU 88s with a large escort of ME 109s. F/Sgt Rae probably destroys one ME 109 and one RE 2001.

1952-2026 hrs Air raid alrt. Three JU 88s bomb the Safi strip. Heavy Ack Ack engage and Malta fighters probably destroy one ME 109 and damage one RE 2001.

2040-2050 hrs Air raid alert. A further search is carried out by four enemy aircraft 25 miles north of Grand Harbour.

2245-2330 hrs Air raid alert sounds for six aircraft, of which only one crosses the coast and drops bombs south of Hal Far. Another drops bombs in the sea off Benghaisa.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

Enemy casualties Capitano Furio Doglio Niclot, 151a Squadriglia, shot down and died. Sergente Maggiore Faliero Gelli, 378a Squadriglia, 155o Gruppo, 51o Stormo, pilot of a Macchi C202, shot down and injured in the crash: taken prisoner.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 27 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Sweepers carried out a sweep of QBB 273. 1 mine cut inside channel and one outside.

AIR HQ Three Hurricanes were despatched to attack Comiso aerodrome. One could not release bombs; the other two dropped bombs in the south-west dispersal area. No results were seen.

Arrivals One Catalina, three Hudsons from Gibraltar. One Wellington en route Gibraltar to LG 224 landed Malta; three Liberators from LG 224; one DC3 from Bilbeis. Departures One Sunderland, one Hudson, one Liberator from Gibraltar; one Catalina from Aboukir; one DC3 from Bilbeis; three Wellingtons from LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire shot up in combat: pilot injured.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Lt T Whitworth arrived from Mid-East and posted to No. 128 Bomb Disposal Section. Lt F W Ashall posted to HQ Fortress RE. Establishment 127 Bomb Disposal Section: 1 Officer, 19 Other Ranks; 128 BD Section: 1 Officer, 16 Other Ranks.

28 July 1942: Malta Fighters Double Hat-Trick

Malta Spitfires destroyed or damaged every single bomber attempting an air raid over the Island today. In two separate raids, three JU 88 bombers were attacked by fighters on intercept missions. In the first raid one bomber was destroyed and the other two damaged; in the second, all three JU 88s were destroyed. Five enemy fighters were also damaged or destroyed in the dog-fights.

Liberators Land in Malta

AIR RAIDS DAWN 28 JULY TO DAWN 29 JULY 1942

Weather Wind south-westerly; clear.

0836-0915 hrs Air raid alert. A strong fighter sweep by 27 ME109s. Malta fighters engage: no claims.

1113 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft. They spot three JU 88s, eight ME 109s and two RE 2001a. F/Sgt Rae and Sgt Gass probably destroy one JU 88. S/Ldr Mitchell probably destroys one JU 88. F/Sgt Rae and P/O Yates each damage one JU 88. F/Sgt Parkes probably destroys one ME 109. Sgt Wynn damages one ME 109. P/O McElroy damages one ME 109 and one RE 2001.

1145-1215 hrs Air raid alert. Raid does not materialise.

1420-1520 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on patrol: nil report.

1715-1747 hrs Air raid alert. Three JU88s escorted by twelve ME109s drop bombs on Hal Far and Bubaqra, and near Luqa. Heavy Ack Ack engage and Malta fighters destroy all three bombers and one ME 109. One JU 88 crashes onto Wolseley Camp of 1^st Bn Dorsetshire Regt, damaging vehicles and equipment.

1720-1745 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne to escort the High Speed Launch. They see a JU 88 crash on a tip of land. The Launch picks up two German parachutes.

1920-2020 hrs Two Spitfies 249 Squadron on shipping search: no sightings.

2245-2340 hrs Air raid alert for six bombers which approach singly and drop bombs on Hal Far and Luqa. Heavy Ack Ack engage and searchlights effect two illuminations.

Military casualties Sergeant Donald Hubbard, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Civilian casualties Ghaxaq Joseph Abela, age 13. Mosta John Fenech, age 11. Zurrieq Carmel Buhagiar, age 10; Joseph Buhagiar; Salvina D’Amato, age 18.

Enemy casualties Crews of JU 88 bombers: Gefreiter Peter Bolten, Observer, shot down and died; Unteroffizier Albert Fuehrer, Pilot, shot down and died; Unteroffizier Karl Bauer, Wireless Operator, shot down into the sea, rescued and taken prisoner; Unteroffizier Gustav Frick, Air Gunner, shot down into the sea, rescued and taken prisoner.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 28 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Swona and Motor Launches swept approaches to Marsaxlokk. Beauforts, escorted by Beaufighters, attacked convoy and damaged one merchant vessel, which was later seen in Navarin by PRU Spitfire. Two Beauforts failed to return. Three bombs fell close to War Signal Station at Torri L’Ahmar, causing minor damage, but no casualties.

AIR HQ Nine Beauforts escorted by six Beaufighters attacked a southbound convoy comprising two destroyers and one 7000 ton merchant vessel in position 185 degrees Sapienza 10 miles. The merchant vessel was hit once, pouring white smoke; this was confirmed by photos. Bombs carried on three aircraft were dropped on the destroyers scoring near-misses. All vessels were machine-gunned. Photos show the merchant vessel in Navarino in the evening and was still there on 1 August 1942.

Four Hurricanes were despatched to attack Gela aerodrome. One returned owing to oil trouble; the other three dropped bombs on the Operations Headquarters and Stores Depot, without visible results.

Arrivals One Catalina, one Wellington, one Beaufort from Gibraltar. Departures Three Liberators, three Hudsons from Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire crashed on landing after combat: pilot killed. One Spitfire shot down into the sea: pilot rescued.

29 July 1942: RAF Heroes Skyjack Drama

Last night nine Beauforts of 217 Squadron, escorted by Beaufighters, attacked an enemy convoy of two destroyers and one merchant vessel, steaming southwards from Sapienza. Among them was Beaufort L9820, piloted by South African Lt E T (Ted) Strever, with P/O W M Dunsmore, Sgt J A Wilkinson and Sgt A R Brown as crew. As they flew over the merchantman to release their torpedo, the aircraft was hit in both engines. Forced to ditch in the sea, Strever almost drowned in the cockpit before managing to struggle free and join his crew in their dinghy.

Within hours they were picked up by an Italian Cant Z506B floatplane, which took them to the Island of Corfu. They were treated very well, given a good meal and a bed for the night. Next morning they boarded a floatplane to be flown to Taranto, faced with the prospect of becoming prisoners of war. But as the aircraft approached Sicily, the captive airmen set upon the Cant’s five-man crew, disabling the radio operator and disarming the others before ordering the pilot to change course for Malta.

RAF ‘hijackers’ and Italian crew surrender

As the apparently hostile aircraft neared the Island, it triggered the air raid alert and six Spitfires of 603 Squadron Ta Qali were scrambled to intercept. Three of them attacked the floatplane as it approached St Paul’s Bay. Lt Strever ordered the Italian pilot to land immediately on the water. One of his crew then pulled of his shirt and his vest, to wave as a white flag as they scrambled onto the wings.

Puzzled, the Spitfire pilots ceased firing and radioed for the air sea rescue launch, circling overhead until it arrived. The crew of HSL 107 were bemused to find four RAF airmen waiting for them on the floatplane’s wings, along with its crew of five Italians.

Highjacked Cant float-plane at Kalafrana

Air Sea Rescue commander J S Houghton recalled: “The Cant…was towed by HSL 107 to St Paul’s Island. It was then passed over to our Seaplane Tender and taken to a buoy off St Paul’s Pier, where the five Italians and four Commonwealth airmen were taken ashore. A very strong Army guard was provided to prevent the locals from attacking the Italians. The South African captain, who had led the hijack, brandished his revolver, leaving no doubt as to what he would have done if the Italians had been harmed.” (2) Lt Strever returned his previous captors’ hospitality before seeing them in turn taken prisoners of war. For their actions Lt Strever and P/O Dunsmore were awarded the DFC and Sgts Brown and Wilkinson the DFM.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 29 JULY TO DAWN 30 JULY 1942

Weather Wind southerly; clear.

0820-0845 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali on patrol: nil reports.

0915-1040 hrs Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept an approaching formation of sixteen ME 109s and four Macchi 202s. Sgt Beurling destroys one ME 109 before his machine is hit by machine-gunfire: the bullets shoot the entire hood off his cockpit. Sgt Budd shoots off the fin and rudder of a ME 109 before his machine is hit by machine-gunfire.

0955-1023 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are on patrol when six JU88s with fighter escort approach the Island. Heavy Ack Ack fire and Malta fighters engage, forcing the bombers to jettison their bombs north of the Island and destroying two ME 109s and one Macchi 202 without loss.

1300 hrs Air raid alert. Six Spitfires 603 Squadron see an enemy float plane coming towards St Paul’s Bay. When attacked, the enemy aircraft is seen to pancake on the water. Five men come out onto the wings, waving a white flag. The Spitfires orbit until the enemy aircraft is towed into St Paul’s Bay by the High Speed Launch.

1558-1610 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron are despatched to intercept. Two return early with radio and engine trouble. Three enemy aircraft carry out a small fighter sweep but do not cross the coast.

1640-1645 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron take off on patrol: no engagement.

1705-1730 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron patrol over the Italian floatplane.

1750-1815 hrs Air raid alert. Raid does not materialise.

2200-2210 hrs Air raid alert. A single aircraft drops bombs in the sea north west of Gozo, then recedes.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

Enemy casualties Crew of Cant-Z506B floatplane hijacked en route from Corfu to Taranto taken prisoner: Maresciallo Alessandro Cifari, co-pilot; Sergenti T Losi, engineer; Tenente Gaetano Mastrodicasa, pilot; Aviere Scelto Marcello Schisano, wireless operator and Sergente Carabiniere Giulio Scarciella.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Clyde arrived and was swept into Marsaxlokk. The inshore edge of QBB 273 was then swept and nine mines cut. Italian flying boat landed in St Julian’s Bay and surrendered. This aircraft was captured by the crew of one of the Beauforts, which crashed during the attack on the convoy the previous night, who while on passage from Navarin to Italy, overpowered the crew and forced them to fly them to Malta. Clyde discharged practically all her cargo on the night of 29th/30th.

AIR HQ Arrivals Four Liberators, three Beauforts, one Wellington from Gibraltar. One DC3 from Bilbeis. Departures One DC3 from Bilbeis. Aircraft casualties Two Beauforts shot down while attacking convoy: one crew took to dinghy; one crew returned to base. One Spitfire flap failed on landing: pilot uninjured. One Spitfire crashed on landing: pilot uninjured.

30 July 1942: War Artist for Malta

From: Governor & C in C Malta To: The War Office Personal from Lord Gort for CIGS

I shall be glad to have war artists. Please consult Ministry of Information whose cable Empax 45 suggests the name. Is this the artist you have in mind? It should be made clear that artist would work under information officer. This would be in accordance with local arrangements whereby official War Office photographer works under general supervision information officer who is in position greatly to assist in choice of subjects and distribution of products.

Malta: Fighters take off from Luca’s bombed runway, by Leslie Cole 1943 © IWM (art.IWM ART LD 3554)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 30 JULY TO DAWN 31 JULY 1942

Weather Wind northerly; fast-moving cloud.

0745-0800 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron and eight of 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft.

0820-0845 hrs Air raid alert for a 35-strong fighter sweep of 35. The Spitfires of 603 Squadron attack four ME 109s but then the Spitfires are jumped by six Macchi 202s. F/Sgt Parkinson destroys one ME 109.

1055 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron are airborne to intercept approaching a reported plot of 27 hostile aircraft, including bombers. One Spitfire returns early and runs into enemy fighters. One Spitfire is slightly damaged; the pilot is unhurt. Five minutes later, eight Spitfires 249 Squadron take off; two return early and are attacked by Messerschmitts.

1125-1200 hrs Air raid alert. Raid does not materialise: it is believed that the bombers turned back.

1605-1625 hrs; 1840-1850 hrs Two air raid alerts for small groups of fighters: one group crosses the Island at 26000 feet on reconnaissance.

2130-2225 hrs Air raid alert for four single bombers, only two of which cross the coast and drop bombs on St Julians, Birkirkara and Tal Qroqq areas, killing twelve civilians and wounding twenty-four. Heavy Ack Ack engage and one JU 88 is destroyed by a Beaufighter before reaching the Island.

Military casualties Sergeant Colin Wood, Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Civilian casualties See 31 July.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 30 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY P42 sailed on patrol.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Hudson, three Beauforts from Gibraltar. Departures Two Liberators, one Hudson from Gibraltar; one Wellington from LG 224; one Beaufighter from Abu Sueir. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire crashed on landing after combat: pilot uninjured.

31 July 1942: Park’s Tactics Keep Bombers Away

ME 109 fighters

The new tactics introduced by Air Officer Commanding Air Vice-Marshal Sir Keith Park were evidently taking effect today as enemy bombers stayed clear of the Island throughout daylight hours. The AOC’s ‘Forward Interception Plan’, issued on 25 July, has resulted in increased aircraft losses for the enemy and forced many bombers to jettison their payload before reaching target.

Axis command is now sending only fighter sweeps in daylight, flying at high altitude in an attempt to gain the advantage over Malta’s Spitfires. In response, Park has ordered his fighters to remain below 20000 feet to force the enemy to drop to their preferred altitude if he wants to engage in combat.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 31 JULY TO DAWN 1 AUGUST 1942

Weather Wind westerly; little cloud.

Day Three fighter sweeps of 6, 15 and 30 aircraft respectively; very few fighters cross the coast. Malta fighters destroy two ME 109s and one RE 2001, and damage one Macchi 202. Heavy Ack Ack engage the last raid with pointer rounds.

0735-0845 hrs Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are despatched on intercept patrol: no enemy aircraft sighted.

1047-1105 hrs Air raid alert.

1440-1520 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft. They encounter six unidentified fighters. One Spitfire’s engine cuts out, and the aircraft returns. Another Spitfire engine cuts out: Sgt Ballantyne attempts to land at Luqa and overshoots the runway, damaging his aircraft. Sgt Parkinson damages one Macchi 202.

1610-1640 hrs Air raid alert.

2205-2256 hrs Air raid alert for three enemy aircraft which do not cross the coast.

Military casualties Nil.

Civilian casualties Birkirkara Anthony Agius, age 29; Carmel Borg, age 27; John Busuttil, age 16; Pauline Busuttil, age 5; Joseph Calleja, age 75; Georgina Dimech, age 28; Michael Fenech, age 47; Orazia Grech, age 4; Maria Melita Medati, age 50; Mary Scerri, age 9; Carmela Sammut, age 23; Amabile Sammut, age 21. Mgarr Joseph Deguara, age 45.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 31 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Parthian sailed for Gibraltar. P34 arrived and swept into harbour by Rye. Swona carried out sweep of entrance channel.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Hudson from Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire shot down into the sea: pilot missing. One Spitfire shot up in combat: pilot uninjured. One Spitfire engine cut on landing: pilot uninjured.

1 August 1942: Pilot’s 16 Hour Paddle to Safety

A pilot reported missing turned up safe and well this morning, nearly 24 hours after he left base. Pilot Officer Tony Bruce took off yesterday from Hal Far to intercept enemy raiders. He was attacked off-shore by an enemy fighter and his Spitfire was seen to ditch in the sea. When no trace of him was found, the pilot was thought to have perished, until he staggered ashore this morning.

P/O Bruce had managed to scramble into his dinghy, which he then paddled single-handed the 15 miles back to shore. He took 16 hours to complete the journey, to the surprise of comrades who thought he had perished.

MILITARY SITUATION REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING 1 AUGUST 1942

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

1. First two days bomber attacks by total 33 JU88 continued against aerodromes. Successful interceptions by fighters and destruction of complete bomber formations has made enemy change tactics. Thereafter strong fighter sweeps only. Bombers have sometimes approached but invariably turned back or jettisoned bombs.

One Italian float plane Cant 506 B captured and flown intact with Italian crew to Malta by crew of Beaufort previously shot down and rescued in Ionian Sea. Nine Beauforts and six Beaufighters attacked convoy bound for Libya immobilising one merchant vessel 5000 tons. Eleven sorties by bomb-carrying Hurricanes against Sicilian aerodromes.

2. Enemy aircraft casualties. Eight bombers 17 fighters destroyed, five probably 16 damaged by RAF. Ack Ack no claims.

Army builds 30 more pens in a week

3. At urgent request of RAF for 30 new aircraft pens to be built in one week and others to be repaired Army working parties of 2000 men and 150 vehicles provided working two shifts daily.

4. Military damage slight. Casualties one Officer killed; one Officer, two Other Ranks wounded.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 1 AUGUST TO DAWN 2 AUGUST 1942

Weather Fine; visibility 10-15 miles.

Day Four fighter sweeps, two of them in strength totalling 52 aircraft.

0922 hrs Air raid alert. A formation of enemy fighters is reported heading towards the Island. Six Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled to intercept. They are joined by eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali, of which two return early. There is no engagement.

0945-1015 hrs Air raid alert. Seven Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali carry out a patrol: nothing to report.

1235-1255 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled and try to intercept four ME 109s but are unable to catch them before they cross the Island.

1422-1455 hrs Air raid alert for another fighter sweep. Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept a fighter sweep: no engagement.

1645-1720 hrs Air raid alert. Four Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled to intercept a fighter sweep: nothing sighted.

2250-2325 hrs One air raid alert for three aircraft. Bombs are dropped in the sea off Il Blata.

Military casualties Nil.

Civilian casualties Birkirkara Joseph Galea, age 13.

OPERATIONS REPORTS DAY 1 AUGUST 1942

ROYAL NAVY Clyde sailed for Gibraltar being swept out by Hythe, who subsequently swept P31 into Harbour. P44 also sailed, carrying out night full calibre firing at Filfla before proceeding on patrol.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Catalina, one Liberator, two Beauforts, one Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar; one Liberator to St Jean Fayid or LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire shot down into the sea: pilot rescued uninjured.

HAL FAR Wing Commander Douglas-Hamilton assumed the duties of Wing Commander in charge of flying.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 75. Dealt with: High Explosives 23, including 7delayed-action (4 x 500kg; 16 x 250kg; 2 x 50kg; 1 x 35kg); 341 anti-personnel bombs.

(1) The SAAF at War 1940-1984, Bouwer, J S & Louw, M N, Chris van Rensburg, 1989

(2) Malta: Blitzed but not Beaten, Philip Vella, Progress Press, 1985

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

Leave a comment

Posted by maltagc70 on August 1, 2022 in 1942, August 1942, July 1942

Tags: 249 Squadron, 603 Squadron, August 1942, bomb disposal, July 1942, Malta, RAF, Royal Engineers, Strever, Tony Bruce, war diary, World War Two

19-25 July 1942: Malta Faces Starvation

25 Jul

Malta – World War 2. First visit to maltagc70? CLICK HERE

Weekly updates direct to your computer – sign up to follow maltagc70 (see R).

19 July 1942: Parthian Supplies Unloaded in Darkness

HUNGER

“There it was. A pitiable animated skeleton with ribs nearly protruding out of its sides of what was once called a dog. It was a small creature with what could have been a light brown coat. Its occasional whimpering, hardly audible, eyes glazed, it was shuffling madly with from one side of one shed and then to another, sniffing here and sniffing there, obviously crazed with hunger, completely oblivious to anything else. It did not even notice me, standing nearby a few yards away, just outside the workshop where I worked as an apprentice, near No 1 Dock in the Malta Dockyard in the Summer of 1942…

NWMA Malta

Malta was in the iron grip of a merciless siege and close to collapse. Fast blockade runners such as the ‘Welshman’ and the ‘Manxman’ and submarines improvised to carry cargo would occasionally break through the iron cordon to supply the beleaguered island. But supplies were hardly ever enough.

The Dockyard itself had become a depressing sight with half-sunken ships, ruined sheds and workshops, rubble every where and bomb craters still being filled. Electric power and telephone service was only intermittent and water supply available only in certain locations. Into this nightmarish, surreal landscape, this pitiable creature, somehow or other, had found itself…

I felt deeply sorry for it. I would have willingly given it a small piece of my own meagre ration consisting of just a slim sandwich, but I was hesitant and somewhat fearful how it would react in that crazed state…the dog probably was a loving pet with an owner who cared greatly for it but being unable to feed it…let it loose blithely trusting Providence or hoping that somehow or other it would find its own food. It must have been a desperate and agonizing decision.

Even though Malta, at one time, had its own share of pet lovers, with pets, nearly everywhere, I have to say that I could not recall seeing any other dogs or even cats during that summer…” Joseph V Stephens, 2012

AIR RAIDS DAWN 19 JULY TO DAWN 20 JULY 1942

Weather Wind south-westerly; no cloud.

0740-0758 hrs Air raid alert for an approaching fighter sweep. Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept and encounter three ME 109s: no combat.

1440-1510 hrs Air raid alert for a second fighter sweep by Italian RE 2001 aircraft, engaged by Malta fighters. One Spitfire crashes near Luqa: the pilot is killed.

1820-1910 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are on patrol: no air raid develops.

2145-2230 hrs Air raid alert. Three aircraft approach the Island but are engaged by Spitfires: one raider is destroyed.

Military casualties Flight Sergeant Joseph Otis, Royal Canadian Air Force, 426 Squadron.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 19 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Parthian unloading stores at Marsaxlokk during the night.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Hudson, three Beauforts from Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire overshot when landing: pilot injured. One aircraft crashed due to enemy action: pilot killed.

20 July 1942: Victory Kitchens

“By July 1942 life had become more and more unbearable. Kerosene (Paraffin Oil) which most people used for cooking, heating and for oil lamps was in extremely short supply. To save Kerosene in order to have a warm or hot meal my mother often turned off the oil lamps and sent us to bed early often before darkness had set in.

Queuing for kerosene (NWMA Malta)

Since a hot meal was now becoming a luxury and an exception, my mother decided to try the ‘Victory Kitchens.’ These were communal siege kitchens originally set up to provide one hot meal a day to people who had been bombed out of their homes, whose ration cards had been destroyed or lost in the bombing and had nothing to eat. But as the situation deteriorated more and more people, including those who still had roofs over their heads, resorted to using ‘Victory Kitchens’, bartering their regular ration coupons in exchange. At one time, I believe, more than half the island’s population were using these siege kitchens since, in most cases, it was the only way to get something hot to eat, little as it was.

It did not take long for my mother to realize that this pitiable fare was no kind of ‘victory’…I remember it was some kind of broth masquerading as soup with a few floating lumps in it that most people could not identify. Occasionally, two or three peas or beans were added but the portions were never enough and afterwards you were still left hungry…

Regardless of their faults it should be remembered that these Victory Kitchens played a very important part feeding the people during the siege. It required great skills and much dedication by the Food Distribution Authorities in planning, organizing and putting into operation such an undertaking under living condition that were indescribable and against obstacles that were almost insurmountable.” Joseph V Stephens, 2012

“I also remember visiting a ‘Victory Kitchen’ with my mother; this was after my pet goat had been killed and served to me as stew. I was only told this after I had finished my meal!” Edward Caruana Galizia, November 2011

AIR RAIDS DAWN 20 JULY TO DAWN 21 JULY 1942

Weather Wind south-westerly; haze, no cloud.

0555-0605 hrs Air raid alert. Two aircraft approach to within 25 miles of the Island and then recede.

0830-0935 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: no interceptions.

1135 hrs Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept reported enemy aircraft. The air raid alert sounds but the raid does not materialise; there are no interceptions.

1345 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept an approaching enemy formation. Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are also airborne to act as a protective escort to minesweepers.

1356 hrs Air raid alert. Three JU 88s with twenty ME 109s and RE 2001s in escort approach Luqa from the south and attack the airfield, dropping high explosive and anti-personnel bombs across the area. The Spitfires of 249 Squadron spot the raiders and follow them in, attacking the bombers as they release their bombs over the airfield. The Spitfires struggle to gain enough height to catch the bombers as they turn away. Sgt Wynn is shot up by a Messerschmitt fighter and slightly wounded in the leg.

1405-1545 hrs Four Spitfires 603 Squadron carry out an air sea rescue search: no sightings.

1442 hrs All clear.

1535-1650 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on patrol: raid does not develop.

1640 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy raiders. They spot 16 ME 109s in line abreast. Sgt Irwin probably destroys one ME 109 and damages another. Six Spitfires 249 Squadron are also scrambled to intercept but do not engage.

1645 hrs Air raid alert. Three JU 88s with fighter drop a large number of high explosive bombs on Luqa and the Safi strip from a high level. One motor car is burned out.

1715 hrs All clear.

2136-2242 hrs; 2252-0025 hrs Air raid alerts. Each time nine JU 88s approach singly and drop bombs in widely scattered areas, including Luqa and the Safi strip, and the western dispersal area of Ta Qali. At Luqa a Baltimore is damaged. At Birzebbuga five Army Other Ranks are killed and one Army Officer wounded. Malta’s fighters airborne for both alerts and both Heavy and Light Ack Ack engage, destroying three Ju 88s. Searchlights illuminate every target in the second raid.

Military casualties Pilot Officer Hugh Russell, Royal Canadian Air Force; Gunner Franky Agius, 3 Light Ack Ack (LAA) Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery; Gunner Francis Baldacchino, 3 LAA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery; Gunner Joseph Ellul, 3 LAA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery; Corporal William Hearl, 2nd Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment; Gunner Saviour Sillato, 3 LAA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery; Gunner Albert Zammit, 3 LAA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery; Sergeant Fidele Zarb, 3rd LAA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery.

Civilian casualties Nil.

Enemy casualties Crew of a JU 88 bomber, shot down into the sea near Gozo: Leutnant Siegfried Sack, Pilot – body was not recovered; Obergefreiter Arthur Blass, Air Gunner, and Unteroffizier Albert Mulen, Observer, were rescued by a RAF Launch and taken prisoner. Crew of JU 88 bomber shot down and died: Feldwebel Karl Bonk, Pilot; Unteroffizier Johann Gerstel, Observer; Unteroffizier Josef Pohl, Air Gunner; Unteroffizier Gerhard Priewisch, Wireless Operator.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 20 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Submarine P42 arrived and entered Marsamxett. Speedy swept QBB 197 and Marsaxlokk entrance. 1 Cutter cut. Swona swept Marsaxmett entrance.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Beaufort, one Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures Two Beauforts to LG 224. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire pilot seat slid forward on landing, pushing control column forward and causing aircraft to tip up on nose: pilot uninjured. Two Spitfires shot down into the sea: one pilot rescued injured; one pilot missing.

21 July 1942: 28 Spitfires Arrive as Bombers Stay Clear

OPERATION INSECT

Three freighters sailed from the UK on 2 July carrying 32 Spitfires to Gibraltar, where they arrived a week ago. Yesterday 30 of the aircraft, along with four Swordfish and six Sea Hurricanes were loaded onto HMS Eagle ready to embark for Malta. The carrier was protected by a convoy including Cairo, Charybdis, Antelope, Ithuriel, Vansittart, Westcott and Wrestler.

Italian submarine Dandolo

Earlier today the Italian submarine Dandolo sighted the convoy and attempted to attack but was driven off, damaged in a counter-attack by the escort’s destroyers. Eagle was able to reach her rendezvous point without further incident and, with the exception of one defective aircraft, the Spitfires took off for Malta. Another plane developed problems with its fuel tank and was forced to ditch in the sea. The remaining 28 Spitfires landed safely.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 21 JULY TO DAWN 22 JULY 1942

Weather Wind westerly, slight; haze, no cloud.

0835-0855 hrs Air raid alert for enemy fighter sweep. Malta’s fighters are airborne; one ME 109 probably destroyed.

1005-1130 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on patrol: nil report.

1110-1210 hrs Air raid alert. Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept an enemy fighter sweep. They are bounced by Macchi 202s: no damage.

1410-1420 hrs Air raid alert for enemy fighter sweep. Heavy Ack Ack fire pointer rounds.

1540-1650 hrs Air raid alert. Two Spitfires 249 Squadron are ordered into the air to act as escort to minesweepers.

1755-1855 hrs Air raid alert. Seven Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft. They see four or five ME 109s but are unable to catch them.

0110-0150 hrs; 0205-0220 hrs; 0235-0255 hrs Three air raid alerts for a total of five enemy aircraft which approach the Island singly. None crosses the coast: all bombs are dropped in the sea. During the last alert a Beaufighter destroys one JU 88.

Military casualties Sergeant Lewis Evans, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; Gunner Nazzareno Grima, 1 Coast Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 21 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY A surface plot [reported] south of Filfla may have been Submarine P44 on the surface. She arrived at 2045 and was swept in Marsaxlokk by Speedy. Parthian completed unload and proceeded to Dockyard to make good minor defects. A further reinforcement of 28 Spitfires from HMS Eagle arrived without incident. Torpedo-carrying Beauforts escorted by Beaufighters attacked an enemy convoy and claimed hits on one merchant vessel and one destroyer. Q.B.B. 271 swept by Speedy and Hythe. 3 mines cut.

AIR HQ Nine Beauforts escorted by six Beaufighters attacked a convoy of two destroyers and one 7000 ton merchant vessel in position 240 degrees Cape Ghergambo, 8 miles course southerly. The merchant vessel was hit by at least three torpedoes and white smoke poured form it; this was later confirmed by photos. One of the destroyers was also hit.

Arrivals One DC3 from Bilbeis; one Wellington from Shandur; one Blenheim from Gibraltar; four Beaufighters from ECDU. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar; one Beaufort to LG 224; one DC3 to Bilbeis.

TA QALI Preparations are made for the arrival of further Spitfires: 16 arrived during the morning.

24 FORTRESS COMPANY, ROYAL ENGINEERS A party from No 2 Section of one Sergeant and two Other Ranks blew a series of holes at water level in SS Talabot (partly submerged in harbour) to release oil which was interfering with cargo salvage work. Plastic high explosive was used: very effective.

22 July 1942: ‘Fighting Tenth’ Return to Malta

NWMA Malta

The arrival of P42 yesterday may have triggered a false alarm, with an unconfirmed report of a periscope off Grand Harbour. However, good news has followed the submarine’s arrival, as it signals the return to Malta of the Tenth Submarine Flotilla, after an absence of nearly three months.

Known as the ‘Fighting Tenth’, the submarine force left Lazaretto ten weeks ago when the severity of enemy bombardment risked their complete destruction. Vice Admiral, Malta has now decided that the reduced scale of mining and air attacks and the successful clearance of all approach channels to the Island by minesweepers makes it safe enough to allow the submarines to return.

The Flotilla Captain and his Staff arrived today and it is expected that by the end of the month at least three submarines of the Flotilla will again be operating from Malta.

AJAX MASTER ILL

HMS Ajax

An urgent telegram was sent to the War Office today asking for a replacement for the master of Ajax, who has been ill from prolonged stomach trouble. A solution is needed within fourteen days, as the ship is expected to embark soon on operations. Ajax, her officers and crew have been praised for their valiant service during several Malta convoys. If no temporary relief can be found, the chief officer may be promoted to hold the fort.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 22 JULY TO DAWN 23 JULY 1942

Weather Wind south-westerly; slight cloud.

0805-0915 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy raiders which carry out a fighter sweep: no engagement. Four Spitfires 249 Squadron are airborne on shipping cover.

1110 hrs Air raid alert. Three JU88s escorted by nine ME 109s drop high explosives on Luqa airfield and anti-personnel bombs in the Marsa valley, causing some civilian and RAF casualties. Heavy Ack Ack engage; Malta fighters destroy two ME 109s.

1120-1200 hrs Three Spitfires 249 Squadron carry out a search for missing pilots. They see three oil patches on the water. As he approaches to land, P/O Paradis is told to stand off until a threatened raid on Ta Qali has passed. He is not heard of again.

1144 hrs All clear.

1225-1410 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron search for P/O Paradis: nothing found.

1415 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy raiders: no engagement.

1445 hrs Air raid alert. Six JU 88s escorted by twenty fighters attack Kalafrana, Hal Far and Safi strip with high explosives and anti-personnel bombs, causing civilian and RAF casualties. Heavy Ack Ack fire without result.

1635-1700 hrs Air raid alert for two ME 109s which circle the Island. Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are airborne: no engagement.

Night Two air alerts for a total of eight Italian and German bombers which approach the Island singly, dropping 15kg and 50kg bombs on Luqa, Tal Handaq and Wardia. Heavy Ack Ack engage and Malta night fighters are airborne for both alerts. During the first raid, searchlights effect three illuminations and a Beaufighter destroys one JU 88 ten miles north of the Island.

Military casualties Pilot Officer Joseph Paradis, Royal Canadian Air Force; Sergeant Jack Wallworth, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Civilian casualties Attard Walter Mifsud, age 14; Edward Mifsud, age 12. Hamrun Concetta Borg, age 66. Rabat Paul Zammit, age 13.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 22 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Captain (S) 10th Submarine Flotilla and his staff arrived by air from the Middle East. A doubtful report of a periscope being sighted off Grand Harbour was not confirmed. Hythe and motor launches commenced sweeping new area.

AIR HQ Arrivals One DC3 from Bilbeis; one Wellington, three Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures One Beaufighter to EDCU; one Blenheim to LG 224; one DC3 to Bilbeis. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire shot down into the sea: pilot missing believed killed.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Numerous anti-personnel bombs dropped on billets occupied by No1 Works Company, 1 Sapper is slightly injured.

23 July 1942: Dog Fights Over Malta

ITALIAN CAPTURED

Macchi 202 in flight

Sergente Maggiore Bruno Di Pauli was taken prisoner this afternoon after being plucked from the sea by the RAF rescue launch. The Italian pilot was in a formation of Italian and German fighters escorting a raid on Luqa aerodrome at just after four o’clock when his Macchi 202 was hit by anti-aircraft fire. With six Spitfires of 249 Squadron hot on his tail, Di Pauli decided to eject from the aircraft and was seen parachuting down into the sea. The Spitfire pilots alerted headquarters and an air sea rescue patrol was launched within the hour. Di Pauli was picked up and brought ashore where he was taken in for interrogation.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 23 JULY TO DAWN 24 JULY 1942

Weather Wind westerly; 17% medium cloud.

0720 hrs The ‘usual’ early morning patrol by three ME 109s.

0800-0910 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled for reported enemy aircraft: raid does not materialise.

1010 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft.

1021 hrs Air raid alert. While three ME 109s patrol alone, three JU 88s with seven ME 109s and five RE 2001s as escort attack Luqa, dropping many anti-personnel bombs from a high level on the camp and dispersal areas, and high explosive bombs to the south of Luqa village. Several unexploded bombs are found near the windmill. Anti-personnel bombs are also dropped between Hamrun and the RAF station. One Spitfire and a petrol bowser are destroyed. Heavy Ack Ack engage.

The Spitfires of 249 Squadron see the JU 88s and ME 109s, and then encounter five RE 2001s covering the withdrawal of bombers after the raid. Sgt Beurling destroys one RE 2001 and damages a JU 88. S/Ldr Mitchell destroys a JU 88 and F/Lt Hetherington damages another.

1046 hrs All clear.

1545 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept an approaching enemy formation.

1618-1630 hrs Air raid alert. Five JU 88s with fifteen ME 109s and some Macchi 202s as escort attack Luqa, dropping high explosive and anti-personnel bombs from a high level and causing craters on the aerodrome: two make the runway temporarily unserviceable. One Baltimore is damaged. Heavy Ack Ack engage. Malta Spitfires attack the raiders and destroy two ME 109s and one Macchi 202, probably destroy two ME 109s and damage another three ME 109s and one Macchi. F/Lt Watts and P/O McElroy between them damage one ME 109; P/O Round damages another.

1650-1810 hrs Three Spitfires 603 Squadron carry out an air sea rescue patrol. They see an Italian pilot: he is picked up and taken prisoner.

Night No enemy action.

Military casualties Flying Officer David William Kent, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 229 Squadron.

Civilian casualties Nil.

Enemy casualties Sergente Maggiore Bruno Di Pauli, Macchi 202 fighter pilot, picked up from the sea and taken prisoner.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 23 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Beryl carried out gun trials at sea.

AIR HQ Reconnaissance of Gerbini shows that the number of JU 88s at Gerbini has almost doubled to 23. One of the satellites has also come into use at the aerodrome, with 12 fighters present. Two more satellites are under construction which will bring the total to five.

Arrivals One Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures One Wellington to LG 224; three Hudsons to Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Hurricane engine cut out; aircraft crashed on landing: pilot killed. One Spitfire missing from patrol: pilot missing.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Anti-personnel bombs again dropped near billets occupied by No 1 Works Company, RE.

24 July 1942: Malta Fighters Pre-emptive Strikes

Spitfire re-fuelled, re-armed and ready (NWMA Malta)

PARK’S NEW STRATEGY FOR MALTA

Air Vice-Marshal Sir Keith Park is to introduce new tactics in the RAF battle for the skies over Malta. After reviewing fighter performance over recent weeks, the new Air Officer Commanding has recognised that the Island’s Spitfires have been forced to fight defensively. Now the AOC has decided to take the battle to the enemy.

Under the ‘Forward Interception Plan’ due to take effect from tomorrow, RAF Squadrons will be airborne to intercept enemy formations well before they reach the archipelago. Making use of the increased numbers of Spitfires at his disposal, as well as improved radar and faster take-off times, three Squadrons will now take part in each pre-emptive strike: the first to engage advance fighter formations from out of the sun; the second to engage any close fighter escort and the third to attack bombers head-on.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 24 JULY TO DAWN 25 JULY 1942

Weather Wind southerly; clear.

0800-0830 hrs Air raid alert. Two ME 109s are engaged by Heavy Ack Ack firing pointer rounds. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept: they chase the two Messerschmitts until they are lost to view.

1030-1120 hrs Two Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to cover the Air Sea Rescue Launch off Kalafrana Bay.

1039 hrs Air raid alert. Four JU88s with a fighter escort of twenty ME 109s are intercepted by Malta fighters, which destroy three JU 88s and one ME 109, and damage the remaining JU 88 and two ME 109s; Heavy Ack Ack also engage. As a result many bombs are jettisoned in widely different areas, including Mosta and Ta Qali, as well as Luqa and the Safi strip. The two Spitfires of 603 Squadron see two of the JU 88s and pursue them for eight miles, then return to cover duties.

1113 hrs All clear.

1135-1220 hrs Four Spitfires 603 Squadron carry out a search but find nothing. One returns early.

1352-1405 hrs Air raid alert. Three unidentified fighters cross the coast from the south west at 25000 feet.

1630 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron and eight of 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft. One Spitfire returns early.

1710 hrs Air raid alert. One section of Spitfires dives on five JU 88s and four ME 109s. The remaining Messerschmitts break off their formation to attack the other section of Spitfires, which counter-attack. P/O Jones (249) has a dog-fight with three pairs of ME 109s with no claims. Malta fighters damage one JU 88 and one ME 109.

1752-1819 hrs Five JU88s with fighter escort attack Luqa, landing a direct hit on the HQ building of D Coy, 2nd Royal West Kent Regt at Ta Kandia, killing one Other Rank and wounding two Officers, including the Company Commander, and four Other Ranks. At Qrendi one Other Rank of 3^rd Bn Kings Own Malta Regt is wounded by anti-personnel bomb splinters. One serviceable Beaufort is burned out, two other Beauforts and one Spitfire are damaged. Heavy Ack Ack engage: no claims.

2215-2245 hrs Air raid alert. Three aircraft approach singly but do not cross the coast; all bombs are dropped in the sea.

Military casualties Sergeant John Green, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; Private Rodney Kent, 2nd Battalion, the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment; Fusilier John Millar, 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers.

Civilian casualties Luqa Carmel Mallia, age 74. Rabat Carmela Borg, age 10. Zurrieq Josephine Bondin, 10 mths; Catherine Bugeja, age 13; Jane Bugeja, age 11; Rev Joseph Cuschieri, age 63; Carmel Ellul, age 70; Anthony Gauci, age 60; Joseph Saydon, age 48; Carmel Schembri, age 16; Joseph Spiteri, 3 mths; Saviour Zammit, age 54; Rev Joseph Zammit Psaila, age 68.

Enemy casualties Crew of JU 88 bomber shot down: Leutnant Sepp Hoermann, Pilot, Obergefreiter Josef Popp, Observer, and Unteroffizier Wolfram Quass, Air Gunner, died; Leutnant Heinz Heuser, Wireless Operator managed to bale out and land safely; he was taken prisoner.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 24 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Fleet Sweepers cleared new channel except for 100 yards along inshore edge. 13 mines cut. Beauforts escorted by Beaufighters attacked a convoy off Cape Gheroghambo and hit and set on fire one merchant vessel. Three Beauforts did not return.

AIR HQ Six Beauforts escorted by nine Beaufighters attacked a southbound convoy consisting of two destroyers and three other vessels, including a 7000 ton merchantman laden with deck cargo, in position 273 degrees Cape Geroghambo 10 miles. One direct hit on a merchant vessel resulted in much smoke and flame. One of the destroyers was machine-gunned. Photos taken later showed the merchant vessel to be in tow, stern foremost, down by the bows and blazing. The fire had reached the engine room. [Subsequently this same merchant vessel was photographed at Argostoli completely burned out.]

Arrivals One DC3 from Bilbeis; one Catalina, one Hudson from Gibraltar. Departures One Hudson to Gibraltar; one Catalina to Aboukir; one DC3 to Bilbeis. Transit aircraft missing One Wellington en route from Gibraltar to Malta.

TA QALI A signal was received today from Headquarters, Mediterranean indicating that a General Warning is in effect. Instructions by telephone state that no action should be taken.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Anti-personnel bombs again dropped near billets occupied No 1 Works Company.

25 July 1942: Malta Ready for ‘General Alarm’

MILITARY SITUATION REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING 25 JULY 42

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

1. Enemy air activity fighter sweeps first three days, thereafter regular two main raids daily each about 5 JU 88 and 17 (or 15) fighters. Anti-personnel and high explosive bombs on aerodromes. Night raiders average 5 nightly except Monday when Ack Ack destroyed three JU 88 out of 16.

Jamming of RDF etc continues. Counter measures being investigated.

Enemy aircraft casualties Ack Ack destroyed three JU 88 at night. RAF destroyed seven bombers, ten fighters; probably destroyed four fighters; damaged six bombers, six fighters.

Imtarfa Hospital

2. Some damage to military billets and Imtarfa hospital. Casualties 2 (or 6) Other Ranks killed 2 officers eleven Other Ranks wounded.

3. Increased security precautions being taken on Gozo.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

If there is no air raid in progress at 12 o’clock noon today, there will be a test of the new signal for the ‘General Alarm’. The sirens will be sounded as though for an air-raid five times with intervals of half a minute between each sounding. Half a minute after the last time the ‘All Clear’ will be sounded. At the same time the church bells will be rung. The public should not be alarmed; it will be nothing but a TEST. If there is an air-raid in progress at noon, the test will be held immediately the raid is over. (1)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 25 JULY TO DAWN 26 JULY 1942

Weather Wind southerly; clear.

0700-0758 hrs Air raid alert. Four ME109s crossed the Island, and are engaged by Heavy Ack Ack with pointer rounds. Fighters do not engage.

0800-0825 hrs Air raid alert. Raid does not materialise.

1125-1200 hrs Three Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to cover shipping near Zonqor.

1128-1155 hrs Air raid alert. Two Spitfires 249 Squadron are sent up to avoid an approaching bombing raid. Five JU88s drop high explosive bombs on Ta Qali in the area west of No 15 Cave; some are suspected to be delayed action bombs. Telephone communications are slightly disrupted. Heavy Ack Ack fire.

1200 hrs The General Warning Alarm is sounded throughout the Island as a test.

1325-1435 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron carry out a patrol: nil report.

1355-1520 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on intercept patrol.

1438-1510 hrs Air raid alert. The Spitfires of 603 Squadron see four JU 88s with an escort of fifteen fighters but are unable to intercept before the bombers carry out a raid on Hal Far. P/O Glazebrook destroys a Macchi 202; other fighters damage JU 88s. Heavy and Light Ack Ack engage.

1615-1630 hrs; 1632-1700 hrs Air raid alerts for a fighter sweep by three ME 109s. Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled: no interceptions.

1920-1945 hrs Air raid alert for another fighter sweep by three ME 109s.

2325-2335 hrs Air raid alert. Raid does not materialise.

0405-0425 hrs Air raid alert. Two enemy aircraft approach but do not cross the coast; bombs are dropped in the sea.

Military casualties Nil. Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 25 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY New Channel (QBB 273) cleared of mines; 2 cut.

AIR HQ Reconnaissance shows that the number of JU 88s at Comiso has risen to 37 from 11 last week.

Arrivals One Sunderland from Gibraltar; one DC3 from Bilbeis. Departures One Hudson, one Sunderland to Gibraltar; two Wellingtons to LG 224; one DC3 to Bilbeis.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 97. Dealt with: High Explosives 18, including 6 delayed-action ( 2 x 500kg; 11 x 250kg; 5 x 50kg); 400 anti-personnel bombs.

(1) Malta Diary of a War, Michael Galea, PEG Ltd 1992

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

Leave a comment

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

Tags: 249 Squadron, 603 Squadron, bomb disposal, Devonshire Regiment, Malta, Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Engineers, Royal Malta Artillery, Victory Kitchen, war diary, World War 2

5-11 July 1942: Daylight Raids Return – Malta Braced for Invasion

11 Jul

Malta – World War 2. First visit to maltagc70? CLICK HERE

For your weekly instalment – sign up to follow maltagc70 (see R)

5 July 1942: Enemy Adopt High Level Bombing Tactics to Avoid Guns

AXIS CONVOY DELAYED TWO WEEKS

Port of Benghazi

The enemy convoy which has been under constant observation and attack since 20 June finally arrived in Benghazi today. Efforts by Malta forces have forced delays in the delivery of supplies. As a result the convoy has taken sixteen days to reach its destination.

ENEMY AMASSING TANK LANDING CRAFT IN PALERMO

Allied reconnaissance have reported a unusual activity in Palermo this week. The enemy appears to be building significant numbers of F Boats – tank landing craft – being built near the port. Two or three of the vessels have appeared moored at the quays and have been observed loading armed fighting vehicles including tanks and gun carriages.

As many as 15 F Boats were seen afloat in Palermo harbour at a time. They left in groups of three or four, taking the western route to Libya via Pantelleria and Lampedusa. F Boats of a different type have also been seen under construction in Genoa and Naples and have made their way down the west coast of Italy to Messina. The concentration of such landing craft in southern Italy has revived suspicions of a planned invasion of Malta.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 5 JULY TO DAWN 6 JULY 1942

Weather Wind westerly; no cloud.

0705 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne to intercept approaching enemy aircraft: no results.

0717 hrs Three JU 88s escorted by 17 ME 109s drop high explosive and incendiary bombs from 8000 feet on the eastern dispersal area of Ta Qali. One Spitfire is damaged on the western dispersal area. Spitfires airborne.

1030-1115 hrs Six Spitfires 603 Squadron are airborne to provide fighter cover for minesweepers: nil reports.

1605-1705 hrs Twelve Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept an approaching enemy formation. They engage enemy fighters: F/O McLeod damages one ME 109.

1620 hrs Three JU 88s escorted by 15-20 fighters drop bombs from 7000 feet on the eastern dispersal area of Ta Qali, setting one aircraft on fire.

1740-1855 hrs Eleven Spitfires 603 Squadron are dispatched to provide cover for minesweepers and to intercept enemy aircraft: nil report.

1940 hrs Eleven Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft. They engage three ME 109s: P/O Sherwood damages one.

1950 hrs Three JU 88s escorted by 25 fighters drop small bombs from 10000 feet on the centre of Ta Qali aerodrome. Spitfires airborne.

0001-0010 hrs Air raid alert.

0337-0440 hrs Air raid alert. 15 aircraft, including JU 87s and Italian bombers drop high explosive bombs on Ta Qali and anti-personnel bombs across scattered areas including Hal Far. Beaufighters are airborne on patrol: no engagement.

0500 hrs Air raid alert. Italian bombers drop anti-personnel bombs on Ta Qali.

Military casualties Leading Aircraftsman John Ciarlo, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; Staff-Sergeant Walter Cousens, Royal Army Medical Corps; Lance-Corporal Harry Gardner, 1^s Battalion, Durham Light Infantry; Fusilier John Turnbull, 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers.

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 5 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Weather unsuitable for Fleet Sweepers. Motor Launches carried out sweep of approaches to Grand Harbour. Heavy interference on GL and RDF sets during the night.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Hudson from Gibraltar.

6 July 1942: RAF best day since 10 May

23 enemy bomber sorties
Heavy fighter escorts
Bombs on Salina, Ta Qali, Hal Far, Luqa, Safi and Gudja
Spitfires score 35 strikes
RAF launch rescues German air crew
B flight 249 Squadron July 42 (1)

A PILOT’S VIEW “…at 4.20pm we were sent up rather late, and had not got very high when the 88s came in and bombed Hal Far. We dived down on them, but just as we were drawing near them a number of 109s dived down on us. A terrific dog-fight ensued, in which the 109s for once stayed and fought. They were good those yellow-nosed 109s. We twisted and turned around each other, blazing away every now and then; but most of us could not get away to chase the 88s. Two of us, Pilot Officers Glen and Carlet, however, had eluded the 109s and chased the 88s right out to sea quite low down. They got one each…By the end of the day the Squadron had destroyed five 88s and two fighters, and damaged another seven enemy aircraft. We never had more than eight aircraft airborne, sometimes less, and suffered no casualties, although six of our aircraft had been shot up and damaged. It was the Squadron’s best day in Malta and the island’s best since 10 May, for sixteen enemy planes had been destroyed and nineteen damaged.” (2)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 6 JULY TO DAWN 7 JULY 1942

Weather Wind southerly; no cloud.

0815-0845 hrs Air raid alert. Twelve Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft. They damage on ME 109. Spitfires of 249 Squadron Ta Qali are also airborne: F/Lt Lee claims one Macchi 202 destroyed, Sgt Beurling two Macchi 202s destroyed and one Cant 1007 damaged.

0840 hrs Seven JU 88s dive-bomb Ta Qali aerodrome, dropping 275 small bombs and causing craters in the dispersal areas, killing one civilian. 30-40 unexploded bombs are reported.

0912 hrs Air raid alert for an approaching plot of enemy fighters and bombers. Seven Spitfires 603 Squadron are ordered up from Ta Qali to evade the bombing. Spitfires of 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept the enemy. P/O Yates lands at Ta Qali with a dead propeller; he is unhurt. Four Cant 1007s accompanied by twelve fighters drop bombs on the Safi area.

0937 hrs All clear.

1155 hrs Air raid alert. Eleven Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled for interception: nil report.

1300-1420 hrs Eleven Spitfires 249 Squadron are on patrol: nil report.

1555-1745 hrs Five Spitfires 249 Squadron provide fighter cover for the High Speed Launch.

1615-1656 hrs Air raid alert for five JU 88s with an escort of ME 109s which attack Hal Far and the Safi area. Ten Spitfires 603 Squadron are airborne and intercept three JU 88s. P/O Carlet destroys one JU 88; Sgt Irwin damages one ME 109. F/Lt Douglas is shot up and belly-lands, unhurt. P/O Slade is shot up but unhurt. P/O Glen suffers return fire but is unhurt.

1725-1825 hrs Six Spitfires 249 Squadron on patrol see two dinghies 25 miles north of Grand Harbour. Sgt Budd’s Spitfire is damaged while taxiing in.

1835-1925 hrs Air raid alert. Six Spitfires 603 Squadron scrambled to intercept see four Italian Cant 1007 bombers with an escort of twenty fighters. P/O Glen damages one Cant, Lt Swales another. S/Ldr Douglas Hamilton damages one Macchi 202; P/O Carlet destroys one and damages another.

2030-2055 hrs; 2115-2150 hrs Air raid alerts. Three JU 88s escorted by fifteen fighters drop bombs near Luqa. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron and ten of 249 Squadron intercept. Lt Swales and P/O Glen each destroy one JU 88; P/O Carlet and Sgt Irwin destroy one JU 88; P/O Glen and Sgt Beurling each destroy one ME 109.

2320 hrs Air raid alert. Twenty enemy raiders approach the Island. Bombs are dropped on scattered localities, including Luqa. Beaufighters are airborne: no engagement.

0055-0115 hrs Air raid alert for approaching enemy aircraft. One comes within ten miles north of Grand Harbour before turning back.

Military casualties Flight Sergeant Edwin Moye, Royal Canadian Air Force; Bombardier Albert Besant, 7 Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery, Royal Artillery.

Civilian casualties Nil.

Enemy casualties Killed Italian S D Antonoise, Wireless Operator, Cant-Z.1007 floatplane. His body was picked up from the sea by the RAF Launch; German Valentin Daus; Karl Kubitski; Walter Prueger; Oberfeldwebel Peter Wilbertz, crewman of JU 88 bomber shot down into the sea off Grand Harbour and died. Prisoners of war Crew of JU 88 bomber shot down into the sea off Grand Harbour and rescued by RAF Launch: Hans Albrecht, KGr 806; Feldwebel Sebastian Krumbachner; Gefreiter Heinz Stiller, KGr 806.

OPERATIONS REPORTS DAY MONDAY 6 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Eight mines swept.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Whitley from Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire crashed on landing: pilot uninjured. One Spitfire shot down into the sea: pilot drowned.

7 July 1942: Enemy Attacks Suggest Imminent Invasion – Island on Alert

Cant floatplane

German and Italian combined formations attack airfields
55 enemy fighters to 13 bombers
Spitfires shoot down 24 enemy aircraft
26 more unlikely to reach base
5 Spitfires lost; all pilots safe.

HOME GUARD READY FOR GROUND ATTACK

“I still remember clearly when as the officer in charge of the Home Guard platoon at the city of Vittoriosa I was called and given instructions to await a possible attack. We were mobilised, given ammunition and food so as to be self-contained, and during the evening I went round myself calling all my men from their homes, and after a pep talk by the area company commander saw my men to their various posts where they were to spend the night so as to be in position for any eventual attack at first dawn, when paratroops attacks generally take place. When I was asked to stand down my men, I was told that a force of troop carriers had indeed left Sicily, but flew past Malta, obviously to North Africa. By that day, which was only the tenth one of July the Spitfires had shot down 78 enemy aircraft.” (3)

SOLO MALTA BOMBER STRIKES MESSINA

A Malta bomber dispatched to attack enemy shipping found no sign of his target; instead he decided to attack Messina, where Axis F boats have been gathering in recent days. The bombs fell in the south west of the harbour and caused a large fire in the vicinity of the goods station.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 7 JULY TO DAWN 8 JULY 1942

Weather Slight southerly wind; no cloud.

0741-0817 hrs Air raid alert. Five JU 88s with a 20 strong fighter escort including ME 109s and Macchi 202s drop bombs on Luqa, destroying one Beaufort and damaging two. One airman is slightly injured. Eleven Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept. P/O Brennan and P/O Linton each destroy one ME 109; P/O McElroy destroys one Macchi 202; F/Sgt Parkinson damages one JU 88. F/Sgt Middlemiss is shot up over the sea. The tail of F/Sgt Parkes’ aircraft is shot off by anti-aircraft fire; he bales out and is slightly injured. F/Lt Daddo-Langlois is shot up by a Messerschmitt but is unhurt.

0830-0955 hrs; 0955-1130 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron at a time search for F/Sgt Middlemiss. They find his dinghy and see him picked up by the High Speed Launch. He is taken to hospital.

1147-1234 hrs Air raid alert. Three JU 88s with a fighter escort of eighteen ME 109s drop bombs near Luqa. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron intercept them over Luqa. P/O Hetherington damages one JU 88; he is hit by return fire and lands at Luqa. F/Sgt Rae makes a head-on attack on a ME 109: the enemy pilot bales out. F/Sgt De Nancrede hits a JU 88 from below, striking the belly and wing roots. He is hit by return fire: his controls are shot away and he bales out into the sea. He is rescued and taken to hospital with slight injuries.

1240-1515 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron search for a boat.

1705-1735 hrs Air raid alert. Five Cants in formation are hit by anti-aircraft fire over Ta Qali aerodrome. One Cant goes down: four parachutes come out but two fail to open.

2218 hrs-2315 hrs Air raid alert. Two enemy aircraft approach the Island but do not cross the coast; they drop bombs in the sea. Beaufighters are airborne: no engagement.

Military casualties Flight Sergeant Haydn Haggas, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (VR), 185 Squadron; Flight Sergeant Peter Terry, Royal Air Force VR; Lance Bombardier Francis Vella-Haber, 3 Light Ack Ack Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery.

Civilian casualties Mosta Rose Mary Grech, age 3. Siggiewi Joseph Vella, age 14. Valletta Francis Ciarlo, age 14; Anthony Vella, age 74.

Enemy casualties Tenente Francesco Antonelli, pilot of Cant-Z1007 floatplane, shot down and killed with crew Aviere Scelto Giuseppe Buratti crewman; Sottotenente Giovanni Casadio, second pilot; Sergente Calogero Dragotta, crewman; Primo Aviere Gaetano Pisarra, crewman; all of 60a Squadriglia, 33o Gruppo, 9o Stormo, Regia Aeronautica. Tenente Fabrizio Cherubini 353a Squadriglia, Regia Aeronautica; pilot of a Macchi 202 fighter, shot down.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 7 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Hebe and Rye [mine]sweeping – 9 mines cut. Unconfirmed plots of shipping during the night. Naval Air Squadrons attack on shipping in Messina unsuccessful owing to bad visibility. One Albacore failed to return and one Swordfish crashed on landing.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Hudson, two Beauforts from Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire shot down in flames: pilot baled out uninjured. Five Spitfires shot down in combat: two pilots uninjured, one wounded, two killed. One Spitfire damaged in combat, crashed on landing: pilot uninjured. One Spitfire shot down into the sea: pilot rescued.

8 July 1942: “RAF Action Inspires Us All” Says Governor

Lord Gort

The following signal to RAF Malta was received today from His Excellency the Governor: “Please accept my contratulations on the grand work carried out by the RAF during the past 48 hours in defence of Malta. It inspires us all.”

FISHING BOAT TO THE RESCUE

F/Lt Lester Sanders had a lucky escape today. He was one of eight Spitfire pilots scrambled early this morning to intercept seven JU 88 bombers heading for Malta. Sanders spotted a lone JU 88 bomber over Gozo, and gave chase, scoring several hits on its fuselage. But the bomber’s rear gunner scored a return hit on Sanders’ windshield and he was forced to turn away.

As he headed back for Ta Qali, he was attacked by two ME 109 fighters and was hit in the wings and engine over the airfield. Too low to bale out, Sanders turned his aircraft towards the sea in a desperate bid for a softer landing. He managed a successful landing and clambered out to stand on the aircraft, which began to sink. His crash had been witnessed by two fishermen, Frank and Anton Debono, who rescued Sanders and took him ashore. He was unhurt.

Three other Spitfire pilots were less fortunate and lost their lives today in combat with the enemy.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 8 JULY TO DAWN 9 JULY 1942

Weather Wind south-easterly; no cloud – slight haze.

0630 hrs Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron and eight of 249 Squadron, Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept seven JU 88s with fighter escort, approaching the Island.

0732 hrs Air raid alert. The Spitfires engage the enemy over Gozo: 603 Squadron P/O Glazebrook damages two JU 88s and P/O Newman damages one. F/Lt Sanders and F/O King probably destroy one ME 109, and P/O Mitchell and Sgt Ballantyne each damage one.

P/O King breaks off from the attack to chase a raider but he makes too steep a turn: his wing hits the water and his aircraft crashes, breaking up as it falls into the sea. F/Lt Sanders is attacked by a ME 109 and shot up. He lands his aircraft in the sea but is able to get out before it sinks. P/O Johnson is taken to hospital with slight injuries.

249 Squadron P/O Hesselyn and F/Sgt Beurling each destroy one ME 109; F/Sgt Williams damages another. Sgt Baxter crash-lands at Ta Qali due to shortage of petrol; he is unhurt.

The JU 88s with seven remaining ME 109s drop bombs on Luqa, damaging one Beaufort.

0800 hrs All clear. Three Spitfires 249 Squadron search for a dinghy until 0920 hrs.

1210 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept approaching enemy aircraft.

1230 hrs Air raid alert. The Spitfires attack seven JU 88s with fighter escort as they are diving to attack Luqa aerodrome. F/Sgt Williams destroys one JU 88; P/O Hesselyn damages another. F/Sgt Beurling probably destroys one ME 109 and damages a JU 88. P/O McLean damages one ME 109. F/O Smith and Sgt Gilbert do not return.

1320 hrs All clear.

1430-1442 hrs Air raid alert. Raid does not materialise.

1940-2017 hrs Air raid alert. Seven JU 88s with an escort of fifteen ME 109s drop bombs on Luqa and Hal Far. Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are airborne to intercept: no reports. They land at Ta Qali, where Sgt Dodd overshoots the runway.

2155 hrs A bus on its way to Ta Qali aerodrome from Rabat turns over on its side on a steep hill, due to mechanical trouble.

0451-0536 hrs Six enemy aircraft cross the coast singly and drop bombs near Luqa and Ta Qali.

Military casualties Pilot Officer John Gilbert, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (VR); Flying Officer Neville King Royal Air Force VR, 603 Squadron; Flying Officer John Smith, Royal Air Force VR.

Civilian casualties Paola Frances Mifsud Speranza, age 17. Siggiewi Rita Cachia, age 13.

Enemy casualties Queisser, crewman of JU 88 bomber, picked up from the sea.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 8 JULY 1942

AIR HQ Arrivals One Whitley, one Beaufort from Gibraltar; two Beaufighters from EDCU. Aircraft casualties One Albacore failed to return from operations: crew missing. Two Spitfires crashed on landing: one pilot uninjured, one injured. Four Spitfires shot down into the sea: one pilot rescued, three missing.

9 July 1942: Malta Has Survived 2700 Air Raid Alerts Since June 1940

LOSS OF A VOLUNTEER

Malta’s Spitfire forces lost a remarkable volunteer today when Flying Officer Guy Carlet was killed during an operation to intercept enemy raiders over Malta. Guy was one of eight Spitfire pilots of 603 Squadron attacking a formation of German JU 88 bombers at around 1 o’clock this afternoon. Messerschmitt fighters launched a counter attack, dividing the Spitfire force and F/O Carlet was shot down.

Guy Levy-Despas Monument, Amherst College (4)

The son of the wealthy owner of a French chain of department stores Guy – real name Guy Andre Levy-Despas – was sent to the United States by his parents when war broke out. He was studying at Amherst College, Massachusetts, USA, when France fell in 1940. Guy immediately volunteered for the Royal Canadian Air Force, saying “A life without the idea of sacrifice is not worth living.” He has been awarded the Legion d’Honneur and Croix de Guerre (France). (see pic)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 9 JULY TO DAWN 10 JULY 1942

Weather Wind southerly; no cloud. Visibility poor with layers of haze up to 20000 feet.

0700-0710 hrs; 0755-0835 hrs Air raid alerts. Raids do not materialise.

0850 hrs Air raid alert. Sixteen Spitfires are scrambled from Ta Qali to intercept.

0910 hrs Six JU 88s dive-bomb Ta Qali aerodrome, dropping 142 small bombs which crater the dispersal areas and approaches to the caves. One bowser is destroyed and one airman admitted to hospital. The aerodrome remains serviceable. Two unexploded bombs are reported.

Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali dive to attack the bombers. F/Sgt Webster damages one. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are instructed to attack the high cover of ME 109s but do not gain enough height to make contact.

0920 hrs All clear.

1220 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept seven approaching JU 88s with a close escort of twenty German and Italian fighters. F/Sgt Rae probably destroys one Macchi 202 and with P/O McElroy destroys one JU 88. P/O Paradis damages one JU 88 before being hit by fire from an enemy fighter; he is unhurt.

1252 hrs Air raid alert. Six JU 88s drop bombs on the Safi strip, destroying one Wellington and a Beaufort, and damaging two Beauforts. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron attack the bombers but are split by ME 109 fighters. P/O Northcott probably destroys one ME 109. P/O Carlett does not return.

1324 hrs All clear.

1720-1805 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to attack a reported enemy plot but are radioed to hold off: no sightings or combats result.

1950 hrs Air raid alert for approaching enemy aircraft. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept and break up the close formation of ME 109 fighters escorting seven JU 88s. P/O Jones damages one ME 109. The bombers go on to bomb Ta Qali. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron attack the bombers as they return from their bombing mission: P/O Mitchell destroys one JU 88; P/O McLeod probably destroys one and F/Sgt Parkinson destroys one ME 109.

2040 hrs All clear.

2055-2110 hrs Air raid alert: 12 enemy aircraft are believed to be carrying out a search to the north east of the Island.

2320-0055 hrs; 0215-0230 hrs; 0330-0400 hrs; 0500-0515 hrs Air raid alerts for a total of eleven enemy aircraft. Most bombs are dropped in the sea; some fall on the Ta Qali area.

Military casualties Flying Officer Guy Carlet, Legion d’Honneur, Croix de Guerre (France), Royal Canadian Air Force, 603 Squadron; Pilot Officer John Hicks, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; Private Charles Azzopardi, 10th Battalion, The King’s Own Malta Regiment.

Civilian casualties Nil.

Enemy casualties Unteroffizier Herbert Schlitt, pilot of JU 88 bomber, shot down and killed, with crew Unteroffizier Josef-Erwin Forster, Observer, Gefreiter Andreas Pollack, Wireless Operator; Unteroffizier Franz Schmidl; Air Gunner.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 9 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Motor Launches clearing south-west leg of channel of shallow draught mines.

AIR HQ Arrivals Two Hudsons from Gibraltar. Four Halifax from Gibraltar to Kasfareet landed at Malta. Aircraft casualties Two Spitfires shot down into the sea: one pilot rescued, one missing. One Spitfire failed to return from interception patrol: pilot missing.

10 July 1942: Axis Date for Invasion of Malta

St Paul’s Bay

According to military intelligence, 10 July is the date scheduled by Axis high command for ‘Operation Herkules’, the invasion of Malta and Gozo with airborne forces from Sicily. The Island’s photo-reconnaissance squadron has been monitoring closely the build-up of tanks, motor transport and landing craft in the southern ports over the past two weeks. Military and civil defence chiefs in Malta are prepared. Reports of surface craft off St Paul’s Bay today are as yet unconfirmed.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 10 JULY TO DAWN 11 JULY 1942

Weather Wind southerly; no cloud.

0705 hrs Air raid alert.

0730 hrs 13 JU 88s with an escort of 25 fighters attack Ta Qali, dropping bombs on the aerodrome. Fire breaks out in a Hurricane aircraft. Heavy and Light Ack Ack and fighters engage.

0745 hrs All clear.

1050 hrs Four Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept an approaching enemy formation of bombers with fighter escort. The formation flies past the Island to the south east.

1135 hrs Turning back over the coast, six JU 88s drop bombs on Hal Far, the Safi strip and Luqa, destroying a previously damaged Beaufort. Heavy Ack Ack engage. As the formation turns away from the airfield the Spitfires attack the twenty fighters. F/O Mitchell and F/Sgt Beurling each destroy one Macchi 202. F/Sgt Williams destroys one ME 109 and F/Sgt Butler damages one. Six Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are also airborne: no reports.

1240 hrs All clear.

1725 hrs Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron and six of 603 Squadron are scrambled to intercept reported enemy raiders.

1754 hrs Air raid alert. Twelve enemy aircraft come to within 30 miles of the Island and then recede.

1810 hrs All clear.

Military casualties Sergeant William Aitken, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR); Sergeant John Harvey, RAF VR; Flight Sergeant Bernard Reynolds, Royal Canadian Air Force; Lance-Corporal Gerald Mamo, No 2 Works Company, Royal Engineers, Malta Territorial Force.

Civilian casualties Birkirkara Rosario Borg, age 21; Laurence Galea, age 39; Doris Galea, age 30; Francis Galea, age 3 months; Stella Mamo, age 32; Mary Mamo, age 4; Victoria Pisani, age 45; Carmel Pisani, age 10; Mary Pisani, age 8; Paul Pisani, age 3. Paola Frances Mifsud Speranza, age 17. Siggiewi Rita Cachia, age 13.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 10 JULY 1942

ROYAL NAVY Motor launches clearance sweep. Low visibility scirroco. Swona detonated one mine off entrance to Grand Harbour. Heavy interference on RDF and GL sets 10th/11th – note on Type 271 or GCI Vague reports of surface craft in St Paul’s Bay area. Nothing confirmed.

AIR HQ Arrivals One Hudson, one Catalina from Gibraltar; one Sunderland from Aboukir. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire failed to return from patrol: pilot missing.

11 July 1942: 68 Enemy Planes Destroyed

From: Governor & C in C Malta To: C in C Middle East Rptd: The War Office Weekly Report to 11 July 1942

1. Increased enemy air activity against aerodromes in attempt to neutralise striking force. Total of 108 JU 88 and 12 Italian bomber sorties with fighter escorts during daylight. 18 per cent of JU 88 destroyed and these have now adopted high level bombing tactics. Total of 60 raiders by night. Little damage except craters to aerodromes. Occasional jamming of RDF continues. Good week for our fighters.

JU 88 crashed at Ta Qali (NWMA Malta)

2. Ack Ack destroyed 2 JU 88, one Cant, one ME 109; damaged one JU 88. RAF destroyed 20 bombers, 45 fighters; probably destroyed 4 bombers, 11 fighters; damaged 23 bombers, 30 fighters.

3. Military casualties nine killed, six wounded. 10 tons UXBs disposed of plus 500 or more anti-personnel bombs.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 11 JULY TO DAWN 12 JULY 1942

Weather Wind south-westerly; no cloud – slight haze.

Day Bombs are dropped on Ta Qali and Rabat, Luqa and Hal Far. Heavy Ack Ack and fighters engage.

0700-0710 hrs Air raid alert. Raid does not materialise.

0900 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to attack an incoming formation of fighters escorting six JU 88s. S/Ldr Lucas damages one JU 88 and F/Lt Daddo-Langlois destroys one ME 109.

0925 hrs Air raid alert.

1000 hrs Bombs are dropped on Ta Qali aerodrome, setting a petrol bowser on fire.

1340-1405 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept and search for surface craft. No engagement.

1440-1513 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 603 Squadron are scrambled: no engagement.

1810 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft.

1900 hrs Air raid alert.

1910 hrs Twelve JU 88s drop bombs, including several delayed-action, on Ta Qali near the caves and on the aerodrome, damaging water pipes. A/C Catchpole is injured while working on the danger flag. The Spitfires dive down to attack the JU 88s as they turn away from the airfield but are intercepted by fifteen ME 109s. P/O Jones destroys one ME 109 and damages another. F/Sgt Parkes and P/O Paradis each damage one ME 109. F/Sgt De Lara overshoots on landing, damaging his aircraft. W/O Ramsay does not return.

1925 hrs All clear.

2030-2110 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron search for W/O Ramsay but sight nothing.

2335-2350 hrs; 0045-0055 hrs Air raid alerts. Five aircraft approach the Island but only one comes within 30 miles of the coast and drops its bombs in sea before receding.

Military casualties Sergeant George Corbett, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (VR); Pilot Officer Charles Ramsay, Royal Canadian Air Force; Flight Sergeant Anthony Wathern, Royal Air Force; Sergeant Stephen Woolley, RAF VR; Gunner John Murphy, 26th Defence Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Civilian casualties Balzan Giorgina Borg, age 52. Birkirkara John Galea, age 18. Rabat Carmel Bugeja, age 47; Pauline Deguera, age 9; Rita Sammut, age 18; Joseph Scerri, age 70. Zebbug Carmel Bonnici, age 12.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 11 JULY 1942

AIR HQ Aircraft casualties One Spitfire shot down into the sea: pilot missing. One Spitfire crashed on landing: pilot injured. One Baltimore failed to return from reconnaissance: crew missing.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 130. Dealt with High Explosives 33, including 11 delayed-action (500kg x 13; 250kg x 13; 50kg x 3; 15kg x 1; AP containers x 2) Anti-personnel bombs 502 plus large number of dud German 1kg incendiaries.

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

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

(3) The Battle of Malta, Joseph Attard, Hamlyn Paperbacks 1982

(4) In his memory Guy’s parents funded a scholarship in French for Amherst College in 1943 and a memorial on campus

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

Leave a comment

Posted by maltagc70 on July 11, 2022 in 1942, July 1942

Tags: 249 Squadron, 603 Squadron, Amherst College, bomb disposal, Carlet, Debono, Levy-DesPas, Malta, Operation Herkules, RAF, Royal Engineers, war diary, World War 2

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

04 Jul

Malta – World War 2. First visit to maltagc70? CLICK HERE Map of Malta

For a weekly update direct to your computer – sign up to follow maltagc70 (see R)

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.

1 Comment

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

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

27 Jun

Malta – World War 2. First visit to maltagc70? CLICK HERE

For weekly updates direct to your computer – sign up to follow maltagc70 (see R)

21 June 1942: Rations Too Low for Physical Labour

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

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

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

Could you survive on these weekly rations? CLICK HERE

TOBRUK FALLS

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

MALTA FORCES ON THE ATTACK

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

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

AIR RAIDS DAWN 21 JUNE TO DAWN 22 JUNE 1942

Weather Wind southerly; no cloud.

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

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

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

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

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

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

1910 hrs Air raid alert.

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

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

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

2040 hrs Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

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

0445 hrs Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

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

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS 21 JUNE 1942

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

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

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

22 June 1942: Raids Increase – Crops at Risk

Flares illuminate bomb targets (NWMA, Malta)

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

AIR RAIDS DAWN 22 JUNE TO DAWN 23 JUNE 1942

Weather Wind southerly.

0530 hrs Air raid alert.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 22 JUNE 1942

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

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

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

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

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

23 June 1942: Malta Pilots Halt Enemy Convoy

Beaufort 39 Squadron Luqa waits for take-off

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

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

AIR RAIDS DAWN 23 JUNE TO DAWN 24 JUNE 1942

Weather Wind southerly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2100 hrs Air raid alert: raid does not materialise.

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

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

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

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

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

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 23 JUNE 1942

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

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

HAL FAR Naval Air Service is stood down.

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

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

24 June 1942: Solo Attacker Targets Enemy Convoy

Wellington bomber

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

AIR RAIDS DAWN 24 JUNE TO DAWN 25 JUNE 1942

Weather Wind southerly; no cloud.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 1942

ROYAL NAVY Three mines swept away.

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

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

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

25 June 1942: Gunners Help Spitfires in Attack

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

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

AIR RAIDS DAWN 25 JUNE TO DAWN 26 JUNE 1942

Weather Wind south-westerly; no cloud.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Civilian casualties Nil.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 25 JUNE 1942

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

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

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

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

26 June 1942: Italians Attempt Daylight Raid

Cant Z 1007 bombers

AIR RAIDS DAWN 26 JUNE TO DAWN 27 JUNE 1942

Weather Wind westerly; no cloud.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 26 JUNE 1942

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

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

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

27 June 1942: Rations Cut Below Healthy Levels

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

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

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

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

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

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

AIR RAIDS DAWN 27 JUNE TO DAWN 28 JUNE 1942

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Military casualties Nil.

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

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 27 JUNE 1942

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a comment

Posted by maltagc70 on June 27, 2022 in 1942, June 1942

Tags: 126 Squadron, 185 Squadron, 217 Squadron, 238 Squadron, 249 Squadron, 603 Squadron, 69 Squadron, bomb disposal, Malta, RAF, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, war diary, World War Two

28 May 1942: Eyes of the World on Malta

28 May

MALTA WORLD WAR 2 DIARY MALTAGC70.COM GOES WEEKLY FROM JUNE

Don’t miss your weekly instalment: register to follow maltagc70 (see R)

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

Leave a comment

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

Malta – World War 2. First visit to maltagc70? CLICK HERE

Get daily updates direct to your computer – sign up to follow maltagc70 (see R)

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

Leave a comment

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

Malta – World War 2. First visit to maltagc70? CLICK HERE

Get daily updates direct to your computer – sign up to follow maltagc70 (see R)

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.

Leave a comment

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

30 April 1942: Axis Plan Immediate Invasion of Malta

30 Apr

Malta – World War 2. First visit to maltagc70? CLICK HERE

Get daily updates direct to your computer – sign up to follow maltagc70 (see R)

HITLER AND MUSSOLINI APPROVE ‘OPERATION HERKULES’

Hitler, Mussolini and Kesselring discuss invasion of Malta

The fate of Malta was in the balance today at a summit conference between Hitler and Mussolini with their military Chiefs of Staff in Berchtesgaden, Germany. Two days of talks sealed plans for Operation Herkules, an invasion of the Island using paratroops, followed by a seaborne landing of infantry forces.

Believing Malta has now been neutralised as a base for offensive operations against the Axis, ‘Il Duce’ and Air Field Marshall Kesselring proposed the time is right to take the Island. However, Field Marshall Rommel argued that this new freedom for Axis supply convoys to operate through the Mediterranean provides an opportunity to secure Egypt and the Suez Canal.

With Hitler hesitating, anxious to avoid heavy paratroop losses on a par with Crete in 1942, Rommel won the day. Plans for the invasion of Malta have been approved but placed on hold, pending the outcome of offensives in North Africa. Film of Berchtesgaden Summit: Click Here

APRIL 1942: A MONTH OF MASS BOMBING

At the beginning of this month the enemy continued his mass bombing attacks on the Island. The average number of bombers over the Island each day was approx 200 of which anything from 30 to 70 would be JU 87 and the remainder JU 88s. Large daily totals of bombers of the Island are: 14^th April 244; 20^th April 297; 25^th April 259. Bomber formations always came over with strong fighter escorts.

Targets during the beginning of the month remained similar to last month: in particular the Dockyard area, submarine base and aerodromes and dispersal areas received most of the bombs. About the middle of the month the Heavy Ack Ack [HAA] gun positions were singled out for attention and as hits were scored on several of these positions it became necessary to split them up wherever possible. The enemy also selected as targets large buildings such as stores, workshops, etc and has on occasions made deliberate attacks on Valletta, great damage being done to that City.

It is interesting to compare the success of the various arms in the defence of Malta during this peak month of enemy bombing. The Ack Ack defence was shared between the HAA, mainly 4.5” and 3.7” guns, the Light Ack Ack Bofors guns, and the Ack Ack light machine guns (Bren and Lewis guns) which were manned by the Infantry.

NWMA Malta

Up to 20^th April the RAF had never been able to put more than about 10 fighters in the air at one time. This was usually a mixed force of Spitfires and Hurricanes and was hopelessly outnumbered by the enemy fighters. On 20^th of this month [came] the arrival of 47 more Spitfires. Despite this large addition only a fraction of this number appeared to take to the air at any one time. The reason for this was that there was insufficient protection on the ground when they arrived and the enemy bombers were able to knock out a large number in this way. This deficiency in aircraft pens the Infantry have since been working hard to remedy. The RAF experienced serious difficulties in maintenance due to the bombing of their workshops.

Although this increase in our fighter strength undoubtedly caused an increase in the number of enemy planes shot down, the results were very disappointing. On the other hand the Ack Ack defence was increasingly successful despite the fact that ammunition was rationed. The Ack Ack light machine guns [LMG] of the Infantry were permitted to fire at low flying aircraft [shooting down enemy planes and contributing] to the destruction of many more.

On 25^th of the month the enemy switched his attack to military camps, barrack buildings, hospitals and HAA gun positions in the north of the Island. There was a great increase in military casualties as a result of these attacks…On 27^th of the month Italian bombers made their appearance over the Island and the number of German bombers was reduced considerably. Since then the scale of the attack was only about one third of its previous intensity. War Diary, Southern Infantry Brigade, Malta, April 1942

AIR RAIDS DAWN 30 APRIL TO DAWN 1 MAY 1942

Weather Wind southerly: no cloud. Warm haze.

0855-0925 hrs Six enemy fighters patrol north of the Island.

1110 hrs Four Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled from Luqa to intercept an approaching formation of 30 enemy bombers plus fighter escort. Four Spitfires 603 Squadron are also airborne from Ta Qali.

1115 hrs One Spitfire from the interception force has engine trouble and lands at Luqa.

1120 hrs 18 JU 87 Stukas dive-bomb Luqa aerodrome. Bombs explode on the short runway and in dispersal areas. Two lorries are burned out and a Beaufort night-fighter damaged. Luqa personnel with Ack Ack light machine guns engage enemy aircraft: no claims.

Three Spitfires 126 Squadron attack twelve JU 88s. F/Lt Barton damages one JU 88 and P/O Bailey another.

1120 hrs Ten JU 88s and three ME 109 fighter bombers raid Hal Far. F/Sgt Gibbs is killed and other Fleet Air Arm personnel are injured; one civilian is seriously injured. Bombs are dropped on the barrack block at Hal Far and near defence posts. The main road is blocked but is immediately cleared by 2nd Bn Devonshire Regt. The Regt also fire 2800 rounds at enemy aircraft: no claims.

Four Spitfires 603 Squadron attack twelve JU 88s which have just bombed Hal Far. F/Sgt Hurst probably destroys one JU 88 and F/Lt Buckston damages another. Many ME 109s attack in a circuit over the aerodrome and one is hit by Spitfire guns.

Four JU 88s and one ME 109 are engaged by eight guns of 225 Light Ack Ack Battery. Two guns claim hits on two separate JU 88s.

1130 hrs Three JU 87s are engaged by HQ 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt: no hits claimed.

1132 hrs four ME 109s machine-gun Delimara Fort and Ack Ack battery.

1135 hrs Bombs explode near San Pietru.

1200-1210 hrs Small arms fire from Ta Qali personnel brings down one ME 109 which is trying to intercept Spitfires landing on the airfield’s runway.

1215 hrs Raiders passed.

1322 hrs; 1346 hrs Air raid alerts. ME 109s are observed in the vicinity of the Island but no raids materialise.

1615-1700 hrs Four Spitfires 601 Squadron are scrambled from Luqa to intercept enemy aircraft: no engagement.

1728 hrs Four Italian Cant Z 1007 bombers cross the north coast and drop 50kg bombs to the south of Mellieha. They fly on towards Ta Qali and drop further 50kg bombs on Mosta and to the north of the airfield.

1740 hrs A formation of twelve JU 88s plus five ME 109 fighter bombers and fighter escort approaches the Island.

1745 hrs Twelve JU 88s and five ME 109s dive-bomb Luqa aerodrome, destroying 69 Squadron wireless section office. One Spitfire, already written off, is completely destroyed. Bombs are dropped on the Kirkop area and Loreto Church, as well as Tal Handaq and Siggiewi.

One ME 109 machine-guns Hal Far and is engaged by B Company 2nd Bn Devonshire Regt. and is later seen to crash in the sea. The pilot bails out: credit for the plane is given to 2nd Bn Devonshire Regt and 1st Bn Hampshire Regt.

1753 hrs Two ME 109s are engaged by four guns of 225 Light Ack Ack Battery. One gun claims a hit on one ME 109 which is observed receding smoking.

1800 hrs Raiders passed.

1855-1922 hrs A German DO24 flying boat lands on the water on almost the same spot as the crashed ME 109 and takes off again.

2147-2200 hrs One enemy raider comes in from the north and drops high explosive bombs on the Luqa and Safi area, and incendiaries nearby which are extinguished by the army. Eight bombs are dropped from Ta Liebru to Loreto Church.

Night Five more alerts for thirteen enemy aircraft which drop bombs on Luqa, Hal Far, Ghar Lapsi, Siggiew, Zurrieq, Kirkop and Safi strip.

Military casualties Flight Sergeant Harold Gibbs, Royal Air Force.

Civilian casualties Mellieha Joseph Debono, age 40. Mosta Concetta Mifsud, age 80. Senglea Mary Zarb, age 10.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 30 APRIL 1942

ROYAL NAVY Una returned from patrol off Pantelleria. Nothing to report.

AIR HQ Arrivals Four Wellingtons, three Hudson, one Beaufort from Gibraltar. Departures Seven Wellingtons to 108 MU; one Hudson to Gibraltar; one Hudson to Gambut; one Wellington to Fayid.

LUQA 0945-1100 hrs One Spitfire on photo-reconnaissance of Catania, Pachino and Gala aerodromes.

SOUTHERN INFANTRY BRIGADE 0515 hrs Exercise “Stand to” issued by Southern Infantry Brigade. 0600 hrs Exercise “Action stations” issued. 0815 hrs Exercise ends and Signal Exercise begins.

ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS Strengths 32 Officers, 190 Other Ranks.

1^st BN THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT D Company still employed at Ospizio Depot. Remainder of the Battalion carrying out administration and interior economy and salvaging their own kit where necessary. 1610 hrs At last we have got the lights mended after fumbling in the gloom for two days in the orderly room: we can now see what we are doing.

1^ST BN THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY Work on the aerodromes continues at night. Strengths: 33 Officers; 646 Other Ranks.

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

KINGS OWN MALTA REGIMENT Guns of A Company, 2nd Bn shot down one Messerschmitt.

8^TH BN THE KINGS OWN ROYAL REGIMENT Working party of 450 Other Ranks and 15 Officers still employed on Hal Far. Strengths: A Company Ta Karceppu 5 Officers, 120 Other Ranks (OR); B Coy Ta Salvatur 5 Officers 122 OR; C Coy Ta Hasluk 5 Officers 133 OR; D Coy Villa Azzopardi, Zebbug 5 Officers 125 OR; HQ Coy Ta Salvatur 14 Officers 272 OR. Chaplain & Medical Officer also attached.

11^TH BN THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS 2000 hrs Luqa working parties continued. Definite lull in mass air attacks.

225^TH LIGHT ACK ACK BATTERY, ROYAL ARTILLERY 1230 hrs F Troop return from rest camp and occupy their gun positions which had been manned in their absence by E Troop, 196 Battery Royal Artillery.

Leave a comment

Posted by maltagc70 on April 30, 2022 in 1942, April 1942

Tags: 126 Squadron, 603 Squadron, Malta, Operation Herkules, war diary, World War Two

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

22 Apr

Malta – World War 2. First visit to maltagc70? CLICK HERE

Get daily updates direct to your computer – sign up to follow maltagc70 (see R)

‘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

Leave a comment

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

Tag Archives: 603 Squadron

26 July 1942: 188 Air Raid Alerts in July

27 July 1942: Thousands Homeless – Governor Warns PM

28 July 1942: Malta Fighters Double Hat-Trick

29 July 1942: RAF Heroes Skyjack Drama

30 July 1942: War Artist for Malta

31 July 1942: Park’s Tactics Keep Bombers Away

1 August 1942: Pilot’s 16 Hour Paddle to Safety

19 July 1942: Parthian Supplies Unloaded in Darkness

20 July 1942: Victory Kitchens

21 July 1942: 28 Spitfires Arrive as Bombers Stay Clear

22 July 1942: ‘Fighting Tenth’ Return to Malta

23 July 1942: Dog Fights Over Malta

24 July 1942: Malta Fighters Pre-emptive Strikes

25 July 1942: Malta Ready for ‘General Alarm’

5 July 1942: Enemy Adopt High Level Bombing Tactics to Avoid Guns

6 July 1942: RAF best day since 10 May

7 July 1942: Enemy Attacks Suggest Imminent Invasion – Island on Alert

8 July 1942: “RAF Action Inspires Us All” Says Governor

9 July 1942: Malta Has Survived 2700 Air Raid Alerts Since June 1940

10 July 1942: Axis Date for Invasion of Malta

11 July 1942: 68 Enemy Planes Destroyed

28 June 1942: Soldiers Train as Dockers

29 June 1942: Malta Fighters Chase Enemy Back to Sicily

30 June 1942: Clamp Down on Black Marketeers

1 July 1942: Malta Bombers Delay Rommel’s Convoy

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

3 July 1942: On the Trail of a Convoy

4 July 1942: Morale Remains High Says Governor

21 June 1942: Rations Too Low for Physical Labour

22 June 1942: Raids Increase – Crops at Risk

23 June 1942: Malta Pilots Halt Enemy Convoy

24 June 1942: Solo Attacker Targets Enemy Convoy

25 June 1942: Gunners Help Spitfires in Attack

26 June 1942: Italians Attempt Daylight Raid

27 June 1942: Rations Cut Below Healthy Levels

Like what you see?

Recent Posts

Malta at War

Diaries

Archives