15 February 1941: Malta on Alert for More Parachute Mines

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Lookouts to be posted along the waterfront

A CHAIN OF LOOKOUTS WILL KEEP WATCH FOR ENEMY MINES

New measures are announced today following the dropping of parachute mines offshore in the Grand Harbour area last night. In clear moonlight, German aircraft laid the first mines in the entrances to Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, causing the harbours to be temporarily closed.  Three mines exploded on land causing casualties and much damage to houses.

A series of lookouts manned by military personnel is being set up to report the location of any mines dropped into the sea during air raids. The Grand Harbour area will be divided as follows:  Ricasoli sector (two lookouts), Valletta shore (two), Tigne (two), Sliema Point, coastline west of Sliema, Dragonara Point, coastline west of Dragonara (one each).

Reports giving the bearing and approximate distance of mines dropped into the sea will be rendered immediately at the conclusion of a raid. Lookouts will not attempt to make reports during a raid as this would interrupt their watch, nor will they report bombs or mines bursting on land as this will only distract their attention from the main task.

GUARDS ON ENEMY AIRCRAFT

Following concerns about safety and security, military personnel are to mount a guard on crashed enemy aircraft. Orders have been issued that when an enemy aircraft crashes in the sector of a battalion or in the sea surrounding that sector, the company command in whose area the crash occurs will at once report the location and details to battalion HQ.  The battalion will also provide a guard to prevent anyone approaching within 25 yards of the machine, pending instructions from their HQ.

These measures are seen as essential, both as a safety precaution in case of unexploded bombs and to prevent looting by souvenir hunters. The guard will be maintained until it is ordered to be relieved by headquarters.  Battalions are also reminded that unauthorised service personnel are forbidden to touch or interfere with any crashed enemy aircraft, or any small component thereof.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 15 FEBRUARY TO DAWN 16 FEBRUARY 1941

Weather   Fine and clear.

0926-1030 hrs  Air raid alert for 20-25 ME 109 fighters approaching the Island, apparently on reconnaissance. Observers report that most are painted black and white but some are painted all white and some have yellow markings.  Eight Malta fighters are scrambled and damage three raiders; Ack Ack fire damages one.  One Hurricane is damaged and rendered temporarily unserviceable; the pilot is unhurt.

1331-1414 hrs  Air raid alert for ten enemy aircraft which approach and circle the Island at 34000 feet. Hurricanes are scrambled; no interceptions.

0015-0140 hrs  Air raid alert for a single enemy aircraft approaching the Island. Bombs are dropped on Sliema and on Marsa, injuring one civilian; one bomb fails to explode.

Military casualties  Private John Lancelot Wellman, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment.

Enemy casualties  Leutnant Wilhelm Gretz, 7/LG 1, pilot of Junkers JU 88 bomber shot down.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 1941

ROYAL NAVY  Swordfish 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm sank one merchant vessel heading for Libya.  

AIR HQ  Night bombing operations by Wellingtons of 148 Squadron and Swordfish of 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm.

1^st Bn DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT  Private J L Wellman died at General Hospital Imtarfa from a fractured skull as a result of enemy bombing on 13 Febuary 1941.

FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS  Bomb Disposal UXB reported 2.

2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT  C Company took over Corradino from 1^st Bn Dorsetshire Regiment. 

 

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27 October 1940: Extra Malta Fighters Drive Off Italian Raiders

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EXTRA NUMBERS IN THE AIR GAIN THE UPPER HAND

A greater fighter force in the air over Malta is succeeding in driving off Italian raiders. For the second time in a week, eight fighters were scrambled to meet the enemy. At the first warning of an approaching attack this morning the six Hurricanes and two Gladiators took to the air. As four of the eight Italian Macchi 200 fighters turned over the coast near Ghar Dalam to head for the airfields, they were intercepted by four Hurricanes and engaged in a fierce dog fight, severely damaging an enemy aircraft. No bombs were dropped or damage done on the Island during the raid. Last Sunday the same number of Malta fighters intercepted an approaching formations with the result that the raiders turned back for Sicily without making any attack.

Rev Reginald Nicholls, Chancellor of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Valletta, wrote in his diary:

“the Italian air attacks, which started off in great style, and for the first month were most distinctly unpleasant, have almost died away. About every five days we have a warning, and we go to our shelter in the Crypt, or wherever we may happen to be. We hear planes, but no guns; and after half an hour or so the ‘All Clear’ is sounded, and we hear that enemy planes approached but were driven off. Last Sunday the siren sounded just as Mattins ended, and we were not released for over an hour. But I was told afterwards that it was an exercise! However, I am not certain.

Today (Sunday), we had a warning at 10 o’clock, which lasted 25 minutes; and we had a happy service after. We were told that an enemy plane had been brought down, but shall not know for certain till tomorrow. I often wonder when they will strike at Malta; and whether it will be made by Germans; or whether they may try a tip-and-run bombardment from the sea.” (1)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 27 OCTOBER TO DAWN 28 OCTOBER 1940

Weather  Fine.

0958-1025 hrs Air raid alert for eight Italian Macchi 200 aircraft which fly from the north to the south of the Island at 18-20000 feet before crossing the coast. Six Hurricanes and two Gladiators are scrambled. The Hurricanes engage four of the raiders over Ghar Dalam. One enemy aircraft is believed brought down but not confirmed. One Hurricane’s tail is damaged but it lands safely. The raiders turn away with no bombs dropped.

1100 hrs A enemy formation of three enemy aircraft approaches from the north to within 30 miles of the Island then turns away, possibly searching for one of the aircraft force-landed during the previous raid.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER 1940

AIR HQ Arrivals 1 Sunderland, 2 Blenheims. Departures 2 Sunderland. Reconnaissance of Ionian Sea for enemy surface forays by Blenheim attached 431 Flight, Swordfish 830 Squadron FAA and Glenn Martin 431 Flight; nil reports by all aircraft. French Latecoere seaplane reconnaissance Malta to 20 miles north of Lampedusa to 40 miles west of Tripoli to 40 miles west of Lampedusa to Malta; nil report.

KALAFRANA Operations by Sunderland aircraft of 228 and 230 squadrons. Sunderland 230 Squadron reconnaissance Alexandria to Doro Channel to Kea to Kithera to Malta; reported a convoy of three merchant vessels, two destroyers and one cruiser identified as British. One Sunderland left for Middle East and one arrived from Middle East. One Sunderland RAAF left for UK with 3 passengers and mail. French Latecoere on 5 hours patrol.

8^th Bn MANCHESTER REGIMENT Mail and parcels arrived.

(1) Extract from diary of Reverend Reginald M. Nicholls, Chancellor of St.Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Valletta. Courtesy of website: Malta Family History

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25 October 1940: Cemetery Under Bomber Path Closed to Public

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Addolorata Cemetery

ADDOLORATA CEMETERY OUT OF BOUNDS

Addolorata Cemetery has been closed to the public as a safety measure. Only priests and persons who are part of a funeral cortege will be permitted access for the foreseeable future.

The cemetery lies on a direct line between Grand Harbour and Luqa, placing it under the bombing path for enemy air raids. As the area has been repeatedly attacked from the air it is considered unsafe for the general public. The measure comes as a blow to the morale of the Maltese who regularly visit and tend the graves of their dead – practice which has increased since the onset of war.  

AIR RAIDS DAWN 25 OCTOBER TO DAWN 26 OCTOBER 1940

Weather  Cold, wet and very windy.

No air raids.

0900-1730 hrs Submarine sanctuary conditions are in force.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 1940

ROYAL NAVY French submarine Narval left for her second patrol between Kerkenah and Lampedusa. Skua FAA reconnaissance Malta to Tripoli but returned due to bad weather.

AIR HQ Reconnaissance of Ionian Sea for enemy surface forays by Blenheim attached 431 Flight, Swordfish 830 Squadron FAA and Sunderland 230 Squadron; nil reports by all aircraft.

KALAFRANA Operations resumed at Kalafrana by Sunderland aircraft of 228 and 230 squadrons.

8^th Bn MANCHESTER REGIMENT ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS Bomb Disposal Bomb disposal course completed.

2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT Strength 28 officers; 891 other ranks.

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24 October 1940: Anti-Italian Feeling Grows in Malta

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Kingsway or Strada Reale

ITALIAN PILOT ATTACKED IN VALLETTA

Anti-Italian feeling is growing among some groups of Maltese civilians. Increasing numbers of letters are being sent to newspapers seeking the eradication of Italian language and cultural symbols from Maltese life. One correspondent commented: “Whenever we hear the siren, there are only Italian planes, directed by Italian pilots, dropping Italian bombs…are we going to leave the Italian language on our walls? Are we to continue to write our address in Italian?…Is the Italian language to be continued to flow in our Secondary Schools? Street names are already being changed from Italian to English in response to demand. However, while the Government has sounded a note of caution, some views published in the press have enflamed anti-Italian feelings.

A minority of individuals have taken the matter into their own hands, accusing others of being Italian sympathisers. And only days ago an angry crowd gathered around an Italian pilot prisoner of war who had been taken to Valletta for some shopping. According to one report: “There was a great commotion in Strada Reale and it was only through the great tact of the Police that something very distasteful did not happen…It took the Police a long time to dissuade the crowd not to tear him to pieces.” (1)

AIR RAIDS DAWN 24 OCTOBER TO DAWN 25 OCTOBER 1940

Weather  Fine.

1131-1230 hrs Air raid alert for a formation of enemy aircraft approaching from the north. The come within ten to fifteen miles east of Valletta and circle. Six Hurricanes and two Gladiators are scrambled and the raiders turn away.

Military casualties  Gunner Emmanuel Callus, Royal Malta Artillery.

OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER

ROYAL NAVY Clearance sweep continued by Oropesa; four mines swept up in position 141 degrees Delimara 12.3 miles. Reconnaissance Swordfish and Skua Fleet Air Arm (FAA). Skua reported on landing seeing French 10000 ton liner coming out of the straits of Messina.

AIR HQ  Aircraft casualties One Swordfish. Reconnaissance of Ionian Sea for enemy surface forays by Blenheim attached 431 Flight, Swordfish 830 Squadron FAA and Sunderland 228 Squadron; Glenn Martin 431 Flight; nil reports by all aircraft.

KALAFRANA Operations by Sunderland aircraft of 228 and 230 Squadrons. Sunderland 230 Squadron reconnaissance are Malta-Tripoli-Jerba Island; reported on landing seeing one Italian destroyer and one merchant vessel in convoy. Operational base for Sunderlands transferred to St Paul’s Bay owing to sea conditions at Kalafrana.

8^th Bn MANCHESTER REGIMENT Ack Ack firing practice: the target was towed by aircraft. 10 hits were registered.

ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS Petrol bombs tried out and proved successful. Tar used instead of oil, giving more sustained burning. Work began to prepare 500 to issue to Infantry Battalions.

(1) When Malta Stood Alone, Joseph Micallef, Interprint Ltd Malta, 1981  

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23 October 1940: Swordfish Forced to Land Off Malta

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Swordfish

CREW RESCUED BY TRAWLER

The crew of a Swordfish aircraft had to be rescued by a trawler today after their aircraft was forced to land in the sea within sight of Malta today. The Swordfish, of 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm, was returning from reconnaissance of the Ionian Sea, searching for enemy surface forces. A recovery vessel was sent to the area to retrieve the stricken aircraft. After a thorough search it was concluded that the Swordfish had sunk.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 23 OCTOBER TO DAWN 24 OCTOBER 1940

Weather  Fine and fresh.

No air raids.

OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 23 OCTOBER 1940

ROYAL NAVY Clearance sweep continued by Oropesa; no result. 1150-1535 hrs Skua Fleet Air Arm reconnaissance Malta to 25 miles north of Tripoli; nil report.

AIR HQ Reconnaissance of Ionian Sea for enemy surface forces by Blenheim attached 431 Flight and Swordfish 830 Squadron; nil reports by all aircraft. Reconnaissance Glenn Martin 431 Flight reported one small merchant vessel, possibly hospital ship at 1240 hrs.

KALAFRANA Operations by Sunderland aircraft of 228 and 230 squadrons. High speed launch returned from Dockyard after repair of damage sustained in air raid on 21 July.

8^th Bn MANCHESTER REGIMENT C and D Coys sent a working party to the Castille for the removal of Ack Ack ammunition.

ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS Work of unloading ammunition completed. Of 45000 cartridges QF40mm 8000 are found to be marked for issue in emergency only. Bomb Disposal One week bomb disposal course started by Inspecting Ordnance Officer with assistance of Lt W M Eastman. The course was attended by two officers and six senior NCOs of the Royal Engineers.

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21 October 1940: Enemy Losses Over Malta Total 45

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Italian SM 79

AIRCRAFT LOSSES FIFTEEN TO ONE IN FAVOUR OF MALTA

The Information Office has released details of the number of enemy losses over Malta since the declaration of war by Italy. A total of 25 enemy aircraft have been destroyed. Another 20 have been severely damaged and therefore probably unable to reach their bases. Malta losses to date have been three fighters and two pilots. The figures follow recent propaganda announcements by Rome radio in which exaggerated and false claims have been made regarding aircraft shot down in Malta and damage on the ground.

TWO HELD ON SUSPICION OF IRA ACTIVITY IN MALTA

Two servicemen of 2^nd Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers are facing discharge from the service. The two fusiliers are suspected to have engaged in IRA activities while serving in Malta. Governor and C in C has applied to the War Office for authority to apply the sanction which he sees as essential to the security of the fortress. One of the men is at present serving two years imprisonment for involuntary homicide; the other is currently interned in Malta pending discharge and repatriation.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 21 OCTOBER TO DAWN 22 OCTOBER 1940

Weather   Cloudy with poor visibility and thunderstorms; scirocco in the morning and fresher after an afternoon shower.

0841-0912 hrs Air raid alert for eight enemy aircraft which cross the coast over Delimara at 20000 feet heading for Hal Far. Three Hurricanes are scrambled and engage, along with Ack Ack guns: the raiders are driven off, turning south east then north. No bombs are dropped.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 21 OCTOBER 1940

AIR HQ Arrivals 1 Sunderland. Reconnaissance of Ionian Sea for enemy surface forays by Blenheim attached 431 Flight, Swordfish 830 Squadron and Sunderland 228 Squadron; nil reports by all aircraft. Reconnaissance Glenn Martin 431 Flight; nil report.

KALAFRANA Operations by Sunderland aircraft of 228 and 230 squadrons. Sunderland 230 Squadron reconnaissance area Malta-Tripoli-Jerba Island; nil report. One Sunderland 10 Squadron RAAF arrived from Middle East en route for UK.

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20 October 1940: Malta Needs Meat

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GOVERNOR ORDERS ESSENTIAL FOOD SUPPLIES

Malta needs nearly a thousand tons of meat by January according to the latest food order sent by the Governor and C in C to the War Office in London. The order was sent under new arrangements to ensure the Island is stocked with essential supplies while it remains under siege. Three months’ notice are needed so that shipment can be organised and complete the long sea route via the Cape.

As well as 545 tons of meat for the military, the order includes food requirements for the Malta Government under the central purchasing and distribution system established last month to deal with food shortages among the civilian population. The Government has ordered 300 tons of beef, 50 of mutton and 50 of pork, as well as 80 tons of New Zealand butter and 125 tons of New Zealand cheese.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 20 OCTOBER TO DAWN 21 OCTOBER 1940

Weather  Fine; some cloud.

1125-1215 hrs Air raid alert for two enemy formations reported approaching the Island from the north. Six Hurricanes and two Gladiators are scrambled; air raid does not materialise.

OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER 1940

AIR HQ  Reconnaissance Ionian Sea by Blenheim attached 431 Flight and Swordfish 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm (FAA): nil report. Glenn Martin 431 Flight reported at 1411 hrs one cruiser and one destroyer at sea. 0741-0917 hrs Swordfish 830 Sqn FAA despatched to locate a submarine off the north west coast of the Island; did not locate enemy.

KALAFRANA Plan to reconnoitre Ionian Sea for enemy surface craft. Easterly sector not patrolled as Sunderland unable to take off due to heavy swell.

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18 October 1940: Malta Must Be Able to Defend Itself

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HMS Regent arrived for repair today after a collision in the Ionian Sea.

FORCES OUTSIDE MALTA CANNOT PROTECT THE ISLAND

Governor and C in C Lt Gen Dobbie has today rejected suggestions from London that Malta could be protected from outside, instead of implementing his full demands for reinforcements. Military high command has proposed that in the event of an Axis attack a relief force could be sent to the Island within four days (rather than seven as previously estimated), reducing the strength of forces needed in Malta. They have also suggested that the presence of light naval forces at Malta could deter such an attack.

Lt Gen Dobbie’s response to the Chief of Imperial General Staff was swift: “…light naval forces stationed at Malta will not even affect the likelihood of attack, since the Italians are well able to detach sufficient forces to deal with them without unduly weakening their main fleet. But in any case the presence of the light naval forces will not affect the strength of the sea-borne attack if the enemy decided to make it. Consequently the strength of the garrison needed at Malta cannot be reduced on these grounds.

If the [time taken to relieve the Island] were reduced to four days, this would also have no effect on the size of garrison required. It is not so much a question of holding on in certain positions, as of rapid and ruthless counter-attacks to dislodge the enemy whenever and wherever he gains a footing.  The forces which I advised were needed for seven days cannot safely be reduced for a slightly shorter period.

Further, the projected increase of air defences, ie 12 additional Hurricanes and 24 heavy and 16 light guns, though very welcome, is not in itself enough to ensure that the enemy shall not secure air superiority should he really determine to gain it. It will, however, render his task more difficult and force him to employ larger air forces for this purpose. This is likely to constitute some deterrent but cannot be counted on to be completely effective.

In fact the amount of protection from low flying attack against our ground troops which our air forces will be able to afford, if full dress attack is launched, cannot be great. Therefore I cannot advise in answer to the Secretary of State’s query that, in the circumstances he outlines, a smaller defence force is needed.

I recognise that the enemy’s difficulties are very great, especially in ensuring that the British Fleet is kept out of the way for a sufficient time. Our forces here are strong enough to ensure that his effort must be a big one. But if he succeeds in making an opportunity and seizes it with both hands and goes all out, any smaller garrison than I have suggested would be unwise, in view of the very big issues at stake. The above is the unanimous view of the defence committee here as well as my own.”

AIR RAIDS DAWN 18 OCTOBER TO DAWN 19 OCTOBER 1940

Weather  Thundery showers with fine intervals.

No air raids.

OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 1940

ROYAL NAVY  Regent arrived for repairs having been in collision with a caique in the Ionian sea. She suffered extensive damage to her forward hydroplanes.

AIR HQ  Northern patrol by Glenn Martin cancelled due to bad weather. Southern and western areas patrolled by one Blenheim 431(GR) flight and two Swordfish 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm; nil reports.

KALAFRANA  Easterly patrol by Sunderland aircraft not possible due to heavy swell preventing take-off.

8^th Bn MANCHESTER REGIMENT  Brigade exercise No 2.

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15 October 1940: Escape to Malta – French Aircrew Defect

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PILOT HAD NEVER FLOWN AIRCRAFT BEFORE

Loire 130 (1)

A French Loire aircraft with a crew of three arrived at Kalfrana today from Bizerta seeking to serve with the Royal Air Force. The Catapult seaplane left base at 0430 hrs this morning along with a second Loire 130. The two aircraft had been destined to join the French battleship Richelieu at Dakar. The second plane has so far failed to arrive at Malta. Swordfish were sent out morning and afternoon to search but no trace of it has been found.

The French air crew have been named as 2^nd Maitre Serjeant George Blaize, pilot, 2^nd Maitre Serjeant Raoul Gatien, mechanic and 2^nd Maitre Serjeant Henri Romanetti, naval airman. Under interrogation the crew stated that they do not belong to the same squadron. They had meant to come to Malta on 18^th September in two Glenn Martins with a crew of five in each but engine trouble prevented them from starting.

Both the Loire 130 they came in and the missing aircraft belong to the battleship Richelieu. The planes were among a flight made ready this morning to fly to Morocco to join the ship. However, having long ago agreed to come over to the Axis, the crew took this opportunity to take over the aircraft and make their escape.

French battleship Richelieu

Romanetti was ground crew on duty guarding the aircraft but instead of sounding the alarm at their actions, he went aboard with the flight crew. They believe their departure was undetected by ground crew as the flying boats were due to set off this morning anyway. However the crews who had been due to fly these aircraft may have thought differently.

This is the first time Maitre Serjeant Blaize has flown a Loire 130. Despite this they had a very good flight, although his landing was described as ‘a bit shaky’. However, Gatien is the normal mechanic for this machine. They ran into thick cloud near Pantelleria and lost sight of the other Loire 130; they suspect it missed Malta and may have landed in the sea. The other pilot had also not flown a Loire before – though he did have a proper wireless operator with him.

Under interrogation the crew gave information on the other aircraft currently at Bizerta, Karouba and Sidi Hammet. They expressed the opinion that Algiers and Tunis are both awaiting a lead from Morocco before they move to join De Gaulle.

The three appeared very fit and cheerful and were quite willing to set out straight away to look for their missing comrades. All three want to join the RAF at once and fight using their Loire 130 aircraft, which is a reconnaissance type with a safe endurance of about five hours, or possibly six. It is in perfect condition, having done only 35 hours since new; and it is fully armed. Maitre Serjeant Romanetti was carrying with him one of the pamphlets dropped on Bizerta by the Latecoere serving at Malta. Maitre Serjeant Blaize has asked for news of his brother Pierre, who flew a Morane 406 to Gibraltar on July 1^st , also with the aim of joining the RAF.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 15 OCTOBER TO DAWN 16 OCTOBER 1940

Weather  Fine.

0640 hrs  An aircraft is reported approaching Malta from the west. Three Hurricanes are scrambled and shadow the plane until it lands down at Kalafrana. The aircraft is identified as a French Loire 130.

Enemy casualties  Sergente Maggiore Giuseppe Granzoto, 257^a Squadriglia, 108^o Gruppo, 36^o Stormo: his body was washed ashore and buried in Pembroke Military Cemetery.

OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 15 OCTOBER 1940

ROYAL NAVY 0715 hrs Swordfish 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm (FAA) reported a large flying boat circling round a hospital ship. On his return he saw a clear track 20-30 miles east of Malta and dropped one bomb where the track ended, seven miles east of the Island; no results seen. A second Swordfish 830 Squadron FAA sighted the hospital ship and a packing case and drum.   A Sunderland 230 Squadron en route to Alexandria reported having led an Italian hospital ship to some floats.

0822-1020 hrs; 1109-1250 hrs; 1421-1620 hrs Three Swordfish 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm searching for missing Loire 130 aircraft; no trace.

AIR HQ Arrivals 1 French Loire. Departures 1 Sunderland.

KALAFRANA Operations by Sunderland aircraft of 228 and 230 squadrons. 1000 hrs One Sunderland 228 Squadron already out on reconnaissance was requested to locate and shadow submarine Regent which was possibly proceeding on the surface and unable to dive; submarine not located. One French Loire arrived from Bizerta for service with RAF.

2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT Company commanders are to impress on their men the great value the Germans attach to the undermining of morale. This is carried out by ‘frightfulness’ which, more often than not, means concentrated noise caused by such ingenious devices as whistling bombs, etc.

(1) http://www.aviastar.org/air/france/loire_130.php

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14 October 1940: Malta Defends Its Beaches

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INFANTRY TO ATTACK VESSELS ON SIGHT

Orders were issued today to infantry battalions for the operation of beach defence posts. All beach guns are now under the tactical command of commanding officers of infantry sectors in which they are positioned. According to the operating instructions, the maximum range for beach guns to open fire is 5000 yards by day and 1800 yards by night.

Infantrymen manning beach guns are instructed that, in daylight, they should open fire if ordered by their infantry command; or on their own initiative on any vessel considered hostile or on any submarine not notified as friendly or any MTB not showing the appropriate signal unless already notified as friendly. By night and in low visibility they should illuminate any vessel within 1800 years by Lyon Light and follow the procedure as above. In all cases of firing on own initiative, commanding officers will be informed immediately of such actions and reasons for them.

AIR RAIDS DAWN 14 OCTOBER TO DAWN 15 OCTOBER 1940

Weather  Fine.

No air raids.

OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 14 OCTOBER 1940

ROYAL NAVY  Swordfish 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm reconnaissance of Ionian Sea bounded by Malta to Cape Clonne to Corfu. Large oil patch reported at 69 miles off Cape Passaro.   Greek merchant ship Tassia also sighted.  

AIR HQ Departures 3 Sunderlands. Glenn Martin 431 Flight reported thee destroyers ten miles east of Syracuse, then one small destroyer and two minesweepers and later two merchang vessels. 0735 hrs Glenn Martin reports a hospital ship.

KALAFRANA Operations by Sunderland aircraft of 228 and 230 squadrons. Two Sunderlands left for Middle East, one repaired after damage sustained by enemy action on 27 July.

8^th Bn MANCHESTER REGIMENT 19 Platoon E Company has re-organised as the tank-hunting platoon.

ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS Work began unloading ammunition from the convoy.

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