Most valuable Carrier Fighter Of WWII

[fastmongrel]

The SBD was used as a CAP supplement and proved their worth in that capacity on many occasions.

It was only effective when guided by Air Controllers. Without Radio and Radar its unlikely that a 250 mph aircraft would be able to engage attackers if caught out of position. The long loiter time of the SBD (and planes like the Fulmar and Skua) was what made it a useful CAP plane

 

[swampyankee]

I suspect that the IJN and USN expected a significant portion of their carrier operations would be far out of reach of land-based air, but the RN expected to operate in the Mediterranean and the North Sea, well within the range of land-based air.

 

[fastmongrel]

Really? I seem to recall they did exactly that the first time the LW attacked the RN in open sea, when a claim of a "probable hit" by a pilot was turned into "Ark Royal sunk" by Göring and Goebbels, poor pilot was teased to no end after that.

True, it was difficult, but it was the lesser evil, trying to be objective.

Your right I didnt know that.

From Wiki
On 25 September, Ark Royal helped rescue the submarine Spearfish, which had been damaged by German warships off Horn Reefs, in the Kattegat.[29] While returning to port with Spearfish and the battleships Nelson and Rodney on 26 September, the ships were located by three Luftwaffe Dornier Do 18 seaplanes.[10] Ark Royal launched three Blackburn Skuas to disperse them; one Dornier was shot down in the first British aerial kill of the war.[20]

The air commander aboard Ark Royal—aware that the surviving Dorniers would report the location of the British ships—ordered the aircraft to be secured and the anti-aircraft weapons readied.[30] Four Junkers Ju 88 bombers[31] of the Luftwaffe bomber wing KG 30 soon appeared: three were driven away by anti-aircraft fire, but the fourth launched a 1,000-kilogram (2,200 lb) bomb at the carrier.

 

[parsifal]

The RN did not think it possible prewar for her carriers to operate in the inshore waters around Europe.

The fleet carriers were designed and developed primarily as an adjunct to the battle fleet, and as trade protection ships, to hunt down and destroy surface raiders.

In the event that carriers were forced or found themselves in range of land based air, the RN realised that because it did not control its own air arm, and because their FAA was grossly under manned and under equipped that the best policy was to maximise the defences of her carriers....armouring, best passive defences possible, use of inert CO2 years ahead of everyone else. etc.

Because of the limits on hull numbers, air group sizes and overlall manning levels, the RN was forced to utilise multi role aircraft like the Swordfish and Fulmar......aircraft that both had at least two roles to their name. RN mistakenly believed that to operate effectively over water (and this was perhaps true for the RN, since by 1938 they were training and preparing their carrier strike forces for night strike capability to a degree unheard of in other fleet air arms. if the GZ had been ranged against british carriers in open battle in 1940, one could expect full air complement aboard the british carriers and aircraft capable of delivering effective night strike against the DKM ship, something the Germans were not preparing dor in theor CAG prewar…..

 

[JAG88]

Your right I didnt know that.

From Wiki
On 25 September, Ark Royal helped rescue the submarine Spearfish, which had been damaged by German warships off Horn Reefs, in the Kattegat.[29] While returning to port with Spearfish and the battleships Nelson and Rodney on 26 September, the ships were located by three Luftwaffe Dornier Do 18 seaplanes.[10] Ark Royal launched three Blackburn Skuas to disperse them; one Dornier was shot down in the first British aerial kill of the war.[20]

The air commander aboard Ark Royal—aware that the surviving Dorniers would report the location of the British ships—ordered the aircraft to be secured and the anti-aircraft weapons readied.[30] Four Junkers Ju 88 bombers[31] of the Luftwaffe bomber wing KG 30 soon appeared: three were driven away by anti-aircraft fire, but the fourth launched a 1,000-kilogram (2,200 lb) bomb at the carrier.

Yeah, they did, imagine if they had done that in an actual carrier battle...

 

[parsifal]

There is not much evidence to support the claim that german Naval AA was markedly superior to the RN, based on comparable operational results.

As a comparison, we could select two events and compare the results, to determine the relative effective of the flak defences. The two incidents I have selected were the defence of HMS Illustrious 10-24th January 1941, and compare that to operation Tungsten, the FAA attack on DKM Tirpitz 3rd April 1944

The ship was attacked some 85 miles west of Malta by 40 Stukas from the newly arrived Fliegerkorps X, in a well planned attack lasting an hour. In this attack 1.000 pound pound bombs were used. The design of Illustrious was capable of withstanding only 500 lb bombs. Before the bombing the squadron of Fulmars managed to get off. They were largely too low to affect the initial attacks, which went in largely unopposed from 10000 ft. The german attack is considered a textbook example of divebomber tactics.

After this attack Illustrious was left steaming in circles with raging fires below. 2 enemy aircraft are believed to have been shot down by the CAP and 2 by flak, a further 12 were lost in the remaining actions in the day, 5 by aircraft, 5 by flak and 2 by non-combat related accidents. .

After the first hits, Illustrious ran up signals that said, 'I am not under control'. The 2 lifts each weighing some 300 tons were wrecked welded into different shapes by the white hot fires which raged below deck. Fires were now a main priority to extinguish before the ship which carried high octane fuel ammunition caught alight. CO2 gas was used extensively to smother the flames wherever possible.

The power at one stage failed the pumps were put out of action. The Luftwaffe returned after refueling rearming in Sicily to give the final blow. The fleet went to Illustrious' aid put up a heavy barrage (in the initial attacks, the carrier was more or less on her own) . Fulmars from Illustrious fought to save the ship before staging back to Malta to refuel and re-arm. they then returned to the continue their cover mission. In a series of fights that lasted all day. The long endurance of the fulmar….more than 4 hours airborne time was undoubtedly of great value in this defensive fight. The Fulmars are believed to have shot down at least 5 more Stukas. She was still 40 miles from Malta after the last attack. She made port later that night.

The boilers were still untouched but the stokers were working in temperatures of 130°F. A shell splinter had jammed the sprinkler system full on which was flooding the ship. For a time the sprinkler systems could not be shut down because of the out of control fires....

The last attack by the Luftwaffe saw another 1,000 pound bomb hit the ship. This bomb penetrated a damaged lift shaft reignited some of the fires.

It took the ship 5 hours from this last attack to make Grand Harbour, arriving in Malta at 10 o'clock in the evening. The fires were extinguished that night

The arrival of such an important ship brought a lot of civilian onlookers who crowded the harbour area. At a quarter past noon on the 16th January an announcement was made over loudspeakers to the civilians to make for air raid shelters on hearing the air raid sirens as a new defence strategy was to be used to protect the harbour flying shrapnel from exploding shellls falling from the sky would make the area very dangerous. Many civilians at this time would stay above ground to watch the bombing. The Luftwaffe continued to pound the ship mercilessly, but to no real avail.

RN flak was effective in keeping the attacker off aim and at arms length The flak defences are believed to have shot down at least 5 of the attackers.

At 13.55 the radar picked up a large contact - 'It was the largest that had ever been recorded in Malta till then'. The harbour guns lifted to their fixed positions - light AA, heavy AA, 4·5" guns, pom poms, even heavy guns on the fort. machine guns were not used as they could not reach high levels but a few of the more determined attackers that basically came down to deck level were hosed by the HMGs

The bombers from Fliegerkorps X were escorted by Messerschitt, Fiat Macchi fighters. Precise numbers aren't known, but were at least 80 a/c through the day. The RAF managed to send up 4 Hurricanes, 3 Fulmars 2 Gladiators. These were instructed to stay out of the harbour area pick off stragglers. The attack comprised of 2 seperate attacks - the first by Ju 88's (shallow dive bombers) the second by Ju 87 (Stuka's). This force amounted to 70 bombers all concentrating on sinking Illustrious. No other ship, before or since has endured such a sustained, concentrated intensity of attack and survived (there were heavier attacks, such as the Yamato, but afaik, none survived).

The harbour guns opened up to a deafening noise described as 'hell let loose'. The ships in harbour including Illustrious fired their guns in protective fire.

Despite the bravery of the German airmen only one bomb hit Illustrious this being on the quarterdeck caused little damage. Despite the RAF pilots being told not to enter the harbour area a Fulmar chased a Stuka right through the barrage. After the bomber released his bombs he swept off down the harbour so low to the water he had to climb to get over the 15' breakwater. The Fulmar eventually shot it down. This returned to Hal Far where the pilot remarked - 'Don't think much of Malta's bloody barrage'.

The plane however was so badly damaged it didn't fly again. It had to be scrapped

During this attack the merchantman Essex which was lying at the other end of the creek was hit by a heavy bomb in the engine room with the loss of 38 men. Luckily the bulkheads contained the explosion. She was loaded with 4,000 tons of ammunition torpedoes.

On the 19th January came the last bombing raid which raised up clouds of dust to 1,000 feet. This probably helped to screen the ship from accurate bombing.

Illustrious left Malta at sunset on the 23rd quickly accelerating to 20 knots on leaving harbour for a 2 day trip to Alexandria. Later she would travel to the USA for repairs later return to Malta for Operation Husky the invasion of Sicily in 1943.

The battle ive selected on the other side of the ledger is Operation Tungsten, against the DKM Tirpitz in April 1944

You can read about it in this link, but in summary no less than 15 hits were scred on the BB, for the loss of just two RN a/c and one damaged (fate unknown)

Tirpitz

There is no evidence here to support the claim that DKM flak was superior to that in the RN

 

[JAG88]

There is not much evidence to support the claim that german Naval AA was markedly superior to the RN, based on comparable operational results.


After this attack Illustrious was left steaming in circles with raging fires below. 2 enemy aircraft are believed to have been shot down by the CAP and 2 by flak, a further 12 were lost in the remaining actions in the day, 5 by aircraft, 5 by flak and 2 by non-combat related accidents. .

The power at one stage failed the pumps were put out of action. The Luftwaffe returned after refueling rearming in Sicily to give the final blow. The fleet went to Illustrious' aid put up a heavy barrage (in the initial attacks, the carrier was more or less on her own) . Fulmars from Illustrious fought to save the ship before staging back to Malta to refuel and re-arm. they then returned to the continue their cover mission. In a series of fights that lasted all day. The long endurance of the fulmar….more than 4 hours airborne time was undoubtedly of great value in this defensive fight. The Fulmars are believed to have shot down at least 5 more Stukas. She was still 40 miles from Malta after the last attack. She made port later that night.

CLAIMS:

2+2+5+5+2=16

Actual losses?

3...

 

[parsifal]

CLAIMS:

2+2+5+5+2=16

Actual loses?

3...

no.they lost 2 to a/c, then 2 to flak, then a further 12 after that initial clash. that makes a total 16.
whats the "3' in reference to. the losses Im quoting are corrected and include those recorded in the LW QM returns for FKX in that month

 

[JAG88]

no.they lost 2 to a/c, then 2 to flak, then a further 12 after that initial clash. that makes a total 16.
whats the "3' in reference to. the losses Im quoting are corrected and include those recorded in the LW QM returns for FKX in that month

Junkers Ju 87 Stukageschwader of North Africa and the Mediterranean

Page 10

You are talking about "beliefs", those are claims, we all know how much those are worth.

I would address the strike on an anchored Tirpitz bit but, after this, is hardly necessary...

 

[parsifal]

nice try sunshine. I say "I believe" because I have not cross checked, not anything to do with claims.

Your source, incidentally IS known to be suspect. In case you didn't look, its from the osprey series, which is known to be notoriously innaccurate in most cases.

what about the ju88s, Me 110s, SM79s, Macchis and other units involved in the sustained attacks. You are quoting just the two stuka units involved.

This is actual FKX OB dated January 1941

Order of Battle (January 1941)
Aufklärungsgruppe 14
Aufklärungsgruppe 121
Aufklärungsgruppe 122
Aufklärungsgruppe 123
Jagdgeschwader 27
Kampfgeschwader 26
Kampfgeschwader 30
Kampfgeschwader zbV 1
Kampfgeschwader zbV 172
Kampfgruppe zbV 9
Küstenfliegergruppe 506
Lehrgeschwader 1
Seeaufklärungsgruppe 126
Sturzkampfgeschwader 1
Sturzkampfgeschwader 3
Zerstörergeschwader 26

sources;

Cajus Bekker - Hitler's Naval War



Then we have the RA contributions. Or are you so conceited and one eyed about German supremacy as to not give the Italians their due in this.

What other half baked sources would you like to trot out.....

 

[parsifal]

View attachment 505504

I would address the strike on an anchored Tirpitz bit but, after this, is hardly necessary...

Ah I think it is. you are the one making the unsubstantiated claims about how superior the german flak systems were over everybody else. bring it on sunshine. im fired up and ready to rumble.....

 

[JAG88]

nice try sunshine. I say "I believe" because I have not cross checked, not anything to do with claims.

Your source, incidentally IS known to be suspect. In case you didn't look, its from the osprey series, which is known to be notoriously innaccurate in most cases.

what about the ju88s, Me 110s, SM79s, Macchis and other units involved in the sustained attacks. You are quoting just the two stuka units involved.

This is actual FKX OB dated January 1941

Order of Battle (January 1941)
Aufklärungsgruppe 14
Aufklärungsgruppe 121
Aufklärungsgruppe 122
Aufklärungsgruppe 123
Jagdgeschwader 27
Kampfgeschwader 26
Kampfgeschwader 30
Kampfgeschwader zbV 1
Kampfgeschwader zbV 172
Kampfgruppe zbV 9
Küstenfliegergruppe 506
Lehrgeschwader 1
Seeaufklärungsgruppe 126
Sturzkampfgeschwader 1
Sturzkampfgeschwader 3
Zerstörergeschwader 26

sources;

Cajus Bekker - Hitler's Naval War



Then we have the RA contributions. Or are you so conceited and one eyed about German supremacy as to not give the Italians their due in this.

What other half baked sources would you like to trot out.....

LOL! I am sorry, arent you the guy who is constantly changing the subject after being corrected again and again on the GZ matter? You dropped it mightily fast after you were made face the facts regarding the DKM carriers...

Now, regarding the Italians, well, given their track record...

And THERE IT IS! An accusation about "German supremacy" after running out of facts, it was overdue!

Where is that bit about the 109T folding wing btw?

Did you see the Fi 167 photo?

You seem to find very difficult to acknowledge receipt of information... wonder why...

 

[JAG88]

Ah I think it is. you are the one making the unsubstantiated claims about how superior the german flak systems were over everybody else. bring it on sunshine. im fired up and ready to rumble.....

Nah, this was the last day of rest after the extraction of my wisdom teeth so its back to work for me, but it is nice to see you so pumped up!

Let me know if you have further questions on the GZ.

 

[parsifal]

Instead of squabbling in an unseemly fashin, its time to get to work and bring out the best that we can

This narrative is drawn from the following summary which drew on a wide array of sources

This Day in the War in Europe: The Beginning


Relevant bits start on Page 74


Part I
Italy's 96 Gruppo

This bomber group detached some Ju87Rs to Sicily on January 8 after German and Italian intelligence operative reported the impending arrival of HMS ILLustrious in waters off Sicily. The Stukas were to be based in Comiso. On the same day, the first of Germany's powerful bomber contingent would arrive on the island to support the attack.

96 Gruppo Ju87 B2 as they appeared September 1941

Fliegerkorps X
This was Hitler's gift to the embattled Mussolini. The specialist anti-shipping unit would have as its first priority the neutralisation of Malta and the British fleet. This would secure the sea lanes to Libya which would allow the embattled Italian army to be reinforced by German troops and armour.

X Fliegerkorps was sent to Italy "for a limited period only" by Adolf Hitler to assist the struggling Italians, but it was not a half hearted effort. The unit was highly trained in anti-shipping operations, with many of its pilots originally earmarked to fly on Germany's first carrier, Graf Zeppelin. At the core of the units striking power were some 42 Ju87s of StGI, StG2 and StG3 that had been assigned to an air base at Trapani, on the north-west coast of Sicily. Their role was to attack British ships passing between Sicily and North Africa. Specifically, that shipping meant HMS Illustrious and Ark Royal.

The initial deployment of FKX to the med included 50 He 111s, 70 Ju88As, 80 Ju 87s and 26 Me110s. There were at least 20 Me 109s attached.

The order issued by Oberstleutnant Karl Christ, Kommodore of the Stukagruppen, was straight and to the point: "The Illustrious has got to be sunk!" Considerable thought had been put into how to kill a British armoured carrier, in particular by Oberst Harlinghausen and General de Flieger Geisler. It was believed four direct bomb hits would be needed to sink the ship. No other warship had ever been delivered such a blow, but, then, these armoured carriers were anticipated to be tough nuts to crack. The Stuka crews were confident they could do the job. Afterall, the 6500sq/m flight deck was an expansive target area. To make sure, the crews practiced their dive-bombing techniques over an outline of the carrier's shape marked by buoys in the sea not far from their new base.

The 43 Ju87 Stukas were made up of "B" models from II/StG 2 (led by Major Enneccerus) and "R"models from I/StG 1 (led by Hauptmann Hozzel). The "R" or long range model was capable of carrying a 1100lb (500kg) bomb - but only if it was not carrying drop tanks. If a drop tank was fitted, its bomb load was limited to a 550lb (250kg) bomb. The "B-2" could carry a 2200lb (1000kg) bomb over a very short distance - but only if the gunner was left behind. It was not capable of being fitted with drop tanks in any configuration. The attack was carefully choreographed. It was no accident that Italian torpedo-bombers attacked when they did, drawing off and down, the Fulmar CAP. And a diversionary effect of 10 Stukas attacking the battleships was expected.

When ILLUSTRIOUS was left to defend herself with her high-angle armament - and the fresh Fulmars observed to just be leaving her deck - it was the perfect outcome for a meticulously planned operation.

St.G 2 Ju 87 B as flown by Major Walter Enneccerus for the raid on the British carrier "HMS Illustrious

The Air Attack On Force A Operation Excess (Part II)

PRELUDE

Luck had not been with the operation from the outset.

Force A had been spotted by RA recon a/c as early as the morning of January 7. A recon bomber was sighted shortly after 0800. A section of Fulmars had been kept ready on ILLUSTRIOUS' deck for just such an eventuality. The fighters failed to intercept. It would not be the last time their low rate of climb would fail the fleet. On January 9, convoy MC4 and Force H were also spotted by RA a/c. 10 SM79s were launched from Sardinia but were chased off by CV ARK ROYALls' Fulmars. Two were claimed shot down. A second attack by 15 Fiat CR42s also proved unsuccessful. Force A had been strengthened by the four cruisers of Force D and HMAS SYDNEY. Their stay would be short: all would be detached to help cover the convoys before the attack on HMS ILLUSTRIOUS unfolded. That was the plan.

Force H handed responsibility for convoy MC4, which had been joined by Force B, to Force A at dusk. ILLUSTRIOUS was carrying a squadron of 12 Fulmars (806 squadron), along with a detachment of three Fulmars from 805 Squadron. This was regarded as the standard fighter complement for the fleet carriers. There also was some 20 Swordfish (in 815 and 819 squadron).

Early on January 10, two Italian torpedo boats and a submarine launched attacks on MC4. The CLA BONAVENTURE and two DDs which had been with the convoy gave chase – sinking the torpedo boat VEGA, but expending a large amount of ammunition. However, one of HMS ILLUSTRIOUS' escorts - the DD GALLANT - struck a mine at 0835. Another destroyer took her in tow, and a third DD was detached as escort along with BONAVENTURE.

HMS ILLUSTRIOUS astern BB WARSPITE 10 January
ILLUSTRIOUS' radar was to play a key role in the air battle as it unfolded. The Type 79Z model she was fitted with was capable of detecting aircraft at 20,000ft up to 90 miles away. The Fulmars – of which 12 were operational - were providing the combat air patrol. Three had become unserviceable through accident or mechanical fault. The air battle began at 0930 that morning when one of HMS ILLUSTRIOUS' Fulmars shot down a Z501 recon . Most of the early radar contacts turned out to be aircraft attempting to shadow the fleet.

Five Fulmars were on air patrol at 1120 (three in Red Section, two in White Section) when a single contact was detected at 12,000ft. It was found to be a SM79, which was promptly shot down. One Fulmar of Red Section lost its cockpit's sliding hood during this engagement and was forced to land on ILLUSTRIOUS at 1145. This left four fighters on the air patrol. Lt Robert Henley reported:

'An aircraft identified as a Messerschmitt 109 attempted to join the formation, but did not attack. When it broke away, the Fulmars proved too slow to pursue it'.

Early in the morning, a strike of Swordfish had been flown off from ILLUSTRIOUS to hit an Italian convoy. These had returned and had been struck below to refuel and rearm before the German attack developed. Several pairs of Swordfish were still in the air, on armed recon.

ATTACK 1
At 1220 hours Force A detected a group of unidentified aircraft on radar some six miles from the fleet. The CAP fighters were immediately directed to intercept. Two Savoia SM79 torpedo bombers came into sight two minutes later. They had approached from below the radar horizon and raced low through the fleet towards the starboard side of the carrier, met only by light AA fire. The bombers dropped their torpedoes some 2500 yards distant from Illustrious which took urgent evasive action by swinging to port. Both torpedoes passed astern, but went on to only narrowly miss the nearby BB VALIANT.

SM-79 delivering a similar low level torpedo attack during the Pedestal Convoys

Lt Henley reported:
'The S79s made a low pass over the fleet, which drew us off at low altitude and high speed to the southeast, and this in turn allowed the Germans to make their attack."

ILLUSTRIOUS ' Fulmars had dived from 14,000ft to chase the low-level Savoias. Red Section engaged as the SM79s fled the fleet, expending all their ammunition in the effort. They spent too much time chasing this now unimportant target, breaking a crucial rule in Fleet defence operations.

White Section continued the chase but was unable to catch the fleeing bombers. But, as they passed over Linosa Island, they saw an SM79 standing in a field – which they promptly strafed. Red Section reported its lack of ammunition and set course to land and re-arm on ILLUSTRIOUS. They had been scheduled to land at 1245.

 

[parsifal]

The air attack on Fce A Operation Excess Part III

1225: Scramble and FK X Form up

When HMS ILLUSTRIOUS detected a second – much larger – raid at 1225, the Fighter Direction Officer (FDO) knew the fleet was in trouble. The air patrol was out of position and low on ammunition. The enemy formation was only 28 miles away, to the nth. The fleet was itself about 85 miles west of Malta. ILLUSTRIOUS recalled the four Fulmars as soon as the raid was detected. The FDO also ordered them to climb. But the fighters had a long way to fly, and a lot of height to regain. Precious time to the enemy to close the distance, get into attack position and begin the attacks. FKX were not to be the slow and flimsy Italian aircraft they had previously encountered. these attacks were to be delivered by a determined and well trained enemy, in aircraft ideal for the purpose of delivering pinpoint attacks, and well supported.

While ILLUSTRIOUS had an effective and innovative fighter direction crew, communications to the Flag Officer aboard HMS VALIANT was limited. The opportunity provided by the early warning was therefore squandered.

X Fliegerkorps had deployed a comprehensive strike force including:
•43 Ju87 B and R model Stuka dive bombers of I StG1 and II StG2 with a detachment from StG3.
•18 He111s of KG26
•10 Bf110s of ZG26 were escort
•Some sources state "a number" of Ju88s also took part.
•Some accounts also say three Italian bombers flew "as guides".

Four Fulmars and three Swordfish were already in position on ILLUSTRIOUS' deck for a scheduled 1235 rotation in air patrol. The FDO requested the relief flight be flown off as fast as possible. Several more Fulmars were rapidly hoisted onto the flight deck to supplement the defence. At, 1230 ILLUSTRIOUS' CO asked permission from the CinC to turn the fleet into the wind five minutes early. The reply was slow in coming. Four minutes, to be exact. At 1234, approval was received to alter course to launch a/c. The ready Fulmars only began rolling down the deck as the German aircraft entered visual range.

Lt Vincent-Jones, flying as Lt Bill Barnes' Tactical Air Officer (TAO), recalled:

"There was no CAP overhead and there were only six serviceable Fulmars in the hangar, two of which were brought up on the after lift. Barnes and I were leading the next section to take off and were on our way up to the bridge for briefing. I remember being told to get airborne as fast as possible as a huge formation was approaching from the northwards."

At 1235, the enemy formation came into sight at 12,000ft.

By 1237, the last aircraft left the deck even as the first bombs fell.

After action report from Commanding Officer, HMS ILLUSTRIOUS to Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers, Mediterranean
(26 January 1941)

Tactics of attacking aircraft.
The attacking aircraft consisted of two formations of JUNKERS 87 with German markings. It was difficult to count the numbers exactly but the first formation consisted of 15 and the second of 20 to 30 aircraft. They were in a very loose and flexible formation, constantly changing their relative positions, and split when engaged by long range fire. It is estimated that the dive was started at about 12,000 feet and checked at 6000 to 8000 feet before going into the aiming dive. Bomb release varied from about 1500 feet in the first wave to 800 feet in later ones. Most aircraft continued to dive after releasing their bombs and flattened out low over the water having crossed the flight deck. At least one aircraft machine gunned the ship. The majority of the aircraft attacked ILLUSTRIOUS.

Most of the bombs dropped were large SAP bombs of about 500kg. but some smaller bombs (either direct action or with very short delay) may have been used as the damage from certain hits was appreciably less than others.

Report on aircraft encountered
1. All those encountered bore the standard German markings.
2. Camouflage. Black and grey mottling above, half black and half white below. General camouflage similar to a Fulmar.
3. Tactics.
(i) Single JU. 87 when attacked from astern will pull the nose up in order to allow the rear gunner a good downward shot.
(ii) If attacked in formation, two of formation drop astern and use their front gun on the attacking aircraft.
4. A Fulmar should have no difficulty in catching or outmanoeuvring a JU. 87. Being of metal construction, a JU. 87 will not burn like an Italian aircraft. JU. 87 s appear to be well protected from stern attacks. Every endeavour should be made to carry out beam and quarter attacks."


The air attack on Fce A Operation Excess Part IV

1238: Attack 2

The main assault lasted just 7 minutes, with a group of about 30 Stukas headed towards Illustrious, whilst another 10 went after the BBs as a diversion intended to to split the AA fire. Their actions demonstrated the value of experience, planning and training.

The approaching Stukas formed into three clover-leaf formations, with the planes continually changing height, speed and position to evade AA. Diving from 12,000ft to about 7000ft, the Stukas then positioned themselves for attack. Their dives ranged from 65 to 80 degrees. Despite having no ammunition, Red Section's Fulmars made dummy attack runs in an effort to disrupt the enemy's aim.

Lt Henley reported "By the time I got back, without ammunition, all I could do was to make dummy passes at them as they started their dives on the carrier." Despite these futile gestures, two Ju87s were seen to jettison their bombs early. The two remaining patrol Fulmars had been struggling to regain height and position after breaking off their chase of the Italian torpedo bombers. The four freshly launched Fulmars (two in Blue Section and two in Yellow Section) were also encumbered by their 1200ft per minute climb rate.

Denis Tribe was the observer in Fulmar Q, flown by Sub Lt Jackie Sewell.

"We were at readiness on the flight deck and took off before Illustrious was to wind. Before we were at 2000ft the first bomb from a Ju87 hit the ship. It went into the open lift well and exploded in the hangar – it was really horrific to watch as you realised how many would be blown to bits – also a very close escape. As we climbed to attack the Stukas were diving to bomb. When we reached height the air seemed full of aircraft. From the rear seat I saw one go down and another was damaged. It wasn't long before we were out of ammunition and landed at Hal Far."

The Fulmars put up a valiant – but ineffectual – fight. Captain Boyd later concluded "This attack came at a bad moment for the fighters. Those in the air had already been engaged in two combats and were low down, and with little ammunition remaining. Relief fighters were ready on deck, but as the whole fleet had to be turned by signal from the Commander-in-Chief before they could be flown off, valuable minutes were wasted. In any case the Fulmar has not sufficient climbing speed to ensure being able to counter this type of attack, particularly if a heavy attack is launched shortly after a minor or diversionary attack."

The fleet claimed two Stukas shot down by AA fire. White Section arrived as the attack ended. Despite having already expended half their ammunition, the flight claimed one Ju87 shot down and two damaged. The freshly launched Blue Section reported to have shot down one Ju87 before it had dropped its bombs. Yellow Section claimed two victims after they had bombed. The claims were ambitious: X Fliegerkorps reported losing only three Stukas in that day's fighting, though a larger number were unserviceable for the subsequent attacks.

Lt Vincent-Jones would write "Meanwhile, Barnes had no shortage of targets – he had, in fact, too many, and contented himself with pumping bursts into Stuka after Stuka as they came through his sights – and there was no question of not being able to see the whites of their eyes! I found it difficult to see what was going on up front, but I saw one Stuka go down with smoke pouring out of its engine. Despite their slow speed the Stuka did not respond easily to .303 bullets as they bounced off a sheet of armour fitted at the rear of the back seat to protect the air gunners… The next thing I remember was Bill Barnes telling me that we were out of ammunition."

During the engagement, one Fulmar of Blue Section was shot down. Crewed by Sub Lt Lowe and observer Kensett, the Fulmar had been seen to shoot down a Ju87 as another moved on to its tail. An ensuing burst of machine-gun fire killed Kensett and wounded Lowe in the shoulder. The fighter ditched near the DD HMS NUBIAN , but Lowe was not seen to get out of the cockpit. Some 30 minutes later, HMS JAGUAR spotted Lowe bobbing in the water by pure chance. A very lucky man.....

One Swordfish also ditched. The crew was picked up by a DD. This aircraft was piloted by Lt Charles Lamb of 815 Sqn. He had been in the landing circuit after completing his ASW patrol as the attack developed. After a series of desperate aerobatics to avoid being shot-down by the swooping Stukas, Lamb circled the fleet to watch developments. With a punctured fuel tank, he eventually ditched his Swordfish alongside the DD HMS JUNO. The 7 remaining airborne Fulmars, without another carrier to land-on, were ordered to fly to Malta to refuel and rearm. 9 of ILLUSTRIOUS' Swordfish also were in the air at the time of the attack and managed to get to Malta.

HMS ILLUSTRIOUS' high-angle 4.5in and pom-pom batteries were restrained for up to a minute in opening fire as the Fulmars and Swordfish got airborne. it was still an impressive achievement to get that number of a/c off the deck in such a short time. With the BBs focused on evading the diversionary strike, the carrier was left virtually unsupported. The attack that unfolded was devastating by any standard. The first Stukas dropped their bombs from about 1500ft. Later waves went so low as 800ft before releasing their weapons. 13 minutes after the initial radar contact, the first bombs began to register on the carrier. One of the last Fulmar's to leave ILLUSTRIOUS' deck was piloted by Lt Bill Barnes with Lt Vincent-Jones as his observer "When we had reached a few hundred feet we found ourselves surrounded by Ju87s as they were pulling out of their dives. Some were very close and I could clearly see the rear gunners firing at us. I looked down and saw poor ILLUSTRIOUS passing through huge columns of water, with smoke coming from the after end of the flight deck."

The spectacle wasn't reserved for the Fulmar crews. The Swordfish also had prime seats. at least one a/c managed to take photos from the air of the unfolding drama. A crewman of one of the Swordfish bombers from the ILLUSTRIOUS recalled the event
"Suddenly there was a loud explosion on my right-hand side and I felt the whole plane shake as a shock wave buffeted me too – the twin 4.5inch gun turret a few feet away had opened fire, its barrels pointing vertically over the flight deck, and following their line, I looked up to see a mass of aircraft coming in fast immediately over the fleet, and they were not ours. We were frantically waved off and up the deck, even though the ship was still swinging rapidly to starboard to turn into the light breeze. By now all our 4.5inch guns and pom-poms were blazing away straight above my head. We rumbled off as the enemy, gracefully it seemed, wheeled over in succession and dived straight down, almost as if they wanted to look down the funnel. As we passed the island the first bomb exploded at the after end of the flight deck where we had been parked seconds before. The sea around Illustrious was boiling with falling shrapnel and I saw that another direct hit had been scored, this time plumb in the middle of the flight deck."

HMS ILLUSTRIOUS was in serious trouble. She had been hit six times. For 3 hrs her fate hung in the balance. Fires were raging out of control inside her hangar – other ships in the fleet could see the flames venting out of the aft lift well. Several other compartments were also ablaze, most notably near the forward magazine. But her crew fought back with courage, skill and determination. The damage wasn't entirely one-sided. According to "Report of Air Attacks on HMS ILLUSTRIOUS during Operation MC4, 26 January, 1941" "About twenty feet of the wing of a Ju87 fell on the after lift. Aircraft assumed to have crashed. A Ju87 was seen to fall into the sea by the Chaplain and another crashed into the sea just astern of one Swordfish on A/S patrol"

At 1255, ILLUSTRIOUS' electric steering gear failed. Her rudder was unresponsive. Captain Boyd ordered the flag signal "I AM NOT UNDER CONTROL" raised as the engines were urgently altered to keep the carrier on course. Steerage was regained by 1303 98 mins later) through use of auxiliary steam mechanisms.

An amazing sequence of photos of the German attack

 

[parsifal]

The air attack on Fce A Operation Excess Part V
1329: ATTACK 3 - The Italians return

The main attack had knocked out the radar on ILLUSTRIOUS, but the second wave was detected by HMS VALIANT, and the escort and fighters warned and able to take up defensive positions accordingly. Captain Boyd's report says the raid by 7 RA SM 79s began at 1329. The bomber formation at 14,000ft was engaged before their payloads could be released accurately. Splashes were observed scattered around the fleet. But the attack had some effect. Forced to manouvre hard to evade the bombs – some of which fell near - her steam steering gear failed again. The carrier was again out of control, steaming slowly in circles to port.

ILLUSTRIOUS In Mortal Danger

The flight deck was inoperable. The damage and fires around the aft and lift were not under control and simply made landing-on operations impossible – even if the carrier could turn into the wind, which it could not. The forward lift also had been displaced. According to Swordfish pilot Charles Lamb, the hangar itself was like a scene from Dante's Inferno:
"(The hangar fire screens) disintegrated at once, bursting apart in masses of red hot steel splinters about three or four feet long, which tore through every obstruction setting on fire all the aircraft that were not already burning and decapitating anyone who might be standing in the way."

A flash report from the CinC to the admiralty immediately after the attack reported 11 Swordfish and five Fulmars stowed in the hangar had been destroyed. Others sources say nine Swordfish and four Fulmars were lost. Despite the damage, the armoured box had prevented major aviation fuel lines from being ruptured. The Avgas lines were filled with CO2 and the strict policies about volatile liquids and munitions in the hangar space were paying off. The survival of the ILLUSTRIOUS was as much about the high standards of damage control in the RN as they were to do with the ship design. Reports were reaching Captain Boyd that whilst the the fires were bad they were not uncontrollable.

Other problems were presenting themselves, however. ILLUSTRIOUS' speed had dropped first to 21 knots, but by 1345 she was making only 15 knots. Work to restore the steam steering succeeded at 1348. But the success was short lived, as, at 1350, it failed again.

ILLUSTRIOUS makes for Valletta
HMS ILLUSTRIOUS eventually regained steerage at 1434 through alternating the revolutions to her three screws. This was only possible once the rudder had been jammed into an amidships position. Captain Boyd later wrote "When this very severe and brilliantly executed D/ B attack was over, the ship was on fire fore and aft, the flight deck was wrecked, and I decided to make for Malta at once, informing the Commander in Chief who detached 'Jaguar' and 'Hasty' as screen."

Malta was some 75 miles away. It was to be a six-hour trial by fire.

Men were trapped. Fires continued to rage. Shrapnel had jammed part of the fire sprinkler system on – contributing to the flooding of the ship, and it took some time to attend to this serious problem. At one point the power failed, and the fire-fighting pumps were put out of action. Stokers in the boiler room had to contend with extreme temperatures and a ventilation system full of thick smoke. Struggling with the heat and smoke, many would pass out from exhaustion.

The four aft HA 4.5in gun mounts were out of action. Their fire control circuits had been destroyed and ammunition conveyors hit. Fires raged around the forward magazines, but there was no explosion in the magazines or ready use ammunition lockers. Captain Boyd made a daring decision: He would not flood the magazines. This enabled the ship to continue defending itself. He would later write "The guns crews (with about 60% of the armament) beat off the subsequent attacks.". It was clear at this point that ILLUSTRIOUS had been hit very severely, but her engines were intact. There was still a chance to save her. At a steady 17 knots, ILLUSTRIOUS limped towards the refuge of Malta.

The air attack on Fce A Operation Excess Part VI

1604: ATTACK 4

The LW and RA were determined to sink the carrier if they could, so several strikes were hastily organised and flung at HMS ILLUSTRIOUS. The battered carrier did get intermittent air cover from Malta as she struggled towards safety – three of her own Fulmars were now operating out of Hal Far along with with nine Hurricanes. HM Battleships VALIANT and WARSPITE were still in company along with the DDs HASTY and JAGUAR. She was still some 45 miles from Valetta harbour at this point.

Late that afternoon, at 1604, another strike was reported on radar by HMS VALIANT – this time of about 15 Italian Ju87s from 237a Squadriglia with an escort of about five Italian single-seat fighters. Three Ju88s of LGI also appear to have taken part in a raid about this time, only to be chased off by Malta's Hurricanes. ILLUSTRIOUS was unable to take effective evasive manoeuvres because of her damage. Her fires were still burning out of control.
Fortunately the attack was nowhere near as well synchronised as the first, neither were the bombers delivering the attack as capable in this sort of attack as the Ju87s. It is significant that it was the Ju87s of this strike that achieved the hits.

The first wave of six Ju87s attacked from astern shortly after coming into view at 1609. HMS ILLUSTRIOUS' forward 4.5in mounts and four remaining pom-pom mounts contributed to the defence, despite being hampered by thick haze and smoke from the hangar fire. Only two bombs fell near the ship from this wave. A second wave of three Ju87s dove in on the starboard side a minute later. A near-miss abreast the conning-tower funnel shook the ship violently. Another burst just off the quarterdeck, killing and wounding those assembled there to tend the injured. Captain Boyd's report does not state exactly when the final bomb hit the aft lift during this raid. He only reports six further Stukas retiring at height, with two being diverted from their attack run without dropping their bombs. But the damage was significant. Many of those tending wounded in the hangar and fighting the fires were killed. A near-miss also killed one man and wounded three aboard HMS VALIANT.

Admiral Cunningham later commented: "One of the staff officers who watched it hurtling over the bridge from astern told me it looked about the size of the wardroom sofa." ILLUSTRIOUS was now listing some 5 degrees to starboard. This was from the fire-fighting water trapped in the hangar and wardroom flat – the scuppers had been blocked. Somehow the ship remained upright and afloat.

1710: ATTACK 5

HMS VALIANT's radar again demonstrated its worth at 1656 when enemy aircraft were detected at 52 miles. 17 aircraft came into view at 1710 and then proceeded to circle the fleet to make an approach from up-sun and astern. The combined high-level and dive-bombing attacks appear mainly to have been directed at the BBs, but none came close. Several Ju88's of LGIII reportedly took part in this raid. After refueling and rearming at Malta, several of ILLUSTRIOUS' Fulmars returned to the scene – a little too late. A long stern chase developed. Lt Vincent-Jones described the scene: "We soon sighted ILLUSTRIOUS on her way towards the Grand Harbour with smoke pouring out of her but still making a good 20 knots. She had parted company with the rest of the fleet. We were not in time to intercept before the attack developed but we caught up with the enemy on their way back to Sicily…"

ILLUSTRIOUS had to nose her own way through the swept channel leading to the harbour entrance. The requested tugs were nowhere to be seen. Only two ASW PVs came out to assist. But the Axis air attacks were not over. An hour after sunset as HMS ILLUSTRIOUS limped within five miles of the entrance to Valetta harbour, yet another attack developed. Malta radioed an urgent air-raid warning. Two aircraft were at first heard and then briefly sighted off the starboard bow at 1922. The 4.5in and pom-poms fired a blind barrage as a deterrent. The aircraft withdrew. Alarmingly, HMS HASTY reported a sonar contact at 1930. DCs were fired but no torpedo tracks were seen. ILLUSTRIOUS limped into harbour that night a shattered ship. No other carrier of the war was to suffer the same number of hits as she, and survive.

It was just the beginning.

 

[parsifal]

Chris (NJACO) account of the FKX Attacks 15 January 1941

MEDITERRANEAN: The "Illustrious" Blitz: The Luftwaffe attacks began anew on the aircraft carrier HMS 'Illustrious' now sitting at Grand Harbour under repair. The three days grace since the last Luftwaffe attack had been put to good use by the defenders, with every available AA gun sited around the harbor. An experienced artillery officer, Brigadier Sadler, who had commanded the Dover guns during the Battle of Britain, had recently taken over and made sure a formidable box barrage would greet the Stukas. Gunners on other ships in the harbor, such as the cruiser HMAS "Perth", also stood ready, as well as the gunners on the "Illustrious" herself. The air-raid sirens wailed at 1355 hours, and soon the hordes of bombers - 70 Ju87s and Ju88s - came into view. Ten Macchi C.202s, ten CR.42s and twenty Bf110s escorted the Ju87s. The pre-planned barrage put up was fearsome, but the first wave of some sixty-five Ju88s dove into it, shallow diving from 8,000 feet. Following them were the Ju87s, stooping from 10,000 feet, keen to finish the job they started. The defending fighters (a trio of Fulmars from "Illustrious" now based ashore, four Hurricanes and a pair of Gladiators, survivors of the original "Three Graces") at first circled the barrage, sniping at bombers on their entry and exit from the maelstrom, but then threw caution to the wind and followed their targets into the cauldron. One Ju87 came through the box barrage and flew down the harbor so low it had to climb over the 15-foot sea wall at the entrance. As it did so, the Fulmar that had followed it throughout its dive shot it into the sea beyond. The Stukas of I./StG 1 led by Hptm. Werner Hozzel, came up against the heavy anti-aircraft fire and defending RAF Hurricane and RN Fulmar fighters. The Ju 87s succeed in gaining one hit on the HMS 'Illustrious' and damaging the supply ship HMS 'Essex'. A bomb exploded in "Essex 's" engine room killing 15 men and wounding 23 more. But at a cost to the Luftwaffe. The entire 2 Staffel of StG 1 is wiped out except for its Staffelkapitän. Bombs exploding in Grand Harbor killed numerous fish collected after the raid and eaten by the besieged Maltese. The remaining bombs found their mark in the Three Cities around Grand Harbour, destroying or damaging hundreds of houses and causing many civilian casualties.

My account (drawn from the RN war diary and LW daily situation reports

Malta
The Axis air fleets launched concentrated and ferocious attacks on Malta. Early in the afternoon cloud cover disappeared. A formation of Stuka dive-bombers screamed across the skies over Grand Harbour and HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, berthed at Parlatorio Wharf. Wave after wave of LW a/c followed in their wake – more than 70 of them, raining bombs on the Dockyard and surrounding areas.

The lull in operations for the last few days previously had allowed the AA defences of Malta to be concentrated around the harbour, and this undoubtedly assisted the defence and made the LW bombing runs intense affairs. Malta's few defending Hurricane and Fulmar aircraft took to the air to try and repel the raiders. The valiant response succeeded in preventing all but one bomb from falling on
ILLUSTRIOUS. The merchant ship ESSEX was hit by a heavy bomb, killing 15 crew and seven Maltese dockyard workers.

"The show never seemed to end, but when the last plane had gone, and the thunder of guns changed into an echo and then, too, disappeared, a pall of white smoke covered the whole harbour area."

Some dozens of bombs intended for ILLUSTRIOUS rained down on the surrounding 'Three Cities' of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua instead. There was a measurable decrease in FKX bombing accuracy compared to their previous efforts. Malta's oldest urban communities established and fortified in the 16th century by the Knights of Malta, are now reduced to rubble. It was estimated at the time that some 200 houses were destroyed and another 500 damaged to an uninhabitable state . Casualties are reported to be high: with reported dead – men, women and children; most survivors have lost their homes and everything they own; hundreds were trapped under collapsed buildings. The sacristy of the parish church of St Lawrence, Vittoriosa, suffered a direct hit, entombing 35 people who were sheltering in the crypt. They were not rescued in time. Some have suggested it was a repeat at terror bombing as had happened in several British, Dutch, Norwegian and French cities previously during the war.

The devastation in the old "city" of Senglea after the LW attacks

AIR RAIDS DAWN 16 JANUARY TO DAWN 17 JANUARY 1941
Weather Heavy morning cloud; clear afternoon.

1047-1053 hrs Air raid alert for enemy a/c reported approaching Grand Harbour. Six Swordfish patrol across the Island in formation from NE to SW; three Fulmars are also airborne. The raiders do not cross the coast.

1355-1530 hrs Air raid alert for formations of LW bombers approaching the Island. 15 JU 88s approach from the north over Tigne at 8-12000 feet, wheel east and dive-bomb Grand Harbour before turning away over Ricasoli and Zonqor. The raiders are met by an extremely heavy barrage from all the heavy and light guns of the Dockyard, Luqa and Birzebbuga. Malta fighters are scrambled.

The first attack is followed in by several more large formations of JU 87 Stuka dive-bombers, totalling some 50 a/c, which swoop down singly from 14000 ft to a very low altitude to launch their bombs. Again the guns respond with a massive barrage and Malta fighters engage in dogfights with enemy a/c.

Bombs dropped from as little as a few hundred feet severely damage much civilian property and buildings across the Dockyard. No 2 boiler shop is badly damaged and part of No 2 dock destroyed. A large crater is blown in Sawmills Wharf; flying debris and splinters damage surround windows. MV ESSEX is hit in the engine room by a large bomb, killing 14 or 15 men and wounding another 15. Her vital cargo of guns, ammunition, torpedoes and other service stores is undamaged. HMS ILLUSTRIOUS is hit in the quarterdeck by one bomb. HMAS PERTH suffers a near-miss and is damaged underwater.

Several unexploded bombs are reported in the Dockyard and creeks. Eleven raiders are confirmed shot down and another six damaged, some by fighter aircraft and the remainder by AA fire.

1605-1640 hrs Air raid alert for approaching enemy aircraft. One JU88 approaches from the east and is later seen flying away from the coast to the SW, pursued by Malta fighters; the raider is believed damaged. No bombs are dropped.

Malta
414-1423 hrs Air raid alert for enemy aircraft spotted 21 miles north of the Island. They attempt reconnaissance in very bad weather.
2020-2035 hrs Air raid alert for enemy aircraft reported off the coast. Flashes are seen in the direction of San Pietro. The aircraft do not cross the coast and no raid materialises.

Malta
AIR RAIDS DAWN 18 JANUARY TO DAWN 19 JANUARY 1941
Weather Stormy in the morning; finer later.
It is evident in the changed targetting priorities that resistance offered by the air defences on the island were effective. For the moment FKX concentrates its efforts on neutralising those defences.
0940-1000 hrs Air raid alert for a single enemy a/c which crosses the Island at a great height on recon. Lt AA engage; no claims.
1415 hrs Air raid alert for 80+ Bandits spotted 18 miles off and heading for the Island. Three Fulmars and five Hurricane ftrs are scrambled. A large formation of dive bombers crosses the coast and attacks Hal Far, dropping 40 HE 500kg bombs, destroying one hangar and writing off a Hurricane inside, and setting two other hangars on fire. The officers' mess is destroyed, telephone communications are cut and water mains hit. There are several craters on the runways but the NW/SE strip remainsl serviceable.
1458 hrs Another large formation of enemy raiders is spotted heading inland over Delimara. The raiders dive-bomb Luqa, dropping 40 more 500kg bombs, destroying two hangars and badly damaging two more. The Signal Section, a barrack block and a decontamination centre are destroyed; other offices and the NAAFI are damaged. Several bombs cause craters on the runway and the aerodrome is rendered unserviceable. Electric power, telephone communications and water supplies are cut off. One Wellington is burned out, one Hurricane destroyed and one Maryland badly damaged. All remaining aircraft on the ground are slightly damaged by shrapnel.
1527 hrs Another formation of 8 enemy a/c crosses over St Thomas Bay and attacks Hal Far, damaging the aerodrome and buildings. Three Swordfish aircraft are burned out, another is a total loss; several more receive minor damage. An object is reported floating down over Marsa, possibly a mine.
The raiders are engaged by the aerodromes' ground defences; several hits are claimed. One enemy aircraft is reported in flames near Tarxien. Three Hurricanes and three Fulmars are airborne. One Fulmar is lost over Grand Harbour with no survivors. Another claims an enemy loss but the aircraft is hit in the dog fight and ditches in the sea off Kalafrana; one of the crew is saved.
Minutes later five more enemy aircraft cross the coast at great height and fly over the Island. AA guns engage the raiders; no bombs are dropped. In total Malta fighters claim five enemy losses confirmed. One enemy aircraft is reported crashing into the sea off Wied Zurrieq; ten more are believed damaged. An unexploded bomb is reported in a building at Marsaxlokk.
1610 hrs All clear.
1630-1645 hrs Air raid alert for a formation of three enemy aircraft reported 18 miles off the coast. Three Hurricanes are scrambled and AAt guns open fire; no raid materializes.

Enemy casualties Leutnant Horst Dunkel, 7/LG1, pilot of JU 88; Unteroffizier Arthur Haner, 7/LG1, JU 88 crew member; Gefreiter Heinrich Mueller, I/StG 1, gunner of JU 87 Stuka; Unteroffizier Heinrich Schurmann, 7/LG1, JU 88 crew member; Unteroffizier Richard Zehetmair, I/StG1, pilot of JU 87 Stuka.

Malta
AIR RAIDS DAWN 19 JANUARY TO DAWN 20 JANUARY 1941
Weather Clear.
0930-1010 hrs Air raid alert for 43 JU 87 and JU 88s which approach the Island and dive-bomb Grand Harbour. 500kg and 1000kg bombs are dropped, severely damaging civilian property in Senglea, causing heavy casualties, and badly damaging buildings. Bombs on Bakery Wharf and near the electricity sub-station damage many buildings and put power cranes, electricity supplies and telephone communications out of action. No 3 Dock suffers a direct hit; IMPERIAL escapes without damage but bombs damage nearby buildings and a pumping station. A large bomb explodes in No 2 dock, causing a small crater. The MSW BERYL is damaged by a near miss. Carrier ILLUSTRIOUS is damaged again by a near-miss close to the engine room that pushes the carrier against the wharf . One raider crashes in the sea in flames off Delimara, two are brought down over Grand Harbour and another in the sea off Della Grazia. For this main attack the airborne defences have a peak strength of 6 Hurricanes and 3 Fulmars.
1024-1045 hrs An enemy flying boat with red cross marking, accompanied by a CR 42, circles north east of the Island.
1208-1225 hrs Air raid alert for an Italian Cant aircraft spotted eight miles north of Grand Harbour, evidently searching for missing aircraft. Four Hurricane fighters are scrambled and the aircraft turns away. Meanwhile the flying boat continues circling 22 miles off the coast. No raid occurs.
1242 hrs Air raid alert for two approaching formations ten miles off, heading for the Island. Two Hurricanes are scrambled. Three more formations are then spotted between 24 and 40 miles away, heading for Malta. Raiders total forty aircraft.
1302 hrs 30 dive-bombers launch a fierce attack on Grand Harbour, damaging civilian and Naval property and starting a fire between Corradino and the civilian prison. 500kg and 1000kg bombs damage buildings across Senglea and the Dockyard, and cause damage to CARBINE and CROSSBOW. All electric, water and telephone lines are severed. A 500kg armour-piercing bomb lands on Hamilton Wharf but fails to explode. Two further unexploded bombs are rendered safe at Corradino. Two bombs are dropped on Luqa aerodrome, causing slight damage. Malta fighters are scrambled and engage the enemy: six Hurricanes, one Fulmar and one Gladiator are airborne at any one time.
The harbour defences send up a heavy barrage which keeps the attackers high and brings down some enemey a/c.. Many enemy aircraft are hit; several are observed losing height. Four JU 88s, five JU 87s, one CR 42 and one Cant are confirmed destroyed by Malta fighters; one JU 87, one JU 88 and one CR42 unconfirmed; two JU 88s, one JU 87 and one CR42 damaged. In addition, AA claim at least three JU 87s and three JU 88s destroyed. One raider is brought down near Luqa, another crashes near Paola and a third off Delimara. A third is spotted heading out to sea over St Thomas' Tower, emitting smoke. A raider is reported in flames over Bir id Deheb. One raider is reported baling out near Tarxien and another near St Thomas' Tower. Two bodies are seen floating in the sea; the high speed launch sets out from Kalafrana.
1320 hrs Raiders passed.
1454-1500 hrs Air raid alert; raid does not materialise.
1800 hrs It is reported that 17 enemy aircraft were brought down during air raids today; one fighter was lost.
Military casualties Sergeant Eric Norman Kelsey, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 261 Squadron; Lance Bombardier John Rowley, 10 Battery, 7 HAA Regiment, Royal Artillery.
Enemy casualties Franz Buczek, 2/StG 1, gunner of JU 87 Stuka; Hauptmann Wilhelm Durbeck, pilot of JU 88; Sergente Maggiore Ezio Iaconne, 70a Squadriglia, 23o Gruppo Autonomo, the Pilot of a CR.42 fighter, baled out; Obergefreiter Hans Kusters, II/StG 2, pilot of JU 87 Stuka; Unteroffizier Rudolf Vater, 1/StG 1, pilot of JU 87 Stuka; Franz Walburg; Oberfeldwebel 2/StG 1, pilot of JU 87 Stuka; pilot Fritz Nakosky; pilot Richard Zehetmanir.
AIR HQ Arrivals 1 PRU Spitfire from RAF Benson in England landed at Ta Qali after a mission to photograph Genoa; he had insufficient fuel to return to base. The aircraft will be employed locally.

 

[parsifal]

Nah, this was the last day of rest after the extraction of my wisdom teeth so its back to work for me, but it is nice to see you so pumped up!

Let me know if you have further questions on the GZ.

Happy to listen if you had anything useful or factual to say about it. . have a nice day at your work

 

[GrauGeist]

Where is that bit about the 109T folding wing btw?

What, you need a photo of the Bf109T-0's wings folded or somesh!t?

They were designed to fold as they were elongated over a standard Bf109's wing and wouldn't have fitted belowdecks otherwise.

 

[fastmongrel]

Dont know how many sorties were flown against Illustrious at sea and in harbour but its amazing she survived. The fact that Illustrious was able to sail to safety must have left the German and Italian commanders frustrated and wondering how so many costly attacks had not been completely sucessful.

Hats off to all the RN, RAN, RAF, Army and Civilians invovled