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GOVERNOR & COMMANDER IN CHIEF PERFORMS OPENING CEREMONY
The Command Fair in Valletta was officially opened this afternoon by His Excellency the Governor. Lt Gen Dobbie was welcomed by a military guard of honour. After officially declaring the fair open, he inspected the guard and toured the attractions. The Fair in Merchants Street will be open from 1500 hrs to 2200 hrs daily to all ranks of all Services and their friends. Attractions will include a shooting gallery, boxing booth, variety shows, games of skill, stalls, canteens and prizes. There is no entrance fee and prices have been kept low to ensure access for all ranks. Profits from the fair will be donated to selected charities
EXTRACT FROM ITALIAN NEWS BULLETIN 27 OCTOBER 1941
Italian news bulletins have reported on raids by Malta aircraft on Saturday night on the Libyan coast. Five Blenheims attacked barracks at Misurata and six struck a main road between Zuara and Benghazi. Wellingtons carried out a nuisance raid on Tripoli.
According to the Italian media: “British planes raided Benghazi, Tripoli and Misurata. At Benghazi and Tripoli ‘not great damage’ was caused, and no casualties are reported. A Blenheim was shot down by German anti-aircraft guns. Its crew were taken prisoner.”
According to Malta Air Intelligence reports, it is quite possible that the Blenheim mentioned is that of Sgt Shaver who failed to return from raid on the Zuara-Benghazi road.
AIR RAIDS DAWN 27 OCTOBER TO DAWN 28 OCTOBER 1941
Weather Wet and windy.
0758-0810 hrs Air raid alert for two enemy aircraft approaching the Island. Six Hurricanes are scrambled but the raiders retreat before crossing the coast and there is no engagement.
OPERATIONS REPORTS MONDAY 27 OCTOBER 1941
AIR HQ 18 Squadron 4 Blenheims attacked a railway line north of Crotone. 69 Squadron 3 Marylands special patrols. Photoreconnaissances Augusta and Castel Benito.
FORTRESS ROYAL ENGINEERS Bomb Disposal UXB reported 3; dealt with 3 (2kg incendiary).
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Malta: War Diary 