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11 October 1942: 31 Civilians Killed – 17 in Tarxien
Malta was rocked today by heavy bombing raids for the first time three months, as the enemy sent 58 bombers with massed fighter escorts over the Island. The attacks mark a return to blitz conditions not seen since the end of April 1942. This time Malta’s Spitfires were airborne in force to counter-attack, destroying eight of the enemy bombers and seven of their fighters.
Heavy Ack Ack also engaged the raiders but with ammunition restrictions at 15 rounds per gun per day due to lack of stocks the Gunners were unable to provide a deterrent to raiders equal to previous months. The Army has increased the number of men assisting on the aerodromes to 350 daily, to service aircraft and clear damaged runways to keep Malta’s defenders in the air.
The communique from Allied HQ Cairo states: “There was an increase in air activity over Malta yesterday heavily-escorted bombers carried out five attacks during the day. Our fighters engaged them on every occasion. They destroyed at least 15 enemy aircraft, and a great many more were damaged. We lost one fighter. The Malta air craft is the only Allied plane missing from all these operations.”
AIR RAIDS DAWN 11 OCTOBER TO DAWN 12 OCTOBER 1942
Weather Fine to fair; cloudy about mid-day.
0715 hrs Air raid alert. Spitfires of 1435 and 126 Squadrons Luqa are scrambled and intercept nine JU 88s with a large fighter escort approaching Malta from the north. As enemy fighters try to fend them off 126 Squadron attacks and P/O Stevenson destroys one Macchi 202 and F/O Smith destroys one JU 88. F/S Varey probably destroys one ME 109 and damages one; Sgt Yeatman damages one ME 109, Sgt Marshall one JU 88 and Sgt Tiddy one Macchi 202. 1435 Squadron P/O Walton damages one JU 88 and Sgt Hamilton one ME 109. One Spitfire 1435 Squadron is damaged: pilot unhurt.
Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are also scrambled to intercept. As they go in to attack enemy bombers they are jumped by escorting fighters: no results.
0719 hrs Six JU 88s escorted by 30 fighters approached from the south east of Malta to attack Hal Far by shallow dive. They drop bombs on Benghaisa PT and Hal Far, damaging GHQ, a coal dump and motor transport.
0725 hrs C Company 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report a bomber crashed in the sea near to defence post RA 3.
0755 hrs All clear.
0800-0955 Four Spitfires 229 Squadron are dispatched to act as escort for the High Speed Launch: no enemy aircraft approach.
0945 hrs Six JU 88 bombers escorted by 65 fighters are reported approaching the Island. Six Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. They locate six bombers with twenty fighters and are instructed to attack top cover from up sun. F/Lt Roscoe destroys one ME 109; Sgt Miller damages one.
0950 hrs Spitfires are scrambled from Hal Far to intercept and engage enemy aircraft: no claims.
1009 hrs Four Spitfires 1435 Squadron and two 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. 1435 Squadron S/L Lovell and P/O Walton each damage one ME 109.
1009-1105 hrs Air raid alert. The six JU 88 bombers with their remaining fighter escort cross the coast between 18000 and 3000 feet and drop bombs on Lija, Balzan and Birkirkara on the way to Ta Qali. The JU 88s attempt to drop 20-30 high explosive bombs on the airfield’s runway but overshoot the target, then split up as they recede. Heavy Ack Ack engage.
1230 hrs Eight JU 88s escorted by 50 fighters approach the Island. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept the raiders and launch a head-on attack on the eight JU 88s escorted by 25 fighters. W/Cdr Donaldson destroys one JU 88 and damages one ME 109; F/Sgt Ballantyne destroys one ME 109; P/O Nash damages one Macchi 202.
Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron are scrambled from Hal Far. They locate one JU 88 with fighter escort and engage: P/O Park damages one RE 2001.
1325 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 1435 Squadron and four 126 Squadron are scrambled: one Spitfire 126 Squadron is damaged and crash-lands: the pilot is unhurt. 1435 Squadron F/Lt McLeod and F/Sgt MacLennan each damage two ME 109s; Sgt Williams and Sgt Jarrett each damage one; P/O Park damages one Re 2001. Two Spitfires 1435 Squadron are damaged in combat: Sgt Jarrett is slightly hurt.
1400 hrs The eight JU 88s with fighter escort drop bombs on Ta Qali aerodrome and dispersal areas, and on Rabat, causing damage to property and civilian casualties. Three Spitfires are slightly damaged and one written off.
1420 hrs Raiders passed.
A formation of 16 enemy raiders is seen to the north of the Islands but are too far away for identification. As they approach, they are discovered to be single-engined aircraft with retractable undercarriage and are at first thought to be a new type of JU 87.
1625 hrs 40 German and Italian fighters approach the Island. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept and attack enemy fighters north of St Paul’s Bay. F/Lt Glazebrook and F/Sgt Ballantyne each destroy one Macchi 202. Spitfires are scrambled from Hal Far: W/Cdr Thompson, Sgt Gore and P/O Reid each destroy one ME 109. Spitfires of 126 Squadron Luqa are also scrambled: W/Cdr Hanks damages one ME 109 and S/Ldr Wicks one Macchi 202; F/Lt Reels probably destroys one Re 2001 and damages one; F/O Wallace damages one Macchi 202. One Spitfire is damaged; the pilot is unhurt. One Spitfire and pilot Sgt MacLean are reported missing.
1630 hrs Air raid alert. Bombs are dropped on Mellieha Ridge. Heavy Ack Ack fire pointer rounds.
1700 hrs 4th Bn The Buffs Beat the Retreat in Rabat Square in the presence of His Excellency the Governor.
1720 hrs Raiders passed.
1735 hrs Thirty unescorted JU 88s approach the Island. Five Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept and engage 15 JU 88s. P/O Nash and F/Sgt Ballantyne each destroy one JU 88; W/Cdr Donaldson and F/Lt Parkinson each probably destroy one.
1745 hrs Air raid alert. Four Spitfires 1435 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept: F/Lt McLeod and Sgt MacLennan each destroy two JU 88s and Sgt Kebble one; Sgt Ree damages two JU 88s. Two Spitfires 1435 Squadron are damaged: the pilots are unhurt.
1800 hrs The remaining JU 88s drop bombs on Hal Far, Luqa, Tarxien and Qormi, destroying houses and causing civilian casualties. One Beaufighter is burned out the ground on Luqa aerodrome. C Company 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report two planes down in the sea north of defence post RA 3.
In Tarxien, personnel of HQ Company, 2nd Bn Devonshire Regt help to put out fires. Bombs are dropped in Mqabba and Gudja camp areas. One Other Rank of 1st Bn Hampshire Regt is injured by an incendiary bomb. Searchlights effect ten illuminations, in one case illuminating three planes simultaneously. 225 Light Ack Ack Battery engage one JU 88 at 4000 feet.
1810-1820 hrs 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report anti-personnel bombs between D Company HQ and Ta Ingrau, near Della Grazia and 150 yards south of Fort Ta Silch. A Company send 40 men to extinguish a fire at Ta Belebel area. CQMS Rampling, A Company, is injured in the left thigh by a bomb in Tarxien.
1850 hrs Raiders passed. The Spitfires landing at Ta Qali have great difficulty due to a cratered runway.
2100-2130 hrs Air raid alert. Three enemy bombers approach but only one crosses the coast. Heavy Ack Ack engage. Bombs are dropped in Birkirkara. Beaufighters 89 Squadron Luqa are airborne: no engagements. C Company 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report a delayed action bomb exploding near Ta Ingrau.
0039-0100 hrs One HE 111 flies over Malta and drops flares and delayed action bombs on Luqa runway. Heavy Ack Ack fire. As the enemy raider heads turns to head for Sicily, a Beaufighter of 89 Squadron intercepts. F/O Shipard and F/Sgt Oxley attack with bursts of cannon and machine gun fire and destroy the HE 111.
0245-0330 hrs Six enemy bombers approach the Island. One crosses the coast and drops anti-personnel bombs on the Luqa, Safi and Ghaxaq areas. Two Beaufighters 89 Squadron are airborne to intercept but do not locate the raiders.
0400 hrs Two delayed action bombs are discovered by 1st Bn Hampshire Regt west of Kirkop.
Porte des Bombes
0438-0621 hrs Nine enemy bombers approach the Island, several crossing the coast. Bombs are dropped in the sea north of Spinola, on Porte des Bombes, St Patrick’s and St Andrew’s, and north of St Paul’s Bay. The Beaufighter 89 Squadron of F/O Shipard and F/Sgt Oxley shoots down one HE 111 in flames.
Military casualties Flight Sergeant David MacLean, Royal New Zealand Air Force, 126 Squadron; Gunner Lawrence Borg, 11th HAA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery, killed by enemy aircraft at Rabat.
Civilian casualties Mtarfa Paul Azzopardi, age 17. Paola Joseph Hockey, age 30; Rose Hockey, age 25; Doris Hockey, age 4. Qormi Joseph Cardona, age 76. Rabat Anthony Caruana, age 10; Angiolina Falzon, age 14; Joseph Fsadni, age 28; Maddalena Galea, age 28; Antonia Grixti, age 46; Peter Vella, age 64; Mary Zahra, age 44. Tarxien Concetta Attard, age 47; Joseph Baldacchino, age 36; Anthony Barbara, age 55; Antonia Camilleri, age 76; Maggie Cook, age 56; Joseph Debono, age 25; Lonza Debono, age 25; Joseph Degabriele, age 9; Calcedonio Farrugia, age 15; Emily Gleaves, age 28; Joseph Manicolo, age 44; Laurence Piscopo, age 24; Charles Porter, age 71; Edward Redman, age 64; Charles Salsero, age 3; Vincent Scerri, age 60; Mary Tabone, age 12. Zebbug Spiro Borg, age 25. Zejtun Carmel Grech, age 30.
Enemy casualties (known) Unteroffizier Gunther Grams, Wireless Operator of a JU 88 bomber shot down into the sea. He was rescued ten miles north of Grand Harbour and taken prisoner.
OPERATIONS REPORTS SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 1942
ROYAL NAVY Speedy escorted P 42 to sea for patrol.
AIR HQ Arrivals Two Beaufighters from Edcu; three Hudsons from Gibraltar. Departures One Liberator to LG 224. Aircraft casualties Three Spitfires damaged in combat crashed on aerodrome: pilots uninjured. One Spitfire damaged in combat suffered engine failure on landing: pilot uninjured. Two Spitfires shot down into the sea by enemy fighters: one pilot missing.
TA QALI 249 Squadron are stood down.
1st Bn DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY Bugles played at Zebbug where the George Cross was on show.
12 October 1942: 700 Raiders Over Malta in 60 Hours
In the 60 hours to 6 o’clock this evening Axis air forces have made 700 sorties against Malta. However, the enemy onslaught has been at a heavy cost. In the same period the Island’s Spitfires have destroyed 20 bombers and 22 fighters, probably destroyed 21 enemy aircraft and damaged another 59. Wing Commander Donaldson is encouraged by the new RAF tactic of ‘forward interception’ – attacking raiders well before they reach Malta:
W/Cdr A H Donaldson
“It was the most spectacular sight I have ever seen. The whole sky was filled with enemy aircraft in severe trouble! I saw three flaming Junkers 88s and another three flaming ME 109s, and counted no less than ten parachutes descending slowly, three of them from a Junkers 88 I had shot down. Two of my victims, a Junkers 88 and a ME 109 both burst into flames.” (1)
AIR RAIDS DAWN 12 OCTOBER TO DAWN 13 OCTOBER 1942
Weather Mostly fair to cloudy. Slight shower with lightning in the evening.
0540 hrs Fifteen enemy bombers are reported approaching the Island in two waves, with an escort of 25 fighters each. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept, followed by eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far at 0550 hrs and three of 229 Squadron Ta Qali at 0555 hrs.
The Spitfires of 229 Squadron attack the first wave of seven JU 88s, forcing one to jettison its bombs in the sea. F/Lt Glazebrook probably destroys one JU 88 and F/Sgt Ballantyne damages another. The eight Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled and intercept five JU 88s and fighter escort. Capt Kuhlmann probably destroys one ME 109; Sgt Vinall damages one JU 88. Heavy Ack Ack engage.
0620 hrs Air raid alert. The first wave of raiders drops bombs on Ta Qali and Luqa, where aircraft are damaged on the ground. Four Spitfires 1435 Squadron and six 126 Squadron Luqa are then scrambled to join the attack. 126 Squadron F/Lt Rolls and F/Sgt Lang each destroy one JU 88; Sgt Park destroys two. One Spitfire 126 Squadron and pilot S/Ldr Wicks are reported missing. 1435 Squadron Sgt Williams, P/O Stewart and P/O Latimer each damage one JU 88; P/O Owen damages one ME 109. Two Spitfires 1435 Squadron are damaged: the pilots are unhurt.
0630 hrs The second wave of bombers targets Hal Far, where one Spitfire is burned out and one Spitfire and two Hurricanes slightly damaged. The eight Spitfires 249 Squadron engage seven JU 88s and their fighter escort, chasing them home. Sgt/ Stead and S/Ldr Stephens destroy two ME 109s; S/Ldr Woods destroys one and probably destroys a JU 88 over the south Sicilian coast. One Spitfire crashes into the sea: pilot escapes unhurt and awaits rescue.
0705-0850 hrs Four Spitfires from Hal Far carry out a search but find nothing. Two Spitfires 249 Squadron patrol locate the pilot in the sea and patrol above until he is picked up.
0738 hrs All clear.
0814-0900 hrs Three Hurricanes RNAS carry out a search for missing pilots.
0840 hrs 18 bombers approach the Island in two waves, accompanied by 25 fighters. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled and intercept, causing five bombers to jettison their bombs in the sea and turn back. W/Cdr Donaldson and P/O Reynolds destroys one JU 88; P/O Nash damages two and F/Lt Glazebrook damages one. P/O Parkinson damages one BR 20 and F/Sgt Ballantyne probably destroys one Macchi 202.
0845 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled and engage twelve enemy bombers with fighter escort. F/O McElroy destroys one ME 109; F/Sgt Hiskens and F/Sgt De Lara probably destroy one JU 88. Other Spitfires close in on six enemy fighters: F/L McEiroy turns towards the ME 109s and destroys one F/Sgt Hiskens probably destroys; F/O McElroy, P/O Sanderson and Sgt Stead damage one each before the Messerschmitts break off the fight.
0907 hrs Air raid alert. Six Spitfires 126 Squadron and eight 1435 Squadron are scrambled and engage. Sgt Park and F/O Wallace 126 Squadron each destroy one JU 88; F/Lt Rolls destroys one Macchi 202 and probably destroys another; F/Sgt Bush and P/O Bazalgette each damage one JU 88. 1435 Squadron Sgt Mclennan destroys one ME 109. One Spitfire crashes but the pilot is unhurt. Heavy Ack Ack also engage.
0910 hrs Bombs are dropped on Luqa, damaging aircraft on the ground, and at Ta Qali. Bombs and incendiaries also fall at Bir-id-Dehen, Zeitun and Safi. Anti-personnel bombs are dropped in the Latnia-Ta Ingrau area. Four JU 88s drop high explosive bombs near Bir Miftuh Church.
Bir Miftuh Chapel
0950 hrs Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled and intercept five JU 88s with fighter escort as they turn away from bombing Ta Qali. W/Cdr Thompson and P/O Reid each damage one ME 109. Sgt Vinall fails to return.
1021 hrs Raiders passed.
1105-1155 hrs Three Hurricanes RNAS search for missing pilots.
1110-1225 hrs One Spitfire from Hal Far searches for Sgt Vinall without success. Sgt Vinall’s body is later discovered at the shoreline, on the west coast of the Island.
1130-1230 hrs Eight JU 88s with an escort of 30 fighters are reported heading southwards from Sicily. Malta’s Spitfires are scrambled early, intercepting the raiders a few miles south of the Sicilian coast and 35 miles from Malta. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron attack the JU 88s and fighters head-on. W/Cdr Donaldson, F/O McElroy and F/Sgt Heskens each destroy one JU 88; W/Cdr Donaldson and S/Ldr Woods each destroy one ME 109. One JU 88 is probably destroyed and four damaged; two ME 109s are damaged. Three Spitfires are damaged in combat; pilots are unhurt. 229 Squadron F/Lt Roscoe probably destroys one Macchi 202 and another is damaged; S/Ldr H C Baker damages one ME 109.
1205 hrs Air raid alert. Six Spitfires 1435 Squadron are scrambled to follow up with an on the remaining JU 88s and fighters. F/Lt Mcleod destroys one ME 109; Sgt McLennan and Sgt Rae each damage one. In all, three Spitfires are damaged in combat and another is reported missing.
1315-1445 hrs Three Hurricanes RNAS carry out a search for the missing pilot. His dinghy is located and the High Speed Launch picks him up.
1430 hrs 45 enemy fighters are reported flying southwards from Sicily at a great height. Eight Spitfires from Hal Far are airborne but see nothing.
1446-1510 hrs Air raid alert. Nine Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. W/Cdr Hanks destroys two ME 109s.
1535-1630 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on intercept patrol: nothing sighted.
1640 hrs 57 enemy aircraft including at least six JU 88s are reported heading southwards from Sicily. Eight Spitfires 1535 Squadron and three 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept and engage the raiders 30-40 miles north of Malta. 1435 Squadron S/Ldr Lovell destroys one JU 88; F/Sgt Scott destroys one Re 2001. P/O Walten, F/Sgt Scott and Sgt Hawkins probably destroy one JU 88 each. F/Sgt Scott also damages one Re 2001. One Spitfire is shot down: pilot F/Sgt Stevenson is missing. (2)
1652 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires from Hal Far are airborne: no interceptions.
1715 hrs Only a few enemy aircraft reach the Island at failing light. Five Spitfires 249 Squadron chase three unidentified enemy aircraft but are unable to engage. The bombers appear to approach singly, dropping bombs on Sliema, Ghaxaq, Safi, Nigret, Latnia and Marsamxetto. Bombs are also scattered near Luqa and Kalafrana. Heavy Ack Ack fire.
1820 hrs Anti-personnel, incendiary and high explosive bombs are dropped near the Safi strip (between Tal Liebru and St Nicola Church), Ta Karach and Misrah Blandun.
1847 hrs All clear.
1945-2011 hrs Air raid alert. Five enemy bombers approach Malta at 17-20000 feet; two cross the coast and drop bombs in the sea north of Grand Harbour and St Paul’s Bay. Malta Beaufighter is airborne: no engagement.
2100 hrs Observers of 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report a white flashing light out to sea 6-8 miles bearing 65 degrees Fort Ta Silch. The vessel is later confirmed as the RAF Rescue Launch.
2120-2205 hrs Air raid alert. Four enemy bombers approach at 27000 feet. Three cross the coast and drop bombs at Benghaisa PT and in the sea north east of the Island. Malta fighters are airborne: one attacks and destroys a HE 111 which jettisons its bombs during the engagement.
2120-2205 hrs Four enemy bombers approach Malta. Two Beaufighters 89 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept; F/O Shipard destroys one enemy bomber.
2220-2320 hrs One Beaufighter 89 Squadron on patrol over Sicily attacks and shoots down an enemy bomber as it is about to land.
0245-0315 hrs Air raid alert. Four enemy aircraft approach the Island at heights of up to 15000 feet but none cross the coast. Flares are dropped off Madliena. Malta fighters are airborne but do not engage.
0430-0500 hrs Air raid alert. Five enemy aircraft approach the Island: one crosses the coast. Bombs are dropped in the Kalafrana area and in the sea east of Leonardo PT. Malta fighters are airborne but do not engage.
Military casualties Sergeant John Vinall, Pilot, Royal Air Force, 185 Squadron; Squadron Leader Bryan Wicks, Royal Air Force, 126 Squadron.
Civilian casualties Nil.
Enemy casualties (known) Unteroffizier Otto Kobszinowski, Wireless Operator of a JU 88 bomber, picked up from the sea and taken prisoner; Unteroffizier Max Zettelmaier, Crewman of a JU 88 bomber picked up from the sea and taken prisoner.
OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 1942
ROYAL NAVY Speedy escorted Una to sea for patrol.
AIR HQ Arrivals One Beaufort from Gibraltar. Departures Three Hudsons to Gibraltar; one Beaufighter to Edcu. Aircraft casualties Two Spitfire shot down into the sea: both pilots bailed out and rescued uninjured. One Spitfire shot down by enemy fighters: pilot baled out and landed uninjured. One Spitfire damaged by enemy action: pilot uninjured. Two Spitfires failed to return to base after enemy action: pilots missing. One Beaufighter taxied into a bomb crater: crew uninjured.
1st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT A detailed bomb search was carried out and discovered 23 unexploded anti-personnel bombs and two unexploded HE bombs.
13 October 1942: 1000 Axis Aircraft Destroyed Over Malta
Wreckage of JU 88
Today Malta claimed the 1000th enemy aircraft destroyed since Italy entered the war in June 1940. The milestone was reached during the heaviest air raid on the Island since 10 May. “We wonder can the Axis keep it up.” (CO, 7th Heavy Ack Ack Regiment).
Air raids are becoming more ‘systematic’ – with one before breakfast, one during the morning, then at lunchtime, mid-afternoon, just after tea and sometimes at dusk. Attacking forces generally comprise six or seven JU 88 bombers with large fighter escorts raid the aerodromes in turn. JU 88 bombers now appear to be adopting shallow dive tactics in an attempt to launch bombs on target.
MALTA WELLINGTONS ON THE ATTACK
A Baltimore on an afternoon shipping reconnaissance in the South Ionian Sea sighted two 6-7000 ton merchant vessels and six destroyers, proceeding south at 12 knots. Three Wellingtons were despatched to attack but only one found the convoy, about half way between southern Greece and Benghazi. Two 1000 lb bombs were dropped but fell wide of the target.
Two Beaufighters also carried out intruder sorties over Sicily today as Malta continues its role as a fortress against Axis operations in the Mediterranean.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 13 OCTOBER TO DAWN 14 OCTOBER 1942
Weather Fine to fair; slight shower with lightning early morning.
0610 hrs As seven JU 88s escorted by 30 ME 109s approach the Island eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept. They engage three JU 88s with a large fighter escort. F/Lt Charney probably destroys one ME 109; Major Swales and P/O Maynard each damage a ME 109; P/O Maynard and F/Sgt Maher each damage a JU 88.
0620 hrs Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept and dive to attack five remaining JU 88s and fighter escort. P/O Beurling destroys one JU 88 and one ME 109; P/O Seed probably destroys one JU 88. P/O Seed, P/O Giddings, F/Lt Hetherington and Sgt Shenell each damage one ME 109.
0705-0729 hrs Air raid alert. The remaining raiders cross the coast: bombs are dropped in the Luqa area, killing two civilians. Two JU 88s drop bombs in the area of Bir Miftuh Church. Heavy Ack Ack fire. Eight Spitfires 1435 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept. P/O Walten destroys one JU 88; P/O Pinney probably destroys one ME 109 and damages one JU 88.
0935-1035 hrs Six JU 88s and 42 fighter approach the Island. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled and intercept the raiders about 10 miles north of Zonqor. They launch a diving attack on one JU 88: no claims.
1007 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron and eight of 1435 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept. 1435 Squadron Sgt Hawkins destroys one JU 88; F/Sgt Scott destroys one ME 109 and damages one JU 88. Sgt Sharp damages another JU 88 and Sgt Eva damages a ME 109. 126 Squadron WO Farquharson probably destroys one ME 109; W/Cdr Hanks damages one JU 88 and P/O Thompson damages a JU 88. One Spitfire is damaged: the pilot is unhurt.
1030 hrs JU 88s drop bombs on Safi and Hal Far, Kirkop and Ta Klantun, Ta Liebru and near Zurrieq.
1037 hrs Raiders passed.
1123-1140 hrs Air raid alert. Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled on to intercept but see nothing. The raiders do not approach Malta.
1235-1334 hrs Six JU 88s with a heavy escort of 44 fighters are reported heading for Malta. Eight Spitfires Hal Far are scrambled and intercept the raiders 25 miles north of Zonqor: Major Swales probably destroys a JU 88; Sgt McLeod is reported missing.
1245 hrs Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled and engage the remaining JU 88s with escorting fighters over Kalafrana Bay. S/Ldr Baker and F/Sgt Bye each damage one ME 109; Sgt Miller damages one JU 88.
1310 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled and engage raiders. F/Lt Jones destroys one ME 109; F/O smith destroys one Macchi 202. F/Sgt Carey probably destroys one JU 88 and W/O Farquharson one ME 109. Two Spitfires are damaged in combat; pilots are unhurt. Heavy Ack Ack fire.
1315 hrs Two JU 88s drop bombs on Zurrieq village.
1330 hrs High explosive and incendiary bombs are dropped near Luqa, on Wied Babu and Nigret. Private Fenech of 3rd Bn Kings Own Malta Regiment is affected by blast; Private Teuma is injured by a bomb splinter in the elbow.
1335 hrs Observers of 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report one ME 109 shot down into the sea one mile off Grand Harbour.
1344 hrs Raiders passed.
1550 hrs Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron and eight of 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept 30 enemy fighters and bombers approaching Malta.
1611 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 1435 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. Sgt [White]destroys one JU 88 and F/Lt McLeod destroys one Macchi 202.
1630 hrs Seven JU 88s cross the coast at Kalafrana heading for Qrendi where they drop into a steep dive to bomb Qrendi air strip. Heavy Ack Ack fire. Bombs land on Qrendi village, near Tal Providenza and on Qrendi strip. One just misses a defence post, wounding one member of 4th Heavy Ack Ack Regiment. One high explosive bomb lands near Hagiar Qim battery of 3rd Bn Kings Own Malta Regiment.
The Spitfires of 229 and 249 Squadrons then launch an attack on the fighters and bombers and a general dogfight ensues. 229 Squadron P/O Nash destroys one JU 88; W/Cdr Donaldson damages another. His and one other Spitfire are damaged in combat and crash land at Ta Qali: neither pilot is hurt. Total enemy casualties are two JU 88s, two ME 109s, three Macchi 202s and one Re 2001 destroyed; three JU 88s damaged.
1652 hrs Raiders passed.
1810-1905 hrs Two Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to locate and intercept enemy raiders but are unable to get within range: visibility is poor due to failing light. The raid does not materialize.
2212-0013 hrs Air raid alert. Ten enemy aircraft approach the Island but only four cross the coast. Bombs are dropped on the edge of Hal Far runway; the aerodrome remains serviceable. Incendiaries are dropped on Zebbug and Mellieha, and on Wardia Ridge. Observers identify one enemy aircraft in the searchlights as a Focke-Wolfe Zenstorer. Beaufighters of 89 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept: no engagement.
0218-0258 hrs Beaufighters of 89 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept enemy raiders: no engagement.
Military casualties Flight Sergeant Alexander MacLeod, Royal Canadian Air Force, 185 Squadron.
Civilian casualties Birkirkara Emanual Mifsud, age 20. Sliema John Block, age 20.
Enemy casualties (known) Sottotenente Maurizio Iannucci, 352a Squadriglia, 20o Gruppo, 51o Stormo, pilot of a Macchi 202 fighter, shot down and killed; Captain Enzo Radini, pilot of Macchi 202 fighter aircraft, picked up from the sea by RAF Launch.
OPERATIONS REPORTS TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER 1942
P34 HMS Ultimatum
ROYAL NAVY P 34 was swept in by Speedy.
AIR HQ Arrivals Two Hudsons from Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties One Spitfire crashed into the sea during combat with enemy fighters: pilot missing. One Spitfire force-landed: pilot uninjured. One Spitfire damaged by enemy action: pilot uninjured. One Beaufighter’s hydraulic system failed on landing: crew uninjured.
ROYAL ARTILLERY Gunner Davies 6/4 Regt was wounded in action at XHB 10 Heavy Ack Ack position.
14 October 1942: Screwball Beurling’s Last Mission
82 enemy aircraft have been destroyed over Malta between 10 and 14 October 1942. “Still they come asking for more, and they get it.” CO, 7th Heavy Ack Ack Regiment
MALTA SPITFIRE ACES SHOT DOWN
George Beurling
Record-breaking fighter pilot George Beurling was lucky to escape alive today when his Spitfire was strafed by enemy cannon shells, causing him serious injuries. Pilot Officer Beurling, also known as ‘Screwball’ was flying one of seven Spitfires of 249 Squadron scrambled at 1300 hours today to attack nine JU 88 bombers with and a large close escort of German and Italian fighters just south of Zonqor Point.
Having downed one JU 88, Beurling spotted a fellow Spitfire under fire from a band of Messerschmitts and attacked, downing the leading fighter. Another JU 88 bomber returned fire, wounding Beurling in the arm and hand. He broke off and climbed, before turning to pursue another ME 109 on the tail of a Spitfire. Beurling’s fire shot off the wing of the Messerschmitt and it spiralled downwards as he watched. The moment’s distraction was nearly fatal: cannon shells from another ME 109 ripped into his Spitfire from below, badly injuring his heel, elbow and ribs and setting the aircraft on fire.
Beurling managed to bail out and parachuted down towards the sea. The ME 109 fired again at the pilot and his ‘chute but was chased away by another Spitfire. Beurling was rescued later from the sea by the High Speed Launch and taken to hospital. His injuries bring to an end his run of 29 enemy aircraft destroyed over Malta between July and October 1942.
Wing Commander Arthur Donaldson DSO was also injured earlier today in combat with enemy raiders. W/Cdr Donaldson was piloting one of four Spitfires in an air battle with eight JU 88s and their fighter escort. He flew straight through the fighter cordon to launch a head-on attack on the enemy bombers. The raiders returned fire, injuring Donaldson in the head and foot. Two of his fingers were shot away and he had to withdraw. For the second time in two days, and despite serious injuries, he managed to land his damaged Spitfire safely at Ta Qali before being taken to hospital.
Adrian Warburton
AIRCRAFT LOST IN CONVOY RAID – RECONNAISSANCE PILOT WARBURTON HELPS ENEMY DESTROYER RESCUE SURVIVORS
A reconnaissance Spitfire from Malta today spotted a convoy including a 2000 ton merchant vessel escorted by a destroyer, off the Tripolitanian coast and heading east. Three Beaufighters of 227 Squadron Luqa were despatched immediately to attack.
At 1130 hrs today they located the convoy and all three Beaufighters went in to attack at mast height. One was shot down before it reached target. The other hit the ship’s mast causing the plane to crash into the sea and killing the pilot, Flying Officer Peter Underwood and navigator Flight Sergeant Ivor Miller. The third Beaufighter dropped two 300 lb bombs and fired with cannon and machine gun but no results were seen.
Reconnaissance pilot Squadron Leader Adrian Warburton was still on the scene and spotted the dinghy of the aircraft of P/O Brice and Sgt Cole. Despite being fired on by Italian fighters, he persevered in making contact with the enemy destroyer, to guide the ship to the location of the Beaufighter’s dinghy. S/Ldr Warburton reported seeing the survivors picked up by the destroyer before he returned to base.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 14 OCTOBER TO DAWN 15 OCTOBER 1942
Weather Fair early morning; otherwise fine. Very good visibility morning and afternoon.
0535-0640 hrs Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are airborne on intercept patrol: nothing sighted.
0645 hrs Eight JU 88s with fighter escort are reported approaching Malta. Eight Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled to intercept. W/Cdr Thompson, P/O Reid and P/O O’Brien each damage a ME 109. Four Spitfires 229 Squadron are also scrambled and attack 20 German and Italian fighters head-on, north of St Paul’s Bay. . W/Cdr Donaldson damages one JU 88 before his Spitfire is forced to crash-land at Ta Qali; he is injured and admitted to hospital.
0707 hrs Nine Spitfires 126 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept and attack just north of Grand Harbour. F/Lt Rolls destroys one JU 88; Sgt Park and F/O Wallace each destroy one ME 109. Sgt Park also probably destroys one JU 88; Sgt Hending and F/Sgt Bush each damage one. One Spitfire is lost and two damaged: pilots are unhurt.
0727 hrs Air raid alert. Eight JU 88s with an escort of forty fighters approach the Island, the majority crossing the coast. Bombs are dropped on Ta Qali rendering the aerodrome temporarily unserviceable. There are two civilian casualties. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron attack six JU 88s as bombs are dropping on Ta Qali. S/Ldr Woods and F/Sgt De Lara each damage one JU 88.
0741 hrs Raiders passed.
0940 hrs 60 enemy aircraft including at least eight JU 88 bombers approach the Island in tight formation, with 20 ME 109s flying above as top cover. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled and intercept the raiders 20 miles north of Grand Harbour, attacking six JU 88s from astern and head-on. Sgt Brough destroys one JU 88; Sgt Francis probably destroys one ME 109. Sgt Lundy damages two JU 88s; F/Lt Glazebrook and P/O Nash each damage one. One Spitfire is missing: P/O Nash is slightly injured in the face and is picked up by the Rescue Launch.
1026-1056 hrs Air raid alert. The remainder head for Hal Far. Eight Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled to intercept and attack the raiders while they are diving to bomb the airfield. W/Cdr Thompson destroys a JU 88; P/O Reid and Capt Kuhlmann each destroy a ME 109. P/O Cheek probably destroys a JU 88 and damages another. P/O Reid damages a JU 88; Sgt Tarbuck damages a JU 88 and a ME 109, and Capt Kuhlmann damages a ME 109. Bombs are dropped on Hal Far and Safi, Wied Has Saptan, Ta Klantun and Ta Liebru, and anti-personnel bombs on Kirkop. Heavy Ack Ack fire. As the enemy turn away they are attacked again, north west of Kalafrana.
Total enemy casualties three JU 88s and two ME 109s destroyed; one JU 88 and one ME 109 probably destroyed; six JU 88s and three ME 109s damaged.
1300 hrs Nine JU 88s approach the Island, closely escorted by fighters. Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. P/O Beurling destroys two ME 109s and one JU 88. P/O Giddings destroys one ME 109. F/Lt Hetherington probably destroys one JU 88; Sgt Wynn probably destroys one ME 109. P/O Giddings and Sgt Bryden each damage a JU 88 and P/O Williams damages two ME 109s.
1305 hrs Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. P/O Parkinson destroys one Macchi 202; S/Ldr Stephens destroys one Re 2001 and damages on JU 88. Two Spitfires are damaged in combat; pilots are unhurt.
1310 hrs Air raid alert.
1330 hrs Seven JU 88s raid Hal Far, dropping high explosives and incendiaries on the aerodrome, causing craters. Anti-personnel bombs are scattered over Regimental HQ and 14th Battery HQ of 4th Heavy Ack Ack Regiment. Enemy raiders make skillful use of cloud cover during the raid.
1355 hrs Raiders passed.
1510-1535 hrs Air raid alert. 35 aircraft including 7 JU 88s approach the Island and are intercepted 15 miles north east of Zonqor. Four ME 109s and one Re 2001 are destroyed; one JU 88 is probably destroyed; three JU 88s and two ME 109s damaged.
The remainder of the attackers head for Hal Far and are engaged over Kalafrana by eight Spitfires from Hal Far. F/Sgt Maher destroys a JU 88 and Sgt Guy probably destroys a ME 109 and damages a JU 88. Bombs are dropped on Hal Far aerodrome causing craters but no major damage. Heavy Ack Ack fires.
1636 hrs Air raid alert for ten JU 88s escorted by 40 fighters evidently turning in to head for Ta Qali. Seven Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled and intercept the raiders to the east of Grand Harbour before they can cross the coast. They attack the bombers head-on, forcing them to turn out to sea and away from their target. Most of their bombers jettison their load into the sea. Sgt Miller destroys one JU 88 and damages one; S/Ldr M M Stephens and P/O Johnson each damage one JU 88. A few bombs are dropped in the Mosta area. Heavy Ack Ack fire and share in the destruction of one JU 88.
1710 hrs Observers of 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report three bombers and a fighter (believed to be a Spitfire) in the sea off Grand Harbour.
1715 hrs Raiders passed.
2100-2110 hrs Air raid alert. 10 enemy bombers approach Malta: all but one turn back before crossing the coast, dropping their bombs in the sea all round the north coast of the Island. Some high explosives and incendiaries are dropped between Bugibba and Salina, and across to Mosta. Heavy Ack Ack fire and Malta fighters are airborne but do not engage.
2145 hrs Five enemy fighter bombers launch a dive-bombing attack on the RAF station at Qawra Tower and Headquarters of C Company, 2nd Bn Kings Own Malta Regiment.
2200 hrs A Company, 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report bombs in the Latnia area. E Company report bombs in the area of St Mary’s Battery.
0205-0435 hrs Air raid alert. Eight enemy bombers approach the Island but only two cross the coast, dropping bombs on Ta Qali, Ghain Tuffieha and Hamrun. Malta Beauffighters are airborne and one sees a HE 111 approaching at 12000 feet. The fighter dives from 15000 feet to attack, lowering his undercarriage to avoid overshooting. He fires at the enemy raider from astern, causing it to explode and crash into the sea.
Military casualties Flight Sergeant Ivor Miller, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR), 227 Squadron; Sergeant Ronald Roe, Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1435 Squadron; Squadron Leader Peter Underwood, RAF VR, 227 Squadron; Flight Sergeant William Williams, Royal Australian Air Force.
Civilian casualties Birkirkara Francis Fenech, age 18. Msida Anthony Zahra, age 11.
OPERATIONS REPORTS WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 1942
ROYAL NAVY Hythe swept P 211 in from sea; the latter reported having driven a 900 ton steamer ashore by gunfire and subsequently destroyed it by torpedo. She also reported two other merchant vessels successfully attacked with torpedoes. Fleet Air Arm obtained one hit on a 7000 merchant vessel which was subsequently beached at Homs.
AIR HQ Arrivals One Liberator from LG 224; one Beaufighter from Gibraltar. Departures Three Beauforts to Shallufa. Aircraft casualties Two Spitfires shot down by enemy fighters: pilots missing. One Beaufighter damaged by enemy action crash-landed: crew uninjured.
Four Spitfires damaged in enemy action: one pilot injured. Three Spitfires shot down by enemy action into sea: pilots rescued, two uninjured, one slightly injured. Two Beaufighters damaged by enemy action while on shipping strike, crashed into the sea: crews missing.
HAL FAR 1925-0032 hrs Two Albacores and one Swordfish of the RNAS were despatched to attack 7000 ton merchant vessel escorted by two destroyers off the coast of Tripoli. One torpedo hit the merchantman amidships, which was later observed to be stationary.
LUQA One Wellington 69 Squadron attacked an enemy convoy south east of Malta. Two 1000 lb bombs were dropped but no results were observed. Four Wellingtons 69 Squadron were sent out later to complete the attack. All the aircraft found the convoy: one torpedo and two 1000 lb bombs were dropped but no results were observed.
TA QALI The runway is unserviceable for ten minutes for inspection after an air raid: no significant damage.
1st Bn HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT During the period 8-14 October the Battalion has found two impressed lorries, one motor cycle and five Other Ranks for work on Hal Far aerodrome. Twin Lewis guns have been manned for Anti-aircraft defence of the Safi Strip during the hours of daylight.
15 October 1942: Luftwaffe Fighter Bombers Target Malta
- Enemy send ten fighters to protect one bomber.
- Enemy raiders are now dropping flares only – the reason is unclear, as following raiders rarely take advantage of the light to drop bombs on the illuminated area.
- Since the beginning of intensified air attack Army has increased the number of soldiers assisting RAF in maintenance of aircraft and aerodromes to 500 daily.
MP SUGGESTS ISLAND SHOULD BE KNOWN AS ‘MALTA GC’
Walter Higgs MP
Mr Walter Higgs, MP for Birmingham West, today asked the Prime Minister in the House of Commons whether he is aware that an official proclamation to the effect that henceforth Malta should be known and addressed as Malta GC would meet with general approval; and will he make the necessary announcement?
MALTA AIR FORCES SCORE STRIKE ON AXIS MERCHANTMAN
Two Albacores in co-operation with a Swordfish were sent out tonight to attack a 7000 ton merchant vessel and two destroyers which had left Patras on a south westerly course. They found it at 2153 hours, 80 miles north east of Homs and one Albacore scored a direct hit amidships. The other Albacore which was not able to get into a suitable position to attack while the flares dropped by the Swordfish were still alight brought its torpedo back.
Wellington bomber
The merchant vessel was left almost stationary and was found 1½ hours later by a Wellington which dropped to 1000 lb bombs but they fell wide. Later in the night the convoy was attacked again by Wellingtons with one torpedo and two 1000 lb bombs but no results were observed owing to a partially effective smoke screen put up by one of the destroyers.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 15 OCTOBER TO DAWN 16 OCTOBER 1942
Weather Mainly fine; lightning early morning and late evening.
0650 hrs A massive formation of some 60 enemy fighters escorting six JU 88s approach the Island. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept and are attacked by ME 109s: Sgt Wynn destroys one. Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron and eight 1435 Squadron Luqa are scrambled to intercept but do not engage.
0705 hrs Air raid alert. Dogfights ensue as Malta fighters engage the enemy over Kalafrana, off Zonqor Point and over the Island. Heavy Ack Ack fire. Four Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled and attack the formation. Despite being outnumbered over fifteen to one, S/Ldr Stephens attacks enemy bombers head on, following one bomber down to sea-level and chasing it 20 miles out to sea before finally shooting it down in flames. He is then attacked by six enemy fighters but returns fire, destroying one of the ME 109s. His aircraft is badly shot up and he returns to base, surviving a crash-landing.
The eight Spitfires 249 Squadron also press on to attack the bombers. P/O Moody destroys one JU 88. P/O Williams probably destroys one JU 88; P/O Giddings damages one.
0722 hrs The remaining four JU 88s come in and drop bombs near Luqa aerodrome and in the Kirkop area.
0740 hrs C Company 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report a Spitfire down in the sea off Leonardo with a baler-out nearby. An anti-personnel bomb explodes 25 yards from a post of B Company.
0755 hrs Raiders passed.
0935 hrs About 40 enemy fighters, including 15 carrying bombs are reported approaching Malta. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept and engage the enemy north of the Island. Many raiders drop their bombs out to sea, as well as on Marfa and Mellieha Bay, where one civilian is killed and two injured. A few bombs fall on Gozo. 249 Squadron are jumped by ME 109s flying in pairs and threes. Sgt Wynn damages one ME 109. Two Spitfires crash-land and a third ditches into the sea: Sgt Bryden is rescued with a fractured leg.
0940 hrs Eight Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled to intercept but do not engage.
1005 hrs Air raid alert as the raiders approach the coast. Heavy Ack Ack fire pointer rounds. Eight Spitfires 1435 Squadron and four 126 Squadron are airborne to intercept the raid: no claims.
1047 hrs Raiders passed.
1151-1337 hrs Air raid alert. About 50 German and Italian fighters approach Malta but turn back before reaching the coast. They appear to be searching for missing crews, and escorting ambulance aircraft. Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept. They see a float plane with fighter escort 35 miles north of the Island. F/Lt Charney and F/Sgt Maher each destroy a Macchi 202; Major Swales and Sgt Garvey damage one each.
1235-1355 hrs Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to act as cover for 185 Squadron. Enemy aircraft are sighted but cannot be brought into contact.
1358-1430 hrs Air raid alert. 30 enemy fighters including at least seven ME 109 fighter bombers approach the Island. Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron on patrol attack, forcing most of the raiders to to drop their bombs in the sea. Bombs are also dropped on the Ta Qali and Mosta areas.
1610 hrs Nine JU 88s approach the Island with an escort of 50 fighters. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept and engage the enemy. F/Lt Glazebrook damages one JU 88; Sgt Francis damages one Macchi 202.
1616 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron attack the enemy formation head-on over Kalafrana Bay, causing them to jettison their bombs. S/Ldr Woods destroys one ME 109 and damages a JU 88; P/O Yates and Sgt Stead probably destroy one ME 109; several other enemy aircraft are damaged. 1st Bn Cheshire Regt report seeing two enemy bombers crashing into the sea just off Grand Harbour. The port engine of one had been shot off. Three Spitfires are damaged (pilots unhurt); one Spitfire is lost and F/Sgt Hiskens is reported missing.
1640 hrs Seven JU 88s drop bombs on the Safi strip and other bombs and incendiaries on Tal Liebru, Luqa, Kirkop and Marsa. Heavy Ack Ack fire.
1704 hrs Raiders passed.
1912-1920 hrs Air raid alert. One enemy aircraft approaches but turns back twenty miles east of the Island. Malta fighters are airborne: no engagements.
1922-1928 hrs Two Beaufighters 89 Squadron Luqa are airborne on intercept patrol but see no enemy aircraft. One Beaufighter 89 Squadron is scrambled to intercept two enemy aircraft approaching the island, one of which crosses the coast: no engagement.
1940-2034 hrs Air raid alert. Two enemy aircraft approach the Island; one crosses the coast. Bombs are dropped in the sea off Grand Harbour and St Paul’s Bay. Malta fighters are airborne: no engagements.
2028 hrs Bombs are dropped near a defence post of C Company, 2nd Bn Kings Own Malta Regiment.
2124-2158 hrs Air raid alert. Four enemy aircraft approach; three cross the Island. Bombs are dropped in the sea east of Grand Harbour and on land at Zonqor Point. Malta fighters are airborne: no engagements. Heavy Ack Ack fire.
0220-0443 hrs Air raid alert. Nine bombers approach the Island, four crossing the coast. Heavy Ack Ack fire. Bombs are dropped in the St Paul’s Bay and Wardia areas and in the sea. Flares are dropped over Benghaisa Point. Three Beaufighters 89 Squadron are scrambled to intercept: one sees an enemy raider crash north of Cape Passero.
Military casualties Warrant Officer Edwin Hiskens, Royal Australian Air Force.
Civilian casualties Gzira Joseph Scicluna, age 48. Mellieha Arthur Calleja, age 6. Sliema Joseph Letard, age 65.
OPERATIONS REPORTS THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER 1942
P 212 HMS Sahib
ROYAL NAVY Speedy swept P 212 to sea and P 46 in. The latter reported as having sunk on loaded merchant vessel and one in ballast.
AIR HQ Departures One Liberator, two Hudsons to Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties Two Spitfires damaged in enemy action: pilots uninjured. Three Spitfires shot down by enemy fighters: both pilots baled out and were rescued, injured. Two Spitfires damaged by enemy action crashed on landing: pilots uninjured. One Spitfire forced to land during enemy action: pilot uninjured. One Spitfire missing over sea following enemy action: pilot missing.
HAL FAR 2300-0215 hrs One Swordfish is sent on anti E boat patrol: nothing sighted.
LUQA Two Baltimores 69 Squadron were despatched in search of an enemy convoy. One Spitfire 69 Squadron carried out photographic reconnaissance of Benghasi.
16 October 1942: Hurricane Hit in Friendly Fire Incident
A Hurricane aircraft was attacked this morning by a Spitfire six miles off Grand Harbour. The friendly fire incident happened during the confusion of an expected air raid which had not materialised. The alert was raised just before 8.30 am when eight Axis aircraft were reported patrolling the Kalafrana area. However, four separate groups of Spitfires scrambled to intercept the raiders failed to locate any enemy planes.
Forty minutes after the scramble, a Hurricane was despatched to search for a missing pilot was recalled with the expectation of imminent action. Once the ‘raiders passed’ signal was given, a Hurricane was again sent on a rescue mission. However, the Spitfires were still in the air on the look-out for hostile aircraft: one caught a glimpse of the Hurricane and fired before realising it was friendly. The Hurricane sustained damage but landed safely: the pilot escaped injury.
137 UNEXPLODED BOMBS IN 7 DAYS
A massive increase in the number of unexploded bombs has resulted from recent enemy air activity. The intercept tactics now used by RAF Squadrons are costing the enemy dearly – but raiders under attack jettison more bombs. 137 UXB reports have been received by Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal in the week since the Axis renewed heavy air raids on Malta. All the reports are concentrated around the three airfields of Hal Far, Luqa and Ta Qali, and on the north east coast of the Island.
Anti-personnel bomb canister
A third of the reports were for high explosives, the rest were anti-personnel bombs or incendiaries. The Luftwaffe is using mainly 50kg bombs again: more of them can be loaded onto each aircraft and, with fewer planes reaching target, a single bomber getting through can drop a greater number of bombs in one attempt.
Adapted from UXB Malta, S A M Hudson, History Press 2010/2012
AIR RAIDS DAWN 16 OCTOBER TO DAWN 17 OCTOBER 1942
Weather Fine; little or no cloud.
0625-0745 hrs Four Spitfires 249 Squadron on intercept patrol: no sightings.
0649 hrs 50 enemy aircraft including eight JU 88s approach the Island.
0701 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 185 Squadron Hal Far are scrambled to intercept. The raiders are attacked 5-10 miles north of Grand Harbour. Capt Kuhlmann and P/O Reid each probably destroy a MU 88; P/O O’Brien damages another and Sgt Gore damages a ME 109. Eight Spitfires 1435 Squadron and seven 126 Squadron Luqa are also scrambled and engage the raiders. 126 Squadron Sgt Park destroys one ME 109. Two Spitfires are lost: F/O Wallace and Sgt Wilson are missing. 1435 Squadron P/O Owen probably destroys one ME 109 and damages another; Sgt Harrison damages one JU 88 and F/Lt McLeod one ME 109. One Spitfire is damaged. The enemy bombers are forced to jettison their bombs over the sea. Some bombs fall on land at Sliema and St Julian’s, damaging civilian property and injuring thirteen. Heavy Ack Ack fire.
0725 hrs C Company 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report a fighter crashed in the sea four miles out from Della Grazia.
0742 hrs Raiders passed.
0800 hrs D Company 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regt report a Spitfire crashed into the sea two miles due north of Grand Harbour.
0829-0946 hrs Air raid alert. Eight enemy aircraft approach the Island and patrol the Kalafrana area. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to intercept: no sightings.
0900 hrs Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept: no combat. Six Spitfires 249 Squadron are also airborne on interception: no sightings.
0905 hrs Eight Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled but encounter no enemy aircraft.
0910 hrs One Hurricane from Hal Far is dispatched to search for a missing pilot but is recalled before beginning the search.
0946 hrs One Hurricane searches 042 degrees Grand Harbour 6 miles but is attacked by a Spitfire: the aircraft is damaged but the pilot is unhurt.
0950 hrs More than 60 enemy aircraft approach the Island. Eight Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept and engage enemy aircraft. Sgt Francis destroys one ME 109; Sgt Ballantyne and P/O Reynolds each damage one JU 88.
0952 hrs Air raid alert. Fighters carry out a sweep of the Island. Six Spitfires 1435 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. F/Lt McLeod destroys one ME 109.
1010 hrs Seven JU 88s cross the coast near Hal Far and drop bombs on the airfield, slightly damaging an aircraft on the ground. Six Spitfires 249 Squadron make a head-on attack on bombers as they bomb the airfield. F/Sgt Lara destroys one JU 88; S/Ldr Woods and F/O McElroy each damage one. P/O Lowrey damages one ME 109. Two Spitfires are lost: one pilot is safe but injured; F/Sgt Carter is shot down into the sea and is missing. Four Spitfires are damaged in combat: pilots unhurt.
1045-1235 hrs One Hurricane from Hal Far searches for the missing pilot: no sightings. Four Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft: no sightings.
1050 hrs Raiders passed.
1250 hrs 35 enemy fighters, including ME 109 fighter bombers, approach the Island. Eight Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled to intercept. They see four ME 109s but the raiders are too far away and flying too fast to be intercepted. Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept 35 enemy fighters including fighter bombers: no engagement.
1300-1340 hrs Air raid alert. The raiders cross the coast at over 25000 feet. Heavy Ack Ack fire. Bombs are dropped near Mqabba and in the Mellieha area before escaping towards Sicily.
1505-1612 hrs Two Hurricanes from Hal Far are dispatched to search for a missing pilot: nothing sighted.
1535 hrs A massive formation of eight JU 88s with an escort of 60 fighters including six fighter bombers approaches the Island in six waves. Six Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled and attack the seven JU 88s and six ME 109 fighter bombers. P/O Williams destroys one JU 88 and Sgt Wynn probably destroys one. F/Lt Hetherington and Sgt Budd each damage a JU 88.
1540 hrs Seven Spitfires 229 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. Sgt Miller probably destroys one JU 88 and damages another; F/Lt Parkinson also damages one.
1615 hrs Air raid alert. Seven Spitfires 1435 Squadron and ten 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. 126 Squadron Sgt Cherran destroys one JU 88; Sgt Marshall probably destroys one ME 109; Sgt Tiddy and Sgt Roberts each damage one JU 88. Sgt Tiddy damages one ME 109 and F/Lt Jones damages one Macchi 202. 1435 Squadron P/O Walton, Sgt Fuller and Sgt Eva each damage one JU 88. Three Spitfires are damaged in combat: pilots unhurt.
1630 hrs The bombers, fighters and fighter bombers cross the coast in six waves. Heavy Ack Ack fire. Four JU 88s attack Luqa, destroying one Beaufighter on the ground and damaging another, before receding south. 4th Bn Heavy Ack Ack Regiment guns at XHB 8 claim a direct hit on one JU 88 which is then seen to crash into the sea: claim one JU 88 destroyed. The ME 109s bomb Ta Qali, rendering the aerodrome temporarily unserviceable and injuring two civilians.
1655 hrs Raiders passed.
1700 hrs 2nd Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers Beat the Retreat in Castille Square.
1831-1844 hrs Air raid alert. One aircraft crosses the coast but no bombs are dropped. Beaufighters of 89 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept: no engagement. Heavy Ack Ack fire.
2332-2350 hrs Air raid alert. Two enemy aircraft approach the Island and cross the coast, dropping flares north west of Ta Qali. Bombs and incendiaries are dropped on the St Paul’s Bay and Rabat areas. Beaufighters of 89 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept: no raiders seen.
0246-0335 hrs Air raid alert. Six enemy aircraft approach the Island; only one crosses the coast. All bombs are dropped in the sea. Malta fighters are airborne: no engagement. Heavy Ack Ack fire.
Military casualties Warrant Officer II Peter Carter, Royal Canadian Air Force, 249 Squadron; Flying Officer Edward Wallace, Royal Canadian Air Force, 126 Squadron; Flight Sergeant William Wilson, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 1435 Squadron.
Civilian casualties Nil.
Enemy casualties (known) Wallenburger and Wehner: crew members of a JU 88 bomber picked up from the sea by RAF Launch.
OPERATIONS REPORTS FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER 1942
HMS Hythe
ROYAL NAVY Hythe swept in P 43 who reported having sunk an 8000 ton southbound merchant vessel.
AIR HQ Arrivals One DC 3 from LG 224. Aircraft casualties Four Spitfires damaged due to enemy action: one pilot baled out, rescued uninjured; two pilots crash-landed, one injured. Two Spitfires missing from enemy action: pilots missing.
LUQA One Baltimore 69 Squadron was despatched on reconnaissance with one Spitfire 69 Squadron on photo-reconnaissance. 2330-0300 hrs One Wellington 69 Squadron was despatched to locate and illuminate one merchant vessel sighted by the Baltimore. Flares were dropped.
17 October 1942: Spitfires Must Win 2nd Battle of Malta
AIR OFFICER COMMANDING RALLIES RAF
The following message has been sent by AOC Mediterranean addressed to Spitfire pilots: “Grand work fighter boys. Your magnificent fighting in the last five days is being watched not only in Malta but by the RAF on other fronts as well as by our Russian allies. Although heavily outnumbered last May Malta Spitfires came out on top and I am confident that you will win the second battle of Malta. Some of the enemy bomber squadrons have already shown that they cannot take it. Keep it up and in a few days the other German bombers will throw up the sponge. Replacement Spitfires and pilots are on the way but there is still some stiff fighting to finish the job. Good luck to you and good shooting.”
Army operated fuel bowser
A second message is addressed to all maintenance personnel: “Your part in the present battle for Malta is greatly appreciated but serviceability of Spitfires continues to fall. You can and must get it up again. Where you have worked hard you must work harder and faster. Give the fighter boys Spitfires and they will drive the Hun out of the sky.”
RAF CLAIM SCALPS OF TWO LUFTWAFFE AIR ACES
Two highly decorated Luftwaffe ‘gruppenkommandeure’ (group commanders) were killed in air battles over Malta today.
GKmdr Major Heinrich Paekpcke was pilot of the leading JU 88 of seven bombers attacking early this morning when his aircraft was involved in a head-on collision with a Spitfire just off the coast to the south east of Valletta. Both pilots were killed instantly, although the three other Luftwaffe crewmen seen to bail out before the bomber hit the water. Spitfire pilot Flight Lieutenant Jones was a member of 126 Squadron sent to intercept the enemy raiders.
Gerhard Kollewe
Bomber pilot GKmdr Gerhard Kollewe was flying one of seven JU 88s and nine ME 109 fighter bombers which launched a heavy bombing raid over Malta just after noon today. His bomber was shot down into the sea during an air battle with Malta Spitfires intercepting the raid off the coast of Valletta. Kollewe and his crew baled out but he and observer Feldwebel Bernhard Mähler were killed. Radio operator Oberfeldwebel Martin Assum and aerial gunner Feldwebel Paul Ballof were rescued alive and taken prisoner of war.
Heinrich Paepcke and Gerhard Kollewe were highly decorated Luftwaffe commanders, among the elite recipients of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, awarded for extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.
MILITARY SITUATION REPORT WEEK ENDING 17 OCTOBER 1942
From: Governor & C in C Malta To: C in C Middle East Rpt: The War Office
1. Enemy air offensive during daylight resumed with great suddenness on 11 October. Tactics: 6-8 JU 88s escorted by 30-50 fighters making an average of four raids daily on aerodromes. These tactics are the same as the beginning of 1942 but with much increased fighter support. The latter proved most necessary but did not prevent heavy losses German Air Force. Spitfires made magnificent interceptions, many 15-20 miles north of Gozo and destroyed 49 JU 88s and 59 fighters, probably destroyed 27 JU 88s and 21 fighters and damaged 67 JU 88s and 64 fighters. Heavy Ack Ack destroyed one JU 88 and damaged another. As the week progressed, the determination to force home attacks grew weaker and bombs fell further and further from the aerodromes, eg Wardia Ridge, Mellieha and in the sea. German Air Force towards the end of the week were forced to use fighter bombers. Malta casualties only 24 Spitfires lost (11 pilots safe) but many damaged. Little damage to aircraft on the ground or aerodromes. Photo reconnaissance shows that numbers of aircraft in Sicily continue to increase – now total 660 including 196 German bombers and 238 fighters.
2. During darkness approximately 100 bombers, of which only 34 crossed the coast. These attacks were not characterised by the same determination as daylight attacks early in the week. Bombs in scattered localities; little damage. Beaufighters destroyed four HE 111s, probably destroyed another. Heavy Ack Ack destroyed one bomber. Approximately 33 per cent illuminations by searchlights.
3. Own air attacks on convoys by a small number of Beaufighters, Albacores and Wellingtons resulted in one merchant vessel 7000 tons hit.
4. Working parties were increased to assist RAF in maintaining aerodromes and aircraft. Many UXBs dealt with.
5. Military damage negligible. Some damage civilian property and civilian casualties. Military casualties one Other Rank killed, nine wounded.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 17 OCTOBER TO DAWN 18 OCTOBER 1942
Weather Mainly fine.
0635 hrs Seven JU 88s with an escort of some 25 fighters approach the Island. Five Spitfires 249 Squadron Ta Qali are scrambled to locate the enemy fighters but do not engage.
0645 hrs Eight Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled to intercept. F/Lt Charney damages one Macchi 202. Eight Spitfires 126 Squadron and four 1435 Squadron Luqa are also scrambled to intercept and engage the enemy 12 miles east of Zonqor, forcing them to jettison their bombs in the sea. 126 Squadron P/O Thompson, W/Cdr Hanks and P/O Stevenson each destroy one JU 88; F/Sgt Varey destroys one ME 109. Sgt Yeatman and F/Sgt Varey probably destroy one JU 88 each. 1435 Squadron S/Ldr Lovell damages one JU 88. One Spitfire is damaged (pilot unhurt). F/Lt Jones crashes into a JU 88, bringing it down: heis missing.
0648 hrs Air raid alert. A few remaining aircraft cross the coast and drop bombs on scattered areas from Naxxar to Madliena. The ME 109s drop their bombs on Ta Qali. Four ME 109 fighter bombers launch a further attack on Qawra Tower area.
0725-0900 hrs One Hurricane from Hal Far is airborne on a search for missing airmen: nothing sighted.
0735 hrs Raiders passed.
0800-0900 hrs Seven Spitfires 229 Squadron Ta Qali on intercept patrol: no sightings.
0915-1100 hrs One Hurricane from Hal Far is airborne on a search for missing airmen: nothing sighted.
0938-1007 hrs Air raid alert. Eight ME 109s approach to within three miles of Grand Harbour, suspected to be searching for survivors. Malta fighters are airborne but do not engage.
1133 hrs 75 enemy aircraft including seven JU 88s and nine ME 109 fighter bombers are reported approaching the Island. Eight Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept and attack five JU 88s with escort plus six ME 109 fighter bombers. F/Lt Hetherington destroys one JU 88; P/O Giddings destroys one ME 109. P/O Seed probably destroys one JU 88; Sgt Budd probably destroys one ME 109 and P/O Moody damages one.
1152 hrs Eight Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled to intercept. Sgt Smith and F/Lt Charney each damage one JU 88; P/O Park damages two others and one ME 109. Sgt Garvey is shot up and crash lands: his aircraft catches fire and he is injured.
1158 hrs Six Spitfires 229 Squadron attack five JU 88s with fighter escort and six ME 109 fighter bombers head on. F/Lt Parkinson destroys one ME 109. One Spitfire does not return: pilot Sgt Miller is missing.
1210 hrs Air raid alert. Four Spitfires 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. Sgt Tiddy destroys one JU 88 which is seen to crash into the sea at 1232 hrs. One Spitfire is damaged: the pilot is unhurt. The remaining raiders cross the coast. Heavy Ack Ack fire. The JU 88s drop bombs on Birkirkara, Sliema, Naxxar and Gharghur, demolishing several houses and damaging others. Bombs fall opposite the Officers’ Mess of 2nd Bn Royal West Kent Regiment in Birkirkara.
1244 hrs Ta Qali aerodrome is attacked by six ME 109 fighter bombers: no significant damage is caused.
1314 hrs Raiders passed.
1502-1513 hrs Air raid alert. Enemy fighters approach to within 3 miles north of Comiso on a search for survivors. Malta fighters are airborne but do not engage.
1630 hrs 60 enemy aircraft including ten ME 109 fighter bombers approach from several directions at a great height. Seven Spitfires 249 Squadron are scrambled to intercept but do not engage.
1637 hrs Eight Spitfires from Hal Far are scrambled to intercept: one is damaged in combat and another crash-lands with undercarriage trouble.
1652 hrs Air raid alert. Eight Spitfires 1435 Squadron and eight 126 Squadron are scrambled to intercept. The remaining raiders cross the coast and bombs are dropped in the sea and on land in St Paul’s Bay area.
1701 hrs Four enemy fighters launch a dive-bombing attack on the RAF station at Qawra Tower and Headquarters of C Company 2nd Bn Kings Own Malta Regiment. The raiders are engaged by anti-aircraft fire from Qawra Tower.
1735 hrs Raiders passed. Enemy casualties: nil. Three Spitfires are damaged in combat; pilots unhurt.
1800 hrs 15 enemy bombers approach the Island at dusk. Three Beaufighters 89 Squadron Luqa are airborne to intercept but do not locate the raiders.
1810 hrs Air raid alert. Most of the bombers cross the coast and dive-bomb Kalafrana, damaging a hangar, and on Birzebbugga. High explosive, anti-personnel and incendiary bombs are dropped on Hal Far airfield and Safi in another dive-bombing attack, causing craters near the runway and damaging one Spitfire. Heavy Ack Ack fire. One HE 111 is destroyed.
1846 hrs Raiders passed.
0024-0058 hrs Air raid alert. Three enemy aircraft approach Malta. One crosses the coast dropping flares over St Paul’s Bay and a delayed action bomb on Ta Qali. Other bombs are dropped in the sea. Heavy Ack Ack fire. Beaufighters 89 Squadron are airborne to intercept enemy raiders but see no aircraft.
0315-0352 hrs Air raid alert. Four enemy bombers approach the Island but only one crosses the coast, dropping flares. The other three drop their bombs in the sea north of the Island. Beaufighters 89 Squadron are airborne: no engagement. Heavy Ack Ack fire.
Military casualties Flight Lieutenant Ripley Jones, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAF VR), 126 Squadron; Flight Sergeant Ronald Miller, RAF VR, 229 Squadron.
Civilian casualties Birkirkara Anthony Camilleri, age 40; Carmela Gatt, age 45; George Zammit, age 8.
Enemy casualties (known) Oberfeldwebel Walter Boerner and Feldwebel Edwald Futterknecht, air gunner and crewman of a JU 88 bomber, picked up from the sea and taken prisoner; Gruppenkommandeure (GKmdr) Gerhard Kollewe pilot of JU 88 bomber shot down into the sea and killed; GKmdr Major Heinrich Paekpcke, pilot of a JU 88 bomber collided with a Spitfire and killed; Unteroffizier Erwin Seibt, Wireless Operator of a JU 88 bomber, picked up from the sea and taken prisoner.
OPERATIONS REPORTS SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 1942
AIR HQ Arrivals Two Hudsons from Gibraltar. Aircraft casualties Two Spitfires missing due to enemy action: pilots missing. Four Spitfires damaged by enemy action: one pilot uninjured; three crashed – one pilot injured.
HAL FAR 2032-0122 hrs One Swordfish and one Albacore were despatched to attack a 7000 ton merchant vessel previously attacked on 14 October and discovered beached near Homs Harbour. The Swordfish returned early with engine trouble, jettisoning the torpedo. The Albacore located the target but cloud cover over the moon prevented him making an accurate attack. He dropped a torpedo but observed no results.
LUQA One Beaufighter 89 Squadron on patrol over Catania sees a HE 111 on the runway and destroys it. One Spitfire 69 Squadron carried out photo-reconnaissance of Benghasi and another made a photo-recce of Homs.
2nd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT The Battalion is now finding one Officer and 50 Other Ranks for aerodrome maintenance, refuelling and maintaining Spitfires on Luqa air base. One NCO and 18 men are working in support of the Royal Engineers Tunnelling Company working on the aerodrome.
FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB Reported 137. Dealt with: 22 High Explosives, including 6 delayed action (8 x 250kg, 14 x 50kg) plus anti-personnel bombs and oil incendiaries.
(1) Papers of Group Captain Arthur Donaldson, DSO, DFC, AFC, from The Air Battle for Malta, the Diaries of a Spitfire Pilot, James Douglas Hamilton, Pen & Sword 2006
(2) Interview with Sgt Allan Scott
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Malta: War Diary 