Search  
21 January 2025 Military Aviation » Accidents - WW II  
 


WW II combat-related losses.
The following are aircraft known to have been lost either in combat operations, or as a result of damage sustained during said combat operations.

In some cases, the aircraft may have made it made it to one of Malta’s airfields, but would be written off due to extensive damage.

This page was added on 30.07.23.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
03.07.40 H. Hurricane P2614 Aircraft was one scrambled to intercept two S.79s on a reconnaissance mission escorted by nine CR.42s. Aircraft was badly shot up as he was returning to land, the aircraft being declared a write off. Pilot survived.
16.07.40 H. Hurricane Mk. I P2623 Aircraft shot down in aerial combat.

Shortly after 09:00, a dozen CR.42s of 23o Gruppo appeared over Malta on a reconnaissance mission. Flight Lieutenant Peter Gardner Keeble in a Hurricane Mk. I (P2623) and Flight Lieutenant George Burges in Gladiator N5524 had been scrambled and dived on this formation. Keeble attacking one CR.42 but being attacked himself by two more flown by Tenente Mario Pinna and Sottotenente Oscar Abello (both from 70a Squadriglia). After a long chase Keeble was hit and his aircraft dived out of control towards the south-east of the Island where it hit the ground near Wied il-Ghajn and blew up. It was immediately followed by a CR.42 flown by 24-year-old Tenente Mario Benedetti (MM4368) of the 74a Squadriglia, which crashed within 100 yards of the Hurricane. Keeble was killed outright but Benedetti survived the initial impact of his crash but died soon afterwards at the civilian hospital at Vincenzo Bugeja without regaining conscious.

Burges made no claim on this occasion, and subsequently it was claimed that Benedetti’s aircraft was brought down with LMG fire by C Company headquarters, 1st Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment. It is also possible Benedetti’s aircraft was the one attacked by Keeble.

SergenteMaggiore Renzo Bocconi claimed a second Hurricane, but this was not allowed by the 2a Squadra intelligence staff.

Keeble was the first of Malta's fighter pilots to lose his life in the defence of the island. (Information courtesy of http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/malta.htm.)
21.07.40 F. Swordfish K8369 Missing on a Search flight, further details below.
21.07.40 Saunders-Roe London K5261 Shot down during a search mission.


During the morning of 21 July 1940, three S.79s of 34o Stormo B.T. and six escorting CR.42 appeared over Malta. One of the bombers was hit by anti-aircraft fire and came down in the sea 30 kilometres from Cap Passero off the Sicilian coast. Believing that this indeed was the case, the RAF sent out a Swordfish floatplane (K8369 flown by Flight Lieutenant Leslie Gregory) shortly after midday, but this failed to return. A second Swordfish, which followed, reported finding only a number of oily patches. Meanwhile however Saro London K5261 piloted by Pilot Officer E. C. Minchinton, a Canadian in RAF, had found the wreckage of the S.79 floating in the sea 35 miles north of Malta, and took photographs of this. The aircraft was then attacked by two CR.42s while flying at only 300 feet, the gunners claiming one of these shot down, before returning undamaged. No CR.42 was however reported missing.

The Italian version of events differs considerably. The crew of the S.79 were subsequently rescued, reporting that after landing in the sea they had been attacked by a Saro London. This aircraft had in turn been attacked by a CR.42 of 72o Squadriglia, 17o Gruppo, flown by Tenente Pietro Calistri, who shot it down with ease. The British pilot, reported by the Italians as a ‘Captain Leslye’, “survives – our prisoner”, was in fact the missing Swordfish pilot Flight Lieutenant Leslie Gregory, who was captured. His crew of Corporal V. A. Kemp and AC1 F. C. Williams were unfortunately lost.
31.07.40 G. Gladiator Hal Far Fighter Flight N5519 Aircraft shot down in aerial combat.

At 09:45 in the morning, nine 23o Gruppo CR.42s escorted a single reconnaissance S.79 over Malta. Hardly any Hurricanes were now serviceable on the island, and three Gladiators took off to intercept, flown by Flying Officers Peter Hartley (N5519), Fred F. 'Eric' Taylor (N5529) and William ’Timber’ Woods (N5520). As they attacked the formation, the bomber turned away, but a dogfight at once began between the opposing fighters. A burst of fire from the guns of Sergente Manlio Tarantino’s aircraft caused the fuel tank of Hartley’s Gladiator (N5519) to explode, and he baled out suffering from severe burns. Woods shot down the commander of the Italian formation, Capitano Antonio Chiodi of the 75a Squadriglia, his aircraft falling into the sea five miles east of Grand Harbour. Chiodi was subsequently awarded a posthumous Medaglia d’oro al valor militare.

The returning Italian pilots claimed that they had seen five Gladiators and two of them were claimed shot down. One by the above mentioned Tarantino and one by Capitano Luigi Filippi. Two more Gladiators were attacked by Tenente Mario Rigatti.

South African Flying Officer Roger ‘Jock’ Barber of the Island’s Fighter Flight witnessed the shooting down of Hartley and N5519 from the ground:

“Peter Hartley must have been hit in his centre tank because his Gladiator burnt just like a magnesium flare - an actually brilliant light in the sky, and it was a very lovely day: typical Malta summer day very hot, clear blue sky, no clouds.

He actually baled out after his aircraft caught fire and he fell into the sea. He was very badly burnt, particularly about the knees and arms and face. In those days, we, of course, flew in khaki shirts and shorts and stockings and it was, of course, the exposed portion of his body that got damaged. He spent a very long time in hospital and was eventually evacuated to UK, but I believe made a good recovery and flew again.”(Information courtesy of http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/malta.htm.)
05.08.40 H. Hurricane 261 P2614 The Italian air force mounted a heavy bombing raid to try and destroy Hurricanes that had been delivered by aircraft carrier on 2nd August, this aircraft being damaged on the ground.
05.08.40 H. Hurricane 261 P3733 As above.
15.08.40 H. Hurricane 261 N2716 Ten S.79s, escorted by eighteen CR.42s, were intercepted by four Hurricanes. This Hurricane was shot down by one of the fighters 3 to 5 miles south of Benghaisa Point,, the pilot’s body never being found.
24.08.40 H. Hurricane 261 P3731 Six S.79s escorted by 17 CR.42s made a bombing raid over Hal-Far and Calafrana. Aircraft damaged in the ensuing combat, pilot managing to escape. Undercarriage collapsed upon landing, possibly as a result of the encounter.
01.11.40 S. Sunderland L5806/Q Crew were returning from a long reconnaissance sortie searching for a missing Wellington bomber, when it was intercepted by Italian fighters only 32 miles short of Malta.

Two 6o Gruppo Macchi MC200s and a CR.42, flown by Tenente Ezio Monti of 23o Gruppo, attacked the big flying boat. They were however unable to shoot it down, having to content themselves with a claim for a ‘damaged’. The Sunderland, flown by Flight Lieutenant E. M. Ware of 228 Squadron, had indeed been hit hard; two of the crew were wounded, while mattresses, flares and other combustibles were set alight, and had to be hastily jettisoned. Despite severe damaged, including a number of bullet holes in the fuselage and hull, Ware was able to land back at Kalafrana safely. No sign of the Wellington or its crew had been found. Ware later received the DFC for this and other sorties, whilst one of the air gunners, L.A.C. Barton received the DFM. Although wounded in the leg, Barton had continued to man his gun throughout.(Information courtesy of http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/malta.htm.)
26.11.40 H. Hurricane 261 N2701 One of two Hurricanes airborne to intercept three CR.42s on a reconnaissance flight, he shot down one of the Italian aircraft, but was himself shot down, and killed, by one of the other two.
07.12.40 V. Wellington 148 T2838 Aircraft had been one of several on a bombing mission over Tripoli Libya. Badly damaged by an Italian fighter, it made a forced landing at Luqa.
11.01.41 Glen Martin 431 Flight, 69 Sqn AR707 Aircraft departed at 06:00hrs GMT for a reconnaissance flight over Taranto, with, possibly, Catania or Comiso. At 09:00, the crew sent a report from over Brindisi, but nothing else was heard after that.

That evening, an interception of an Italian Radio broadcast announced that “ . . . fighters shot down a Blenheim type aircraft . . .” As there were no Blenheims based in Malta until later in May/June, it was assumed that the reference was to this aircraft. Crew listed as missing.
12 01.41 V. Wellington 148 T2874 Aircraft had already conducted a bombing mission over Catania, Sicily, departing at 18:34, returning at 21:00. Again took off for another mission over Catania at 22:48, along with another Wellington. T2874 did not return. Five fatalities. The second wellington’s crew reported seeing a large ball of fire in the vicinity of the target after the anti-aircraft guns stopped firing.
02.02.41 S. Spitfire PRU RAF Benson P9551 Aircraft had departed Ta Kali at 09:52 GMT on a photo reconnaissance sortie over Italy. It crashed near Viareggio, the pilot becoming a PoW.

According to a report which appeared in the Italian ”La Stampa”, ”an explosion was heard when it was flying at 5,000 mtrs (approx. 16,404 ft.) causing the pilot to bale out.

Narrowly missing high tension wires of the Pisa-Genoa railway, he came down in a cabbage field, unhurt except for a slight bruise on his left leg.

Picked up by the Carabinieri captain and two other officers, he was interrogated at the barracks through an interpreter. He gave no details, except to say that the engine’s carburettor had given trouble.

He was later taken to La Spezia and handed over to the command H.Q. of the maritime department of the Upper Tyrrhenian.

The aircraft, which had crashed 2km (1.24 miles) further south in the marshes of Lake Massaciccoli was salvaged by Air Force authorities. Documents and personal property were also recovered.
This aircraft had arrived on 19.01.41, see under accidents page.
12.02.41 H. Hurricane 261 N2715 Didn’t return from an interception flight. Presumed to have crashed in sea.
12.02.41 H. Hurricane 261 N3733 Crashed in sea off Delimara. Pilot survived with gun wounds in both legs and one arm.
12.02.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7768 Aircraft damaged in combat, pilot making a forced landing at Luqa, suffering from leg wounds.
16.02.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7731 Crashed in sea off Kalafrana. Pilot survived with injuries.
25.02.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7346 Pilot was shot down in the sea but survived with severe injuries, dying from his injuries on 2nd March.
26.02.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7671 Failed to return from an interception mission, but none of the squadron saw him crash. It was assumed the pilot crashed into the sea, going down with the aircraft.
26.02.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7121 Aircraft was seen to crash into the sea. A flotation jacket was picked from the water the following day, but no sign of the pilot.
26.02.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7474 Aircraft failed to return from an interception flight.
05.03.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7102 Aircraft was airborne on an interception mission, but pilot was shot during aerial combat.
07.03.41 H. Hurricane 261 V2645 Shot down during combat with enemy aircraft, coming down in the sea between Malta and Filfla island. Pilot survived, but suffered from cuts and exposure.
        
 
07.03.41 Glenn Martin 69 AR706 Aircraft departed on a mission to photograph Taormina on the East Sicilian coast. Having finished their mission, the crew were chased by an enemy fighter until well out over the sea. Having evaded this fighter, the crew managed to attack and damage a Cant Z.506.

Approaching Malta during an air raid, the pilot orbited Filfla islet at low altitude, but was attacked by Me-109s. A Hurricane, despatched to assist the Glenn Martin, was itself shot down (possibly V2645 above).

Meanwhile, the Glenn Martin had been attacked, set on fire, the rear gunner being hit. The pilot managed to gain enough height to allow the observer to bail out over Malta, but the pilot must have been too low, as it was reported that the parachute rip cord hadn’t been pulled. The aircraft crashed near Dingli village and was destroyed.

Two fatalities, one survivor.
09.03.41 Ta Qali airfield machine-gunned by enemy aircraft, one Hurricane being burnt out, two slightly damaged.
22.03.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7358 Shot down in sea during aerial combat. A search for the pilot produced no results.
22.03.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7493 Shot down during combat, aircraft crashing into the sea. One fatality
22.03.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7799 Crashed in sea off Malta. Pilot missing believed killed.
23.03.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7495 Aircraft crashed near Rabat during aerial combat. Pilot suffered light injuries.
28.03.41 H. Hurricane 261 V7340 Aircraft shot down in combat 50 miles south-west of Gozo. Pilot rescued, suffering from injuries to head and back of neck.
11.04.41 H. Hurricane 261 Z2902 Aircraft crashed on land near St. Paul’s Bay, pilot killed.
11.04.41 H. Hurricane 261 Z3036 Shot down in sea during aerial combat. Pilot killed, but body recovered.
11.04.41 H. Hurricane 261 V3978 Aircraft shot down over Hal-Far. Aircraft destroyed, but pilot survived with slight injuries.
13.04.41 H. Hurricane 261 Z2838 Aircraft shot down during combat coming down in the sea. Pilot survived with slight injuries.
24.04.41 H. Hurricane 261 Z3032 Shot down in sea during combat, pilot was listed as missing.
01.05.41 H. Hurricane II 261 Z3061 Aircraft was shot down by enemy fighters. Pilot baled, suffering from shrapnel wounds in his legs.
01.05.41 H. Hurricane II 261 Z2900 Pilot injured during aerial combat and forced to return to airfield. Aircraft’s starboard main plane fuselage empennage was also badly damage by cannon fire.
06.05.41 H. Hurricane II 261 Z3034 Pilot’s aircraft damaged during combat, but managed to make a safe landing, despite receiving slight shrapnel injuries. Aircraft main planes tail unit described as being “riddled with enemy shot”.
06.05.41 H. Hurricane Mk. II 261 Z3057 Pilot was shot down by an Axis bomber during a raid. Rear fuselage burst into flames, the pilot crashing at Hal-Far during an attempt to land down wind and crashed into a perimeter wall. Pilot suffered from severe injuries.
06.05.41 H. Hurricane II 261 Z3060 Pilot received slight injuries. Level of damage to aircraft unknown.
10.05.41 B. Beaufighter Ic 252 T2339/B Aircraft took off for a sea patrol, but never returned. The body of one crew member washed up ashore in Tunisia.
13.05.41 H. Hurricane I 261 V7115 Aircraft crashed in the sea as a result of aerial combat, coming down in 20 feet of water. One fatality.
13.05.41 H. Hurricane II 185 Z2837 Aircraft suffered Cat.3 damage, but pilot escaped without any injuries.
14.05.41 H. Hurricane II 261 Z4087 Aircraft shot down over Marsa, the pilot suffering from shrapnel and superficial wounds.
15.05.41 H. Hurricane II 185 Z3035 Aircraft shot down in flames during combat, killing the pilot.
20.05.41 H. Hurricane 261 N2673 Shot down in combat over Siggiewi, pilot suffering from gun wounds.
11.06.41 H. Hurricane 46 Z2480 Hurricane was shot down during an interception of an S.79 on a reconnaissance flight, escorted by Italian fighters.
12.06.41 H. Hurricane 261 X3063 Pilot was shot down during aerial combat at approx. 07:45 hrs GMT. He forced landed at Safi strip, but struck a stone wall, the aircraft suffered Cat. 2 damage, which was repairable. Pilot suffered from slight injuries, and was returned to his squadron.
12.06.41 H. Hurricane II 261 Z4043 Aircraft shot down in sea during aerial combat. Pilot believed killed.
12.06.41 H. Hurricane II 261 Z4385 Aircraft shot down in sea, pilot surviving with a seriously injured compound fracture right lower leg.
22.06.41 B. Blenheim 82 R3845 One crewman seriously injured during an attack on an enemy convoy at mast height amid heavy anti-aircraft fire. Pilot managed to fly the aircraft safely to base.
22.06.41 B. Blenheim 82 Z6422 Aircraft was the lead aircraft of three Blenheims attacking an Italian convoy. When still five miles from the convoy escorting destroyers opened with AA fire, hitting the port engine. Just before reaching the convoy, the aircraft starboard engine was also hit, forcing the captain to abort the mission, and ditch the aircraft in the sea, the three crewmen becoming PoW’s.
22.06.41 B. Blenheim 82 Z9545/UX-B One of six aircraft sent to attack a convoy near Lampedusa.

Flight Lieutenant T. J. Watkins attacked a 6,000 ton merchant ship but his aircraft was also hit when he pressed home his bombing run, and he was badly wounded in the legs. Despite this, hits were gained on the target vessel, but the Blenheim came under attack by one of the fighters. Watkins manoeuvred to give Sergeant E. F. Chandler, the gunner, the best possible field of fire, and as the CR.42 closed in, he claimed to have shot it down. Watkins then lapsed into unconsciousness due to his wounds as the aircraft headed for home. The observer, Sergeant J. S. Sargent, removed him from his seat and took over the controls. Watkins recovered consciousness momentarily several times, but on finding that the aircraft was over Malta insisted on taking over again, and despite pain and great weakness due to loss of blood, he made a successful landing. Subsequently Watkins was awarded a DSO, Harrison-Broadley a DFC, while Chandler and Sergeant got a DFM each.(Information courtesy of http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/malta.htm.)
15.07.41 B. Blenheim 110 Z9583 Aircraft departed Luqa on a shipping strike. During the run in onto the target, a light shell burst inside the cockpit, to the right and slightly forward of the instrument panel, hitting the air observer in the arm and chest. The wireless operator applied first aid, but A/Obs died sometime later from his injuries. (Aircraft appears to have survived the attack.)
18.07.41 B. Blenheim 110 Z9582 Aircraft was one of two attacking Tripoli. On departing, they were attacked by a CR-42, crashing in the sea and breaking up.
23.07.41 B. Beaufighter 272 T3334 One of three aircraft airborne on a sea patrol. Flying in hazy weather in a wide Vic formation. At one point it was noticed by the other aircraft that T3334 was no longer in formation with them. It was also noted that the aircraft’s R/T wasn’t working at the time. Lost off Cape Bon.
23.07.41 B. Blenheim 110 Z7409 With one aircraft returning to Malta, the other three pressed on with a shipping strike on Trapani Harbour, following by a bombing & strafing on an airfield between Trapani and Marsala. This aircraft was shot down by a CR.42.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
01.08.41 B. Blenheim IV 105 Z9605/U Aircraft was one of three sent to attack shipping in Lampedusa harbour. The formation encountered heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, this aircraft being hit in the starboard engine, and seen to dive into the sea. Two survivors, becoming PoW’s. According to a letter received from one of the surviving crew member, after the aircraft was hit and crashed in the sea, it exploded, throwing all three men clear. After having been in the water for an hour, a rescue boat picked them up, but one of them died from his wounds on that boat.
13.08.41 Maryland I 69 AR741 Aircraft had departed on a leaflet dropping mission over Bizerte, Sousse and Sfax. Aircraft was attacked by French fighters. One fatality after parachute failed to open properly. Two survivors, rescued from the sea.
30.08.41 V. Wellington OADU W5559 Two CR.42s of the 23o Gruppo from Pantelleria were airborne on convoy escort. The pilots reported “three Wellingtons attempting to attack the ships” and shot them down. On this day, three Wellingtons were inbound to Malta from Gibraltar, but no other details about the other two aircraft is available.
04.09.41 H. Hurricane 249 Z3521 Failed to return from an interception mission.
04.09.41 H. Hurricane IIc 249 Z3056 Failed to return from an interception mission.
04.09.41 B. Blenheim IV 107 Z7654/Y Aircraft was one of four that attacked shipping in Crotone Harbour at mast height. During the attack, the aircraft was seen to flip on its back, a piece of wing falling off, the aircraft crashing into the harbour. Either the aircraft had collided with a derrick or been hit by anti-aircraft fire. Three fatalities.
12.09.41 B. Blenheim 105 Z7357/L One of eight aircraft sent on a shipping strike. During the attack, the aircraft was caught in cross fire from two destroyers, being hit in the starboard engine, which caught fire. This was followed by hits in the bomb well which filled the cockpit with fumes. As the crews were attempting to put out the fires, the port engine began to lose power, causing the aircraft to crash in the sea. The crew were able to escape and get into the dinghy at around 12:20 hrs GMT. They were eventually picked up the following day at 08:00 hrs GMT by the RN submarine Utmost.
12.09.41 B. Blenheim 105 Z7423 Engaged on the same mission as above aircraft. The formation was engaged by formation of three CR.42s and three MC200 Italian fighters, this aircraft being shot down.
12.09.41 B. Blenheim 105 Z7504/G Aircraft, engaged on the same mission as the above two, was seen to crash in the sea in flames. Three fatalities.
12.09.41 B. Blenheim 107 Z9603/F Part of the above formation attacking an Axis convoy. The aircraft was witnessed by other crews to make an attack, but never seen again. No wreckage or survivors were noted. Accident happened 50-60 miles south of Kerkenna.
12.09.41 Blenheim 105 Z7423 As above.
12.09.41 Blenheim 105 Z7504 As above.
22.09.41 B. Blenheim 105 Z7421 Crashed over target area of Homms, North Africa after colliding with Blenheim Z7423.
28.09.41 B. Blenheim 113 T1821 Aircraft went missing off Pantalleria, reason/s unknown. Three crew missing.
01.10.41 H. Hurricane IIb 185 T5265 Reported missing after engaging enemy formation approx. 40 miles from Malta.
04.10.41 H. Hurricane 185 Z2518 Aircraft was on a fighter patrol at 28,000 ft, when it inexplicably went into a dive and crashed into the sea. Pilot’s body recovered.
04.10.41 H. Hurricane IIC Z3512 Aircraft crashed in the sea, seven miles of Tigne, presumably due to enemy action.
09.10.41 B. Blenheim 107 Z7368/L One of two aircraft tasked with bombing the railway on the eastern Sicilian coast. No communications were ever received during their flight, and neither did either aircraft return to Malta.

The following evening, an Italian radio station stated that two aircraft had collided in the air, one crashing on land, the other in the sea. As the crashes had occurred at the place where the aircraft where expected to be at the time, it was assumed that the Blenheims had in fact collided in the air. 4 fatalities.
09.10.41 B. Blenheim 107 Z7644/E Collided with Z7368/L above. 3 fatalities.
11.10.41 B. Blenheim 107 Z7618/O One of six aircraft that was on a shipping strike 25 miles east of Tripoli harbour. Sighting a convoy of three vessels, this aircraft, and Z9663 below, attacked the first vessel, a 3,000 tonner. As soon as they passed over the vessel, this aircraft was observed to have had the starboard engine shot away, the aircraft crashing in the sea. Three fatalities.
11.10.41 B. Blenheim 107 Z9663/V As above. After passing over the vessel, the aircraft turned left and crashed into the sea. According to reports from the crew of another aircraft, no sign of anti-aircraft was observed.

It was assumed that the ships held their fire until the aircraft were almost directly overhead before opening fire. One survivor.
24.10.41 V. Wellington Ic 40 X9912 Aircraft departed from RAF Alconbury in England at 21:20 hrs on a transit flight to Malta. At 07:00, an S.O.S. “for petrol” was received, but nothing else after message .

They crashed in the sea for unknown reasons, one crew member surviving, and the body of another was picked from the sea. Nothing about the remaining 8 members.
25.10.41 H. Hurricane IIc 185 Z3456 Part of a formation that engaged enemy fighters 6 miles north-east of Grand Harbour. The pilot of this aircraft didn’t return to base after this encounter, and was subsequently listed as missing, believed killed.
25.10.41 B. Blenheim Z7704/J 107 Crashed 20 miles east of Taurga, North Africa. Three fatalities.

One of two aircraft detailed to “road beat” from Taurga to El Hescia, i.e. bomb targets of opportunity. The pilot of the second aircraft noticed some buildings which he considered to probably be a petrol storage facility, calling on the first aircraft to attack it. The second pilot couldn’t see the aircraft because of the smoke, and so turned back, he saw something burning some distance from the building, which turned out to be Z7704.
28.10.41 F. Albacore 828 Six of the type attacked Comiso airfield but one was shot down by AA fire.
02.11.41 V. Wellington 40 X9763/U Aircraft failed to return from a bombing mission over Tripoli. Two fatalities, four missing. Two crew members washed ashore, and buried in Tripoli.
03.11.41 V. Wellington IC 15 OTU Z1040 Aircraft went missing between Gibraltar and Malta. The captain sent a request for a bearing to the island at 06:18 GMT. At 07:06, he again sent a message requesting an escort, but also reported he was having trouble with his receiver set. Two formations of two Hurricanes each were scrambled to assist the Wellington crew, but were unable to make contact, despite flying a distance of 65 miles.

Another Wellington, Z8990, was also en route to Malta, and presumably made it safely to Luqa.
04.11.41 B. Blenheim IV OADU T1853 Aircraft was in the circuit to land at North Front Aerodrome, Gibraltar when the port propeller and reduction gear flew out and downwards from the aircraft. Unable to maintain height, the pilot flew into the sea, 120 yards from the airfield.
05.11.41 B. Blenheim 18 Z7801/P Part of an eight-aircraft formation sent to attack two merchant vessels with a destroyer escort. Formation encountered heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire from all vessels. No survivors.
05.11.41 B. Blenheim 18 Z7922/A Part of an eight-aircraft formation sent to attack two merchant vessels with a destroyer escort. Formation encountered heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire from all vessels. No survivors. Lost at location 31 degrees, 59 minutes North, 18 degrees, 16 minutes East.
07.11.41 B. Blenheim 18 Z9731/O Part of a five aircraft formation sent to attack an Axis convoy at mast height, located at position 38°15'N 12°38'E. Accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered from both merchant and destroyer vessels, killing the rear gunner, the aircraft being badly hit.
08.11.41 H. Hurricane IIa 126 Z3033 Aircraft collided with enemy aircraft during combat. British pilot baled out, sustaining leg injuries.
08.11.41 H. Hurricane IIB 126 BG789 Pilot injured during combat with enemy aircraft, but managed to land the aircraft.
08.11.41 B. Blenheim 18 Z7895 One of six aircraft attacking an enemy convoy. Shot down by enemy ship’s AA fire during an attack.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
08.11.41 B. Blenheim 107 V5961 One of six aircraft on a mission to attack two ships and a destroyer. In attacking one of the vessels, the aircraft was seen to stagger and swing violently to port, colliding with the rear mast of the vessel, and blow up. Three fatalities.
09.11.41 H. Hurricane IIb 185 BD835 After attacking an enemy torpedo bomber, the Hurricane was seen diving into sea.
12.11.41 H. Hurricane 126 Z3158/HA-K One of eleven bomb-carrying examples known as Hurribombers escorted by another 10 Hurricanes carried out a bombing mission over Gela airfield on Sicily, this aircraft was shot down by MC.202s from Comiso.
12.11.41 H. Hurricane IIA 249 Z2397 Aircraft lost on a mission over Gela airfield, Sicily. During the night of 6/7 December, a message dropped by an enemy aircraft stated that the pilot, a Wing Commander had crashed during a dog-fight and buried with full military honours. He had been identified by his RAF identity card.
14.11.41 H. Hurricane IIA 126 Z2981 Pilot suffered from a dislocated shoulder. Aircraft had suffered engine problems, so presumably the injuries were a result of a crash landing?
14.11.41 B. Blenheim L7887 Forced landed at Ta Qali due to enemy action. One crew member killed due to enemy action.
19.11.41 B. Blenheim 18 V6060/P Aircraft was part of a seven-ship formation sent on a shipping “sweep”. An enemy convoy consisting of two motor vessels, schooner and a destroyer was sighted in the Gulf of Sirte. During the attack, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire from the destroyer, hitting the water with the starboard wing tip, which forced it to swing round, striking and damaging the schooner. No survivors were seen, and schooner was later seen to be partly under water.
19.11.41 B. Blenheim 18 V6492/U Engaged on the same mission as above. Hit by enemy flak during the attack, the aircraft continued flying for 2,000 yards after overflying the convoy, before crashing in the water.
19.11.41 B. Blenheim 18 Z7860/F Engaged on the same mission as above. Aircraft was seen to crash in the sea, sinking almost immediately, no survivors being noted. However, the body of one of the crewmen was washed ashore near Sirte, and buried there.
20.11.41 M. Maryland I 69 AR733 During a sea patrol, the crew encountered an Italian Cant Z506, and proceeded to attack it. After some four or five passes, the Cant crew opened fire, forcing the Maryland crew to break off the attack. One of the bullets shattered the cockpit perspex, the glass cutting into the pilot’s face. Aircraft returned and crash landed at Ta Qali.

It is assumed that the damage was repairable, as this aircraft is mentioned in another accident on 12.02.42.
21.11.41 H. Hurricane IIB 185 Z2813 One of four aircraft. Engaged by superior number of Axis fighters, at least 4 to 1. Pilot did not return to base from this encounter, and was never seen again.
24.11.41 H. Hurricane IIa 126 Z2491 Pilot was participating on a raid over Comiso airfield in Sicily, but never returned.
05.12.41 Wellington 40 R1066 Part of a 20-stong formation on a bombing mission over Naples. This aircraft was engaged and shot down, by a CR.42, although the Italian fighter was damaged by return fire. Two crew member baled out, but four were killed in the attack.
05.12.41 V. Wellington 40 R1168 Departed Luqa for operations against Naples, but failed to return. Nothing was heard from the crew, but just past midnight of the 6th, crews returning from the same raid noticed signal flares 15 miles from Licato. An Air Sea Rescue launch sailed to the indicated position but found nothing. The following morning, Hurricanes also flew over the area, but again reported nothing.

Later in the month, the International Red Cross informed the RAF that at least one crewman was a PoW in Italy. Later in November 1943 (after Italy had surrendered), the IRC again informed the British authorities that a Wellington aircraft had been shot down in the neighbourhood of Ottaviano, Naples, and four bodies were recovered from the wreckage and buried. Two crew survived.
10.12.41 B. Blenheim 107 Z9804 Took off for Recco mission to Kerkenaah island and Zuara and Tripoli. The Aircraft was damaged by enemy action near Sidi Omar, Egypt.
11.12.41 B. Blenheim IV 18 Z7802/Q One of a three-aircraft formation sent on a low-level strike on shipping in Agostolia Harbour. Formation was met with anti-aircraft fire from both destroyers and land batteries. Having completed his attack, smoke was observed being emitted from his port engine, the pilot executing a climbing turn to starboard, but almost immediately was seen diving towards the middle of the harbour. The body of one of the crew was found at sea, and buried at Argostoli.
13.12.41 B. Blenheim IV 107 Z7638/X One of six aircraft on anti-shipping strike in Agostoli Harbour. Aircraft not seen again after the attack, either in the air or on the water. Crew presumed dead.
13.12.41 B. Blenheim IV 18 Z7858 Aircraft damaged after being damaged by Italian fighters. Unable to land at Luqa, the crew was forced to ditch in the water.

Additional details about this accident at the bottom of this table.
19.12.41 H. Hurricane IIb 126 Z3764 Pilot was attacked by two Italian Macchi fighters and was seen going down in flames. He managed to bale out, and eventually get into his dinghy. The crew of the rescue launch saw him lying face down, but the waves created by the vessel caused the dinghy to roll over, the pilot disappearing beneath the waves.
20.12.41 H. Hurricane IIa 249 Z2418 Pilot failed to return from an intercept mission.
20.12.41 H. Hurricane IIa 249 BV162 Didn’t return from interception mission. Pilot listed as missing, believed killed.
21.12.41 H. Hurricane IIa 185 Z2823 Believed shot down in the sea during after aerial combat over Grand Harbour.
21.12.41 H. Hurricane IIa 249 DG615 Shot down in aerial combat, Bir-id-deheb, approx. 3 miles North of Kalafrana.
22.12.41 H. Hurricane IIa 249 BV156 Aircraft was shot down, ironically coming down near the Addolorata Cemetery. The aircraft blew up on impact, killing the pilot. The evidence as to how the aircraft was shot down, either by “friendly” anti-aircraft fire, or enemy aircraft, was judged to be “contradictory and inconclusive”.
22.12.41 V. Wellington Ic 40 X9993/M Aircraft departed Luqa on a mine-laying operation off Benghazi, but never returned to base. Crashed at Bir El Gubi, one injury, five survivors.

See related accident of Sunderland T9071.
23.12.41 H. Hurricane IIa 126 Z1794 Pilot was attacked by an Me-109, whose cannon shells, amongst other damaged the oil system and one wheel, and slight injuries to pilot, who made a forced landing at Hal-Far.
23.12.41 M. Maryland I 69 BS766 Aircraft was on a photographic reconnaissance mission over Tripoli aerodromes. After being attacked by enemy fighters who knocked out the port engine, the pilot managed to fly back to Luqa, but crashed on landing, which killed all three crew members.
23.12.41 H. Hurricane IIb 126 Z5118 Aircraft hydraulic system damaged during combat. Undercarriage could not be locked, which resulted in the aircraft collapsing on landing at Ta Qali. Pilot suffered slight injuries.
23.12.41 V. Wellington Ic 221 Z8703 Aircraft was lost on a bombing mission over Sicily/Italy. Its last radio message was when the aircraft was off Marsala, Sicily.
24.12.41 H. Hurricane IIb 126 BD830 Pilot didn’t return after an interception, and presumed crashed into the sea.
24.12.41 B. Blenheim IV 107 Z9852 Aircraft was part of a three-aircraft formation on a shipping strike against enemy merchant vessels in Zuara harbour, Libya. The formation was fired upon from the moment they started their bombing run until they departed the harbour. This aircraft was the last to depart the area, and was hit by an explosive cannon shell which eventually killed the air observer.
26.12.41 H. Hurricane IIa 126 Z2680 Pilot was shot down in combat with Macchi fighters. Pilot was able to parachute, suffering slight injuries to his leg.
26.12.41 H. Hurricane IIb 249 Z2678 Pilot attacked during a patrol over the island. He made a forced landing at Luqa, suffering from a bullet wound in his leg.
        
 


Z7858 accident report.

The website www.derelictplaces.co.uk/threads/bristol-blenheim-iv-bomber- z7858-gets-in-serious-trouble-off-malta.39276/ has the following information about this aircraft.

”Five Bristol Blenheim Mk. IVs from 18 Squadron took off from Luqa (now Malta International Airport) to attack enemy shipping at Argostoli near the Greek island of Keffallonia.

The raid did not go well with no targets located that were worth attacking so the flight turned back to Malta, only to be jumped by Axis fighters. The Blenheims dropped to low level and ran. Of the five aircraft four got back to Malta relatively unscathed but the fifth, Z7858, ran into further trouble with an Italian Macchi fighter.

The wireless operator/air gunner Sgt. Dennis Mortimer was unable to engage the fighter from the Blenheim's dorsal gun turret due to a jam in the rotation gear so the Macchi repeatedly attacked from the Blenheim's six and did a serious number on the port engine. A bullet or possibly a fragment of shrapnel hit the pilot Sgt. Frank Jury in the head causing a nasty gash although it could have been much worse because Frank was in the habit of wearing a standard issue British "battle bowler" steel helmet whilst on operations which undoubtedly saved his life. The propeller was violently flung off the damaged port engine and thick, black smoke was pouring out, so having already dropped to less than 100 feet from the wave tops the crew now jettisoned all they could to lighten the stricken aircraft, even their parachutes, and continued back towards Malta with the Macchi in hot pursuit. How the Italian fighter pilot failed to down the Blenheim will forever remain a mystery but he eventually broke off and turned back to his base in southern Sicily.

Things now took the sort of turn you simply cannot script. The Blenheim, with just one engine and running practically on fumes, eventually reached Luqa where to the crew's dismay they found they could not lower the landing gear due to the damage inflicted in the fight with the Macchi. So they reluctantly lined up for a "gear up" belly landing only to be forced to abort at the last minute by a lumbering Wellington medium bomber which taxied out in front of them. Anyone familiar with Malta will know that it is one huge lump of rock with zero flat areas safe to land upon anywhere on the island other than the airfields - even the furrows in the ploughed fields are more rock than soil. Faced with no realistic possibility of a second run at Luqu Frank opted instead to chance ditching in the sea where at least they would not run into one of the numerous stone walls, notorious for killing pilots in forced landings, which liberally dot the island.

Just an aside at this point - the Wellington taxing out and preventing their landing on the Luqa runway was almost certainly a deliberate move instigated to prevent the Blenheim doing a wheels up and blocking the runway for further operations. What could be perceived as an unfortunate accident was in all probability a rather callous but eminently practical decision from the station commander!

They glided over Valletta and the Grand Harbour then turned to starboard where they spotted a small Maltese dghajsa (fishing boat) just off shore. The Blenheim descended slowly and touched down tail first - a perfect "ditch", but even so the shock of the water violently pulling the plane up short threw Sgt. Black against the cockpit front and he was knocked unconscious. Despite the hammering it had taken, both in the fight and the landing, the Blenheim stayed afloat on an even keel long enough for Black to be brought round and for them all to escape safely. Jury and Black managed to stay on the port wing and remain dry; a good thing because the Med in December can be VERY cold as I can personally attest! However poor Sgt. Mortimer slipped off and took an early bath, much to his dismay. But all three of them made it safely on board the dghajsa and they set off for land passing an RAF air sea rescue launch on the way. The launch attempted to take the Blenheim in tow but it was too much for the battered old bird and she rapidly sank in 42 metres of water. The crew fared much better than their aeroplane - after R & R they continued their duties and I believe they all survived the war.”
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
28.12.41 H. Hurricane IIb 249 Z3984 During a patrol over Malta, the pilot was shot down by an Me-109. Pilot baled out, being picked out of the water by a float plane, suffering slight injuries.
29.12.41 H. Hurricane IIa 249 Z2829 Pilot was engaged in combat with Me-109s over the Sliema and Grand Harbour area. He never returned from this mission.
__.12.41 G. Gladiator N5520 Aircraft damaged during a ground loop after landing at Hal-Far.

The website http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/malta.htm doesn’t give a date for this accident, just “sometime during this month.” However, it does state that a Flt. Lt. Sheppard performed a metrological flight on the 28th, so this accident must have happened between the 29th – 31st.

The same website also has the following eyewitness account by LAC Kenneth Cox.

“At the time of the crash I was waiting on the runway ready to refuel N5520, painted silver all over, Flight Sergeant Jolly came out of it in one piece. We then righted the aircraft by lifting the tail up as low as possible and pulling it over with a length of rope that already been attached. The Gladiator was in a sorry state. Both wings sagging down to the ground we had quite a job pushing it the 200 yards or so to a place between two damaged hangars. The engine fitted to N5520 then was a Blenheim’s Mercury, with a three bladed variable-pitch propeller.”
02.01.42 H. Hurricane IIb 185 Z4014 Aircraft was damaged during aerial combat. Pilot wounded.
03.01.42 H. Hurricane 126 Z2593 Aircraft damaged by gunfire during combat and crashed on landing at Ta Qali. Damaged Cat E.2.
04.01.42 H. Hurricane 126 Z2825 Aircraft damaged during a bombing raid, suffering Cat E.2 damage.
04.01.42 H. Hurricane 126 Z3766 Aircraft damaged during a bombing raid, suffering Cat E.2 damage.
04.01.42 H. Hurricane 126 BD791 Aircraft damaged during a bombing raid, suffering Cat E.2 damage.
05.01.42 V. Wellington 40 Z9036 Aircraft departed Luqa on a bombing mission on the airfield of Castel Vetrano. Aircraft never returned from this mission. Five bodies were later found by Italian military authorities.
08.01.42 H. Hurricane IIa 126 Z8593 Pilot injured during aerial combat suffering slight injuries. He managed to land his aircraft back at Ta’ Qali.
13.01.42 M. Maryland I 69 AR721 Aircraft was returning to Malta at the end of a reconnaissance mission when it was intercepted and attacked by enemy fighters. The observer jumped out of the aircraft from 400 feet and survived, the remaining two crewmen went down with the aircraft in the sea, and were never found.
14.01.42 B. Blenheim IV 21 Z7342/H Aircraft engaged in anti-shipping patrol off Kerkenna Isles. During an attack on a merchant ship, the crew hit the mast of the ship with the starboard wing, parts of which broke, causing the aircraft to crash into the sea. Three casualties.
14.01.42 B. Blenheim IV 21 Z7431/Z On the same shipping strike as above, also hit by AA fire. It was seen to climb almost vertically, before exploding. Three casualties.
16.01.42 V. Wellington 1C 15OTU Z9043 Aircraft and crew went missing on a delivery from the UK to the Middle East. Never arrived in Malta.
22.01.42 H. Hurricane IIb 242 BE346 Aircraft was shot up in aerial combat. Pilot came in to land at Ta’ Qali, but failed to level out from a stall, and crashed quarter of a mile outside the airfield. One fatality, the aircraft a write-off.
25.01.42 H. Hurricane IIb 185 Z5147 Pilot, with other aircraft, had attacked a Ju-88, and setting one engine on fire. As he was about to make another attack, he was “jumped on” by Me-109s, hitting him in the engine, setting it on fire. He baled out coming down near Dingli village, slightly injured.
25.01.42 H. Hurricane IIb 126 BD828 Scrambled to intercept incoming raiders, his aircraft being badly damaged, forcing the pilot to bale out, suffering from a dislocated shoulder.
25.01.42 H. Hurricane IIb 242 BG765 Aircraft shot down during combat, pilot baling out, and survived with some injuries.
25.01.42 H. Hurricane IIa 126 Z2827 Aircraft shot down during combat. One fatality.
27.01.42 H. Hurricane IIc 1435 Z3471 Aircraft was taken aloft on a test flight, when the aircraft was attacked by Me-109s, crashing at Dingli. Pilot died from his injuries later in hospital.
29.01.42 DH Mosquito PR Mk.I 69 W4063 Aircraft was damaged by bombing/shrapnel during enemy bombing raid.
29.01.42 B. Blenheim IV 21 Z7271/J Aircraft crashed at Ez Zpuia, 20 miles of Tripoli. Two fatalities, one survivor.

Aircraft was one in a formation of four. A deviation of 28 degrees in the compass led the formation a long distance from their intended target.

During the bombing run, this aircraft for some reason fell behind the formation. The Blenheims were carrying bombs with an 11-second delay fuse, so that when Z7271 overflew, it was hit by shrapnel from the exploding bombs of the preceding aircraft.
<>The crews of the other three aircraft saw 7271’s starboard engine on fire, dive into the ground and explode.
02.02.42 S. Sunderland W3996 Aircraft damaged beyond repair during a bombing raid, and used as a source of spares.
04.02.42 B. Blenheim IV 21 Z9806 Aircraft was one of a formation that was on a bombing mission over Palermo Harbour. According to a report, “The aircraft carried their attack on Palermo flying on a track of 200 degrees. On making land fall 10 miles west of the target, the leading aircraft turned to port, and in turning his port wing was seen to hit the water and the aircraft crashed into the sea.”

Another pilot took over the formation, crossing the coast, and flying between high hills covered in crowd, finding himself in a bottle neck valley. Forced by bad visibility to climb to 6,000 ft, and make contact with the remaining aircraft but was unsuccessful. Together with another pilot he returned to base, the other three aircraft presumably crashing in the hills.

According to Sicilian witnesses on the ground, around 1 mile off shore, as the formation was flying low over the water, the pilot made a turn to avoid hitting a rock jutting out of the water. This manoeuvre resulted in the port wing hitting the sea, causing the aircraft to crash.
04.02.42 B. Blenheim IV 21 Z7341 Lost in the above raid.
04.02.42 B. Blenheim IV 21 Z9812 As above.
04.02.42 B. Blenheim IV 21 Z9824 As above.
04.02.42 H. Hurricane IIb 249 Z4003 Scrambled to intercept incoming enemy aircraft, and never seen again. Presume to have been shot down in the sea.
04.02.42 H. Hurricane IIa 126 BV167 Aircraft was shot down by enemy fighters. One fatality.
05.02.42 He-115 Z Flight BV187 Aircraft had arrived on 27.10.41, and was being used for clandestine missions.

The Aviation Safety Network web site has the following description. “ . . . being attacked at 1110 hrs . . . by two German Bf 109s that carried out a surprise strafe of Kalafrana seaplane base, Malta. The He-115 was caught at its moorings, set alight and damaged beyond repair. Plt Off McKay, a witness, reported that the German fighters were flying at least 400 mph when they attacked and that Bofors AA guns opened up but did not touch them. The AA gunners claimed hits on one of the attackers.”
06.02.42 B. Beaufighter 272 T4875 Aircraft was on a strafing mission from South Barce to Cyrene road, the aircraft being hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashing. One survivor, one fatality.
06.02.42 B. Blenheim Mk. IV 21 Z7308/R One of four aircraft airborne on a shipping strike on Buerat, Libya roughly mid-way between Misirata and Sirte. One aircraft was forced to return due to engine trouble. On their return, when approximately 100 miles from Malta, a Q.D.M. (a magnetic heading towards base) was requested, but nothing further was heard from the three aircraft. It was later learnt that they had been shot down in the sea by enemy fighters near Filfla island.
06.02.42 B. Blenheim Mk. IV 21 Z9822/W As above.
06.02.42 B. Blenheim Mk. IV 21 Z9725/G As above.
07.02.42 B. Beaufighter I No. 2 PRU T3301 Crew had just landed after a photographic reconnaissance mission. Whilst still on the runway, they were attacked by Me-109, receiving several hits. One crewman was injured by shrapnel.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
11.02.42 B. Blenheim Mk. IV 21 Z9823 One of a four aircraft formation on an anti-shipping strike Kerkenna Islands, Tunisia. On their return to Malta the formation received by W/T the “Air Raid in progress” standoff signal. The formation therefore circled and orbited at a point 50 miles south of Malta for 15 minutes during which no further messages were received. As no more warnings were received, the formation wired for instructions, and were given a Q.D.M. for base. Around three miles from Filfla Island, the formation was attacked by enemy fighters, this aircraft being shot down. Three fatalities.
12.02.42 B. Beaufighter Mk.Ic OADU T4889 Departed for Egypt on delivery but never arrived. Last seen off Filfla islet being attacked by two Me-109s.
12.02.42 H. Hurricane IIb 249 Z4016 Pilot failed to return from aerial combat around 20-25 miles off Grand Harbour, presumed to have been shot in the sea.
12.02.42 M. Maryland I 69 AR733 Aircraft was returning from a patrol, when it was attacked by two Me-109s. Although the crew managed to shoot down one of the Me-109s, they suffered severe hits themselves, with one dead, and three survivors, although one was slightly injured. Aircraft crashed at Luqa whilst landing.
13.02.42 B. Blenheim Z7590 Aircraft badly damaged (on the ground) during a bombing raid on Ta Qali.
13.02.42 B. Blenheim Z7773 Aircraft badly damaged (on the ground) during a bombing raid on Ta Qali.
15.02.42 H. Hurricane IIc 242 __755 In formation with other aircraft, the aircraft were engaged by Axis fighters. Pilot never returned to base, and was presumed to have been shot down he was shot down in the sea.
15.02.42 M. Maryland I 69 AR714 Aircraft was returning to Malta, when the port engine failed for unknown reasons. Pilot continued flying on the remaining engine, shortly afterwards being engaged by an Me-109, which made several attacks, that resulted in the fuel tanks being punctured. They managed to lose him in the clouds, but on emerging, the crew were again briefly attacked by four Me-109s. By this time, the aircraft had run out of petrol, making a forced water landing. Four crew, one slight injury. The crew claimed one probable and one possible Me-109s.
15.02.42 B. Beaufighter Mk. Ic 252 T4834 Took off from Luqa with other aircraft for RAF Idku/LG229 at the end of their convoy escort duties detachment to Malta. The detachment was recalled almost immediately as an incoming air raid was identified. Some of the formation returned safely but some failed to receive the message and flew on, as insufficient time had been available in Malta to have their sets adjusted for the correct frequency. Fifteen to 20 enemy fighters soon intercepted them and shot this aircraft down into the sea a few miles east of the island.
15.02.42 B. Beaufighter Mk. Ic 252 T4830 As above.
15.02.42 B. Beaufighter Mk. IC 252 T4651/C As above.
22.02.42 H. Hurricane IIc 1435 Z3452 Aircraft shot down in the sea off Kalafrana. He was seen to land in the water and get into the dinghy. The RAF rescue launch was unable to proceed to rescue him due to the number of enemy aircraft in the vicinity. After the raid was over, RAF aircraft made a search for him, but were unable to locate, and the pilot was posted as missing.
24.02.42 H. Hurricane IIb 242 BG771 Pilot didn’t return from an interception scramble.
24.02.42 H. Hurricane IIc 1435 Z3570 Pilot suffered slight injuries during aerial combat, managing to crash landing at Luqa. Aircraft judged to be repairable.
27.02.42 V. Wellington II 148 Z8423 Aircraft was on a bombing raid over Benghazi Harbour but never returned. Report by a member of 37 squadron that was operating in the same area reported a Wellington being caught in enemy searchlight and eventually shot down. As this was the only aircraft to go missing that night, it was presumed that this is the aircraft that was shot down.
01.03.42 H. Hurricane 126 Z1824 Pilot baled out after aircraft was damaged in aerial combat, and suffering from gun wounds in his leg.
01.03.42 H. Hurricane IIb 185 Z3756 Aircraft damaged in aerial combat, forcing pilot to bale out. When his body was recovered, it was discovered that he had been hit by cannon fire. Whether he was deliberately fired upon, or accidentally hit remains unknown. As he baled out in the middle of a dog fight, the possibility that he may have been accidentally hit by either Luftwaffe or RAF aircraft cannot be discounted.
01.03.42 H. Hurricane IIa 126 Z2824 Shot in the sea during aerial combat.
05.03.42 H. Hurricane IIa 126 Z2402 Scrambled to intercept incoming raid, the pilot intercepted Ju-88s, but was “jumped” by several Me-109s, being shot down in the sea. Pilot’s body never recovered.
09.03.42 H. Hurricane IIb 185 BE583 During aerial combat pilot was wounded by cannon shells. He returned to base safely, although the aircraft was badly damaged.
09.03.42 H. Hurricane II 605 BG784 Pilot engaged in air combat over Malta. The aircraft was damaged, and the pilot was hit in the ankle. He crash-landed when attempting to land at Hal-Far.
10.03.42 H. Hurricane IIa 126 Z2819 Pilot was shot down during an intercept mission. Aircraft crashed in near Attard elementary school, killing the pilot, the aircraft burning out in the ensuing fire.
10.03.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 AB343 Scrambled to intercept incoming enemy aircraft, the pilot was shot down, but managed to bale out, suffering from injuries, coming down near Siggiewi village. The aircraft crashed near Dingli village. The pilot died later in the day from his injuries.
10.03.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 AB262 Aircraft was conducing air cover for the Air Sea Rescue launch, being attacked by Me-109s. Injured by cannon fire, the pilot managed to return to Ta Qali. Aircraft deemed repairable.
17.03.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 AB330 Aircraft was seen to dive and crash into the sea near Filfla Island during aerial combat.
18.03.42 H. Hurricane IIb 126 Z5213 Pilot was scrambled from Ta Qali to intercept incoming enemy formations. He never returned from this mission, and was listed as missing, believed killed.
18.03.42 H. Hurricane IIa 185 Z2840 Aircraft shot down off the south coast of Malta. Pilot survived with injuries.
18.03.42 M. Maryland I 69 _1639 Aircraft was returning from a reconnaissance mission, being attacked by enemy fighters, coming down in the sea. Attempts to try and find the aircraft or its crew failed. Four fatalities.
18.03.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 AB334 Shot down during combat, pilot missing.
20.03.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 AB337 Whilst on patrol over Malta, the pilot encountered Me-109s, and in the ensuing combat was shot down. Although he managed to bale out, he would later die from his injuries.
22.03.42 H. Hurricane IIb 185 BG711 Aircraft appears to have been caught in the cross fire of Ju-88s, crashing in the sea. Pilot’s body was never recovered, and it was assumed he went down with the aircraft.
31.03.42 H. Hurricane IIc 185 Z3522 Pilot was engaged by enemy fighters north east of Kalafrana. He apparently lost control of the aircraft and crashed on land, the Hurricane bursting into flames, killing the pilot.
31.03.42 DH Mosquito PR Mk.I 69 W4063 Took off for a photo-reconnaissance mission over Tripoli but was recalled 15 minutes after take-off because of the presence of militants in the area. As it was coming into land, it was attacked by two Bf109s, which set one of its engines on fire, causing the Mosquito to crash land at RAF Hal Far.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
01.04.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 AB418 Pilot landed at Luqa suffering for slight injuries caused by cannon shell splinters.
02.04.42 S. Spitfire Vb 126 BP844 Shot down in flames during aerial combat. Pilot’s body never recovered.
02.04.42 H. Hurricane IIb 249 Z4003 Scrambled to intercept incoming enemy aircraft, and never seen again. Presumed to have been shot down in the sea.
05.04.42 H. Hurricane IIc 229 BM908 Pilot was attacked by enemy fighters being wounded in the process. He attempted to land at Luqa but ended up crashing as the brakes were unserviceable. Airframe and engine were judged to have suffered Cat. 2 damage.
05.04.42 S. Spitfire Vb 126 D_419 Pilot slightly injured during combat, force landing at Ta Qali.
08.04.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 AB346 Scrambled to intercept incoming enemy aircraft, and as he was preparing to attack, found himself being fired upon by Anti-Aircraft batteries (what in today’s parlance would be called “friendly fire”). Pilot baled out with slight injuries, the aircraft was destroyed, believed to have come down in the sea.
09.04.42 H. Hurricane IIc 229 BM970 Shot down off Grand Harbour, but pilot survived with slight injuries.
09.04.42 L. Hudson III 1444 flt AE524 Aircraft arrived from Gibraltar, and after refuelling, the crew taxied out for departure. Take-off was into the wind but a mist covered the ground, possibly obscuring the horizon. The take-off run appeared to be normal, but the aircraft crashed after getting airborne, and was declared a write-off.
10.04.42 H. Hurricane IIb 185 Z3766 During aerial combat, pilot was forced to abandon the aircraft. He survived with slight injuries, the aircraft crashing on the ground.
11.04.42 H. Hurricane IIb 185 BG756 Aircraft on fire after aerial combat. Pilot managed to land at Luqa, the machine burning out.
14.04.42 S. Spitfire Vb 126 AB342 Aircraft hit during combat, the pilot baling out over the sea. He survived with injuries, the aircraft being lost.
14.04.42 B. Beaufort 39 X8923 One of eight aircraft sent from Bu Amut to attack an Italian convoy, then land in Malta after the attack to refuel. All were lost to enemy action. Shot down by Me-109s 2.5 miles from Malta. Four fatalities.
14.04.42 B. Beaufort II 39 N1169 Crew were returning from operations against an enemy convoy. They were attacked by Me-109 2.5 miles from Malta, crashing in sea, one body being recovered.
14.04.42 B. Beaufort 39 N1186 As above. One survivor, three fatalities.
14.04.42 B. Beaufort 22 N1100 Four survivors with various injuries. Rescued from the water by a fishing boat.
14.04.42 B. Beaufort 39 N1166 Shot down over convoy. Four fatalities.
14.04.42 B. Beaufort I 22 AW282 Aircraft had departed Bu Amud airfield in Libya in search of an Italian convoy. After finding and shadowing the convoy for thirty minutes, the crew picked a heading for Luqa. As the aircraft was taxying in after landing at approx. 12:30, it was strafed by 2 Me-109s, leading to the Beaufort catching fire. Although quickly put out, the machine was considered a write-off. Two casualties, one serious injury, and two slight injuries.
20.04.42 S. Spitfire Vc 249 BR129 Aircraft’s windscreen shattered during combat, although pilot, suffering minor injuries, managed to make a safe wheels-up landing at Ta Qali.
20.04.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 Pilot failed to return from an intercept, presumed to have crashed into the sea.
21.04.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BP976 Pilot was the only one who failed to return from a sortie.
21.04.42 S. Spitfire Vc 249 BR199 Aircraft damaged in combat, the pilot receiving shrapnel injuries, although he managed to make a wheels-up landing at Ta Qali.
21.04.42 H. Hurricane IIc 229 BE636 Aircraft shot down in combat, the pilot’s remains being removed from the aircraft. It was assumed that he may have been instantly killed.
21.04.42 S. Spitfire Vb 126 Aircraft hit a wireless mast with the wing and crashed near the village of Siggiewi. Pilot died as a result of the crash.
22.04.42 H. Hurricane IIb Z4011 Pilot engaged enemy aircraft over the Grand Harbour. Last seen by other squadron members in a steep dive chasing enemy bombers through an Anti-aircraft barrage. He didn’t pull up, crashing in the sea.
22.04.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BP969 Aircraft was being flown by a pilot of 126 squadron. After attacking an enemy fighter, he was himself set upon by Me-109s. Aircraft was seen to dive, apparently out of control, crashing approximately 1 mile west of Rabat.
23/24.04.42 V. Wellington 148 DV573 Aircraft departed on a bombing mission over Comiso airfield, Sicily, but failed to return. Anti-aircraft fire was known to be both heavy and accurate.
24.04.42 V. Wellington Ic 148 BB483/Q Aircraft departed on a bombing mission over Comiso airfield, Sicily, but failed to return. Anti-aircraft fire was known to be both heavy and accurate.
25.04.42 H. Hurricane IIc BE437 Pilot shot down in flames during aerial combat. Pilot killed during crash.
25.04.42 H. Hurricane IIc 229 BN164 Pilot shot down in the vicinity of St. Paul’s Bay, being killed in the process.
25.04.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BP850 Attacking Ju-88 bombers, the pilot was himself attacked by Me-109s, being wounded, and the aircraft damaged. The pilot brough the machine in for a landing, but due to damaged flaps and a burst tyre, crashed on landing. It was judged repairable, but not at squadron level.
26.04.42 H. Hurricane IIc 249 BE716 “Jumped” by an Me-109 as he was coming to land, the being injured, the aircraft declared Cat.2 damage.
26.04.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BR125 Pilot was engaged by Me-109s, suffering injuries, and the aircraft being badly damaged. The pilot baled out, but the parachute didn’t open properly, dying shortly after being admitted to hospital.
28.04.42 H. Hurricane IIa 185 Z2698 Aircraft hit and damaged during aerial combat over Malta. Pilot baled out but was killed on hitting the ground, after his parachute failed to open properly.
29.04.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BR192 Aircraft was being flown by a 126 squadron pilot. Intercepting and attacking a formation Ju-88s, he was himself attacked by Me-109s, being injured in the process. He managed to fly to Luqa, but is not clear whether he made a wheels-up landing, or the undercarriage collapsed on landing. Aircraft judged repairable.
01.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 603 BP962 Aircraft was damaged during aerial combat, with pilot suffering cannon or machine gun wounds. He baled out, coming down near Rabat, whilst the aircraft crashed in the sea.
04.05.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 BR187 Aircraft damaged during aerial combat, crashing near Naxxar, being destroyed in the ensuing fire. Pilot was either killed, or severely wounded, his injuries preventing him from baling out.
06.05.42 H. Hurricane IIc 229 BN181 Aircraft was one of a number of aircraft sent up on an intercept mission. At one point, the pilot was seen orbiting low over the sea in the vicinity of Hassan’s Cave, being attacked by several Me-109s, until he was eventually shot down. Pilot’s body never recovered.
06.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR116 Pilot airborne from Ta Qali on an intercept mission, but his aircraft was hit by enemy aircraft and crashed in flames near Luqa. Pilot baled out, but suffered from burns to his face, arms and legs.
06.05.42 S. Spitfire Vb 603 AB320 Hit and damaged during aerial combat, the pilot, despite being wounded, managed to return to Ta Qali. He survived the crash landing, but the aircraft was declared a total write off.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
09.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc BP348 Flown off aircraft carrier (possibly USS Wasp), landing at Hal-Far, destined for 185 squadron. As pilot was taxying in, the airfield was attacked by Me-109s shooting up the newly-arrived Spitfire. The pilot opened the throttles in an attempt to take off again from the side of the runway, but hit the wall of an aircraft pen with his starboard wing, which was wrenched off. The pilot suffered what must have been severe injuries, as he died later in the evening at hospital.
09.05.42 S. Spitfire V 249 BR872 Pilot was shot down during an intercept mission. He didn’t bale out, the aircraft crashing in the vicinity of Siggiewi, being destroyed by fire.
09.05.42 S. Spitfire V 603 BR190 Aircraft airborne from Ta Qali on an interception mission, but was never seen again. It is believed that he may have been shot down in the sea.
09.05.42 S. Spitfire VcT 185 BR248 Aircraft was shot down in aerial combat crashing near Lija. One fatality.
10.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BP282 Aircraft had been scrambled to intercept incoming enemy formations. He was last seen chasing a Ju-88, but never returned to base. It was assumed he crashed, or was shot down, in the sea.
10.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BP965 Piot wounded after aircraft was hit by what today would be called “friendly fire”.
12.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BR169 Pilot suffered from gun wounds during aerial combat. He brought the aircraft downwind for an emergency landing at Luqa, crashing on rough ground. Aircraft deemed repairable.
12.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 603 BR127 Pilot was scrambled from Ta Qali to intercept incoming enemy aircraft. As he was never seen again, it was presumed that he had crashed in the sea.
12.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BP196 Pilot was shot down by enemy fighters, managing to bale out, coming down in the sea, and entered his dinghy. He was later washed ashore, but was found dead of gun wounds. An RAF high speed launch, which tried to search for the pilot was also attacked by enemy fighters.
12.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BR346 Pilot was shot down after being attacked by enemy fighters. Pilot managed to bale out and land safely, being slight wounded. Aircraft was totally destroyed.
14.05.42 S. Spitfire VcT BR291 Pilot was shot down by overwhelming number of enemy fighters. He baled out, but was too low for the parachute to open properly. One fatality.
14.05.42 S. Spitfire VcT 185 BR349 Aircraft crashed in Siggiewi after being shot down in aerial combat. One fatality.
14.05.42 S. Spitfire V 249 BP878 Aircraft shot down in sea. Pilot never seen again, listed as missing, believed killed.
17.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BR352 Along with other Spitfires, the pilot attacked Italian Reggiane Re.2001 Falco II fighters over Kalafrana. During the engagement, he aircraft was seen to be smoking form the port side of the engine cowling. He tried to land at Safi strip, but came in low and crashed in the boundary wall. Although the aircraft didn’t catch fire, it was declared a complete write off. Pilot was seriously injured.
17.05.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 BP951 Aircraft shot down during aerial combat, crashing at Ghajn Tuffieha. One fatality.
18.05.42 H. Hurricane IIc 229 BN362 Together with another pilot, the aircraft got airborne to provide air cover for a High Speel Launch. Attacked by up to 10 Me-109s. the crew of the launch reported seeing the Hurricane diving into the sea.
18.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BP993 Part of a formation that turned to face enemy Me-109s over Filfla island. It is thought that his R/T was not functioning properly as he did not take immediate evasive action, coupled with the fact that the pilot didn’t have much experience over Malta, as well as his look out may not have been sufficiently alert. Although wounded he managed to bale out, being rescued by the high speed motor launch.
18.05.43 DH Mosquito Mk.II 23 DZ236/Z Took off for night attacks on ground targets in Southeast Sicily but was hit by flak. The port engine caught fire, but the pilot managed to fly back to Malta safely on the remaining engine.
25.05.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BR354 Scrambled with the rest of the squadron to intercept incoming enemy raider. He was seen to engage the enemy, but the squadron received a report that his aircraft had crashed in the sea. A high speed launch sent to investigate found the wreckage, but no trace of the pilot was found.
03.06.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR950 Aircraft shot down in sea during combat, but pilots’ body was picked up.
08.06.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR312 Following aerial combat, the pilot crashed just outside the south side of Ta Qali airfield. Pilot suffered various injuries. Aircraft had not been allocated to any squadron.
08.06.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR231 Aircraft shot down in the sea. One fatality. Aircraft hadn’t been allocated to any squadron.
10.06.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BP875 One of eight Spitfires scrambled to intercept Italian bombers. His aircraft was shot down over the sea during the engagement, the pilot safely baling out.
10.06.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR300 Following aerial combat, the pilot crashed to the west of Ta Qali airfield. Pilot suffered slight injuries. Aircraft had not been allocated to any squadron.
10.06.42 B. Beaufort I 217 L9893 Aircraft was attacked by an Me-109 60 miles South South-East from Cap Bon, Tunisia. The fighter made three attacks, each time being repelled by the Beaufort’s gunner, finally returning to its base. Although the Beaufort suffered little damage, and the pilot landed safely at Luqa, one of the crew was struck in the chest, and died almost immediately. The other three crewmen survived without injuries. 217 squadron was based in Malta between June-August 1942.
13.06.42 B. Beaufort 39 AW337 A strike against the Italian Navy resulted in this, and the following aircraft that took off from LG 85, divert to Malta with various level of damage.

This aircraft belly-landed at Malta after its hydraulic and cartridge undercarriage system where damaged by AA fire from the Italian ships.
13.06.42 B. Beaufort 39 DD955 Last seen heading towards Malta after interception by Me-109s.
15.06.42 B. Beaufort II AW237 Aircraft was part of a formation on a strike against the Italian fleet. Aircraft’s hydraulic system was damaged by anti-aircraft fire, resulting in the aircraft diverting to, and belly-landing in, Malta.

This mission does not appear to have originated from Malta, as some of the aircraft returned to LG05 (Landing Ground) in Egypt.
15.06.42 B. Beaufort 39 DD955 The squadron was based in Egypt at the time of this strike against the Italian fleet. A number of the 12 aircraft that set out were damaged during the attack, and whilst some returned to their base, a few diverted to Malta.

This aircraft, after being attacked by Me-109s, was last seen heading for Malta, but nothing else was heard from the crew.
15.06.42 B. Beaufort 39 DD975 Damaged by AA fire from the Italian ships, which damaged his elevator trim and elevator controls. Pilot headed towards Malta. On landing, he was unable to control a slight swing, the mainplane hitting the wreck of a Beaufort, which resulted in DD975 breaking up and burning up.
15.06.42 S. Spitfire Vc 601 BR353 Pilot took off from Luqa on a patrol, but nothing else was heard from him.
15.06.42 M. Baltimore I 69 AG715 Aircraft had departed from Luqa for a sea patrol, but never made it back. No communications were received from the aircraft and exact cause for disappearance unknown. Four fatalities.
15.06.42 B. Beaufighter I 217 DD995 One of 9 aircraft airborne on a mission to attack units of the Italian Fleet east of Malta. The aircraft was fired upon approximately five miles from the ships, one crewman being injured by shrapnel, and the aircraft also receiving substantial damage. The pilot managed to fly the aircraft back to Malta, but due to damage to the hydraulic system, crashed on landing.
15.06.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR306 Shot down in the sea 40 miles South West of Gozo. Pilot baled out, and believed to have been picked by convoy.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
20.06.42 B. Beaufort I 217 DD969/Q Aircraft was part of a formation that departed Malta on a strike mission against the Italian fleet in the Ionian sea. It was seen being attacked by a Ju-88, the aircraft never returning to base. It is assumed that there were no survivors.
20.06.43 DH Mosquito FB Mk.VI 23 HJ678/YP-C Took off for a night mission over western Italy, but one engine was damaged by AA gun fire, returning back to Malta on the remaining engine.
21.06.42 S. Spitfire Vb BR315 During a patrol over Malta, Spitfires were directed towards a formation of Me-109s. This aircraft was damaged in the ensuing combat. Unable to reach his base, the pilot attempted to land at Ta Qali. On his second attempt, the aircraft hit an obstacle and broke up, resulting in injuries to the pilot.
21.06.42 B. Beaufort I 217 W6502 Aircraft was one of eight assigned to attack on an enemy convoy in the Karkenna/ Lampedusa area. During their approach the Beauforts were themselves attacked by Ju-88s, some of the British aircraft being shot and crashing the sea. This aircraft was shot down, with three fatalities, one crewman PoW.
21.06.42 B. Beaufort I 217 L9799 One of the eight aircraft mentioned above, this aircraft survived the Ju-88 attacks, but was damaged. Pilot, who suffered facial injuries, managed to fly safely back to base.
21.06.42 B. Beaufort I 217 AW342 Engaged on the same mission. Pilot was killed at the controls of the aircraft. A second crewman managed to ditch the aircraft in the water. The remaining three men escaped from the aircraft, but the pilot went down with the Beaufort. In the dinghy, another man died as a result of wounds and exposure. However, when rescued by an Italian hospital ship, the deceased was also picked up, and buried on land. After a period spent in hospital, both men became PoWs in Italy, until the country surrendered in September 1943.
21.06.42 B. Beaufort I 217 DD996 This aircraft ditched in the water 120 miles south east of Malta. The four crew members were eventually picked up by an Italian flying boat after three hours.
23.06.42 B. Beaufort I 217 L9802 One of twelve aircraft from 217 and 39 squadrons on a strike mission against an Axis convoy in the Ionian sea. Aircraft was damaged by shrapnel, the pilot also being injured in his right leg. but was able to fly the aircraft back to Malta. However, because of the battle damage, the port undercarriage collapsed on landing, although it was deemed repairable.
23.06.42 B. Beaufort I 39 R6518 Engaged on the same mission as above aircraft. Aircraft lost during the attack on the convoy.
23.06.42 B. Beaufort Ia DD976/S 39 Engaged on the same mission as above aircraft. Going into the attack, one aircraft suffered a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, whilst another was seen to dive into the sea.

As one of the crewman was later discovered to be a PoW, having been shot down on the 23rd June, it is assumed that this is the aircraft which crashed in the water.
30.06.42 V. Wellington Ic 38 DV542 One of six aircraft detailed to attack a convoy enemy merchant ships with a naval escort during night time. Aircraft were met with accurate AA fire, the aircraft’s hydraulic system being damaged, the aircraft crashing landing at Malta. One crew member was injured.
02.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR184 Aircraft shot down in sea during combat. No trace of aircraft or pilot were ever found. This Spitfire hadn’t been allocated to any squadron.
02.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR294 One of the tyres was punctured by an enemy bullet, causing the aircraft to tip over on landing at Hal-Far. Slight injuries to pilot.
02.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 603 BR356 Pilot was shot down in the sea south east of Valletta during aerial combat, never being seen again. Aircraft hadn’t been allocated to any squadron.
02.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR876 Pilot was directed at incoming enemy fighters when conducting a fighter patrol. In the ensuing combat, his machine was badly damaged, forcing an early return to Hal-Far airfield. The pilot suffered slight injuries.
03.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR465 Pilot was attacked by enemy aircraft, which hit the glycol tank. Aircraft dived out of control, the pilot managing to bale out, suffering slight injuries.
06.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR979 Aircraft was seen diving towards the sea during aerial combat with enemy aircraft. A rescue launch searched the possible area, but no trace of the pilot was found, presumed to have either been killed, or drowned with the aircraft.
07.07.42 S. Spitfire Vb 185 AM500 Pilot was on a fighter patrol, when he was engaged by Me-109s over Luqa, causing his aircraft to burst in flames, crashing between Ta’ Qali and Luqa. Pilot managed to bale out, receiving slight injuries.
07.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR282 Aircraft shot down in combat. One fatality.
07.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR317 Pilot was on a fighter patrol over Malta. Sighting, and engaging enemy fighters, the pilots’ aircraft was seen to go into a vertical dive, crashing onto the ground.
07.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BP990 The squadron was scrambled to intercept enemy aircraft, engaging the enemy over the sea off Kalafrana. Aircraft was badly shot up, forcing the pilot to bale out over the sea, suffering slight injuries.

Aircraft does not appear to have been allocated to any squadron.
08.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR183 Aircraft was damaged during combat. On returning to the airfield, the pilot was forced to make a wheels-up landing receiving some injuries. Aircraft was classed as Category 2 damage, with the engine being listed as Category 1. Aircraft hadn’t been allocated to any squadron.
08.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR198 Pilot shot down over the sea. An attempt to locate the pilot failed, and it was assumed the he went down with the aircraft. Spitfire hadn’t been allocated to any squadron.
08.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR227 Pilot is assumed to have been shot down over the sea during engagement with enemy aircraft. Aircraft hadn’t been allocated to any squadron.
08.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR233 Pilot didn’t return to base after squadron had been scrambled to intercept incoming enemy raiders. It was assumed that he had been shot down in the sea. Aircraft hadn’t been allocated to any squadron.
09.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR355 One of eight aircraft scrambled to intercept incoming bombers and their fighter escorts. The pilot was seen to engage the enemy, but never returned to base, and it was assumed that he had been shot down, crashing in the sea. A search by the high speed rescue launch proved futile, no trace of the aircraft being found.
09.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BP957 Pilot was shot down over the sea during combat with enemy aircraft. As none of the squadron saw him crash, neither the exact location, nor circumstances could be clearly defined. Aircraft hadn’t been allocated to any squadron.
10.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR244 One of 8 aircraft scrambled to intercept incoming Ju-88s escorted by fighters. This aircraft had been observed to be lagging behind, and hadn’t been observed to attack the enemy aircraft. He failed to return to Luqa, and a search by the RAF high speed rescue launch where the dogfight had taken place revealed some wreckage, but no trace of the pilot.
11.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR111 Pilot went missing after combat with enemy aircraft. No one saw the pilot going down, but it was assumed that it crashed in the sea, taking the pilot down with it. Aircraft hadn’t allocated to any squadron.
12.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR324 Pilot failed to return from an intercept mission. It was assumed that he was shot down in the sea. A search in the likely area where he may have come down revealed no trace of either aircraft or pilot. Aircraft hadn’t been allocated to any squadron.
13.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR242 Eight Spitfires were scrambled to intercept 8 Ju-88s escorted by Me-109s and Macchi fighters. The pilot suffered injuries during the engagement, but was able to bale out, both him and the aircraft down in the sea. He was rescued by an RAF high speed launch.
14.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 AB469 Aircraft was a fighter patrol over Malta. Directed to intercept incoming enemy formation, engaging with the enemy east of Grand Harbour. Pilot was shot in flames during combat, the pilot managing to bale out, but suffering 3rd degree burns.
14.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BP992 Pilot was about to attack a Ju-88 when he was hit by an enemy fighter. Although wounded in the ankle, he managed to break off the engagement and make a safe landing at Luqa. Aircraft was repairable.
14.07.42 DH Mosquito FB Mk.VI 23 HJ736 Aircraft damaged by AA fire on a night mission over western Sicily. The pilot returned to Malta, but the aircraft was declared a write off.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
16.07.42 B. Blenheim Mk. V BA542 This Blenheim departed from No. 13 O.T.U. Bicester for Gibraltar. It landed at Luqa on the 15th, departing for the Middle East on the 16th, but never reached its destination, crashing in the sea either because of mechanical issues, or enemy action. Three fatalities, with the body of one crewman washing ashore at Port Said on 12th August.
18.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR323 The pilot was scrambled along with two other pilots to engage an incoming raid. The aircraft was seen to crash in the sea, and a rescue launch found the pilot alive but seriously injured. Aircraft does not appear to have been allocated to any squadron.
19.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BP861 Aircraft was one of eight that had been scrambled to intercept enemy fighters flying in formations at 17,000ft and 20,000ft. The pilot apparently appears to have become separated from his formations, and was attacked by the upper formations, being fatally hit by cannon fire, and crashing to the ground in the vicinity of Gudja village. One fatality.
20.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR460 Pilot was forced to abandon his aircraft after engagement with enemy aircraft, coming down in the sea. He had also suffered from minor gun wounds.
20.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR117 Aircraft shot down during combat. Pilot reported missing.
22.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc BR128 Squadron had been scrambled to intercept incoming enemy aircraft. No one saw what happened, but it was assumed that he was shot down, and drowned with the aircraft. Aircraft hadn’t been allocated to any squadron.
22.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR203 Pilot failed to return to base after aerial combat, and was believed to have been shot down, crashing into the sea.
24.07.42 B. Beaufort Mk. II 86 AW308/H Aircraft was one of six sent to attack a convoy near Cephalonia, Greece. Approaching the convoy in two formations of three aircraft each, one Beaufort was seen to blow up in mid-air and the other to crash in the sea. The crew of this aircraft (AW308) were hit in the port engine and started a return to base. But after a few minutes, the starboard engine failed, forcing the captain to ditch in the sea. Three crew members managed to escape the aircraft, but a fourth appears to have gone down with the aircraft. The surviving members became PoW’s.
24.07.42 B. Beaufort Mk. II 86 AW355/G Was in formation with AW308 above. Four fatalities.
24.07.42 B. Beaufort Mk. II 86 AW356/Z Was in formation with AW308 above. Four fatalities.
26.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR357 Spitfires from this squadron were scrambled from Luqa to intercept an incoming formation of nine Ju-88s with escorting fighters. During an attack on one Ju-88, the pilot was himself attacked and injured. He nevertheless managed to make a safe landing, the aircraft being repairable.
27.07.42 Bombing raid on Ta Qali airfield and runway resulted in aerodrome being temporarily closed. 249 squadron operated from Luqa, 603 from Hal-Far.
28.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 1435 EP189 Pilot was believed to have been wounded in an engagement with enemy fighters, his machine also suffering damage, forcing him to return to Luqa. Witnesses saw that the aircraft was in difficulties when overflying the airfield. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed on landing, resulting in the aircraft catching fire, killing the pilot.
30.07.42 S. Spitfire Vc 1435 EP344 Aircraft was seen to burst in flames. As the pilot never returned to Luqa, it was assumed that he had crashed in the sea.
02.08.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR321 Pilot failed to return from aerial combat, and is presumed to have been shot down and crashed in the sea.
02.08.42 S. Spitfire Vc 185 BR362 Aircraft crashed north of the Victoria Lines during aerial combat, pilot killed.
08.08.42 S. Spitfire Vb 1435 EP336 Last seen engaged in combat, but never returned to base.
10.08.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR366 Aircraft was shot down during combat, the pilot being seen to bale out. Despite his location being known, a rescue launch was unable to locate him.
10.08.42 Bombing raid by 2 Ju-88s which dropped anti-personnel bombs resulted in one personnel killed, another injured, and an ambulance destroyed. 5 Beaufighters and two Spitfires damaged.
13.08.42 S. Spitfire Vb 126 EP472 Aircraft was on a convoy patrol, but shot down by an Me-109. One fatality.
13.08.42 S. Spitfire Vb 1435 EP197 Crashed in the sea 100 miles from Malta following aerial combat. Aircraft was on convoy protection.
13.08.42 B. Beaufighter VI 248 T5101 Aircraft was on fighter escort duty for a convoy. Attacked by Me-109s, the crews being heard over the VHF that their port engine was on fire, and they were baling out.

From a report by the W/O received from the International Red Cross that on baling out he lost consciousness, suffering from burns, and picked up by the Germans. It was his belief that the pilot went down with the aircraft.
20.08.42 B. Beaufort II 39 AW341 Aircraft was on a shipping strike off Cape Stillo. Shot down by enemy fighters. Four survivors, but with one injury.
21.08.42 B. Beaufighter 248 _____/X One of six Beaufighters of 248 squadron taking off as protection for Beauforts on a strike near Corfu. This aircraft suffered hits in oil tank, starboard wing and tail.
21.08.42 B. Beaufighter 248 _____/N Badly damaged, but made it to a crash landing at Luqa. Cannot confirm if this is the Beaufighter X8063 (mentioned in the (non-combat) Accidents page) that suffered a tyre burst on the same date.
21.08.42 B. Beaufighter I 227 T4934 Aircraft came down in an attack near Cape Stillo, either by flak or enemy fighters. Crew survived, became PoWs.
25.08.42 S. Spitfire Vc 249 EN976 Aircraft scrambled from Ta Qali to intercept incoming enemy aircraft. Observers on the ground saw the aircraft crashing in the sea, 500 yards from the coast. Pilot wasn’t seen to bale out, and presumed to have gone down with the aircraft.
26.08.42 S. Spitfire Vc 229 BR496 Pilot shot down in sea and reported missing after engaging enemy aircraft during a raid.
26.08.42 S. Spitfire Vb 229 EP190 Aircraft took off from Ta Qali to intercept enemy Aircraft. It is believed that he was circling the wreckage of an RAF aircraft in the sea, when he was attacked by Axis aircraft but shot down in the sea.
27.08.42 S. Spitfire Vb 229 EP339 Pilot was leading a sweep over Sicily, his aircraft crashing in flames after being hit by anti-aircraft fire over Comiso.
28.08.42 S. Spitfire Vb 229 BP871 Missing during combat with enemy fighters, believed crashed in the sea.
29.08.42 S. Spitfire Vc 1435 BS160 Shot down 20 miles outside Grand Harbour. One fatality.
06.09.42 B. Beaufort II 39 AW302 Departed as part of a formation of 9 Beauforts, escorted by 12 Beaufighters of 227 and 3 from 89 squadrons to attack enemy shipping. Aircraft was badly damaged, with two crew being injured in an attack by enemy fighters, but returned safely to base.
06.09.42 B. Beaufighter II 39 AW381 Participated in the above mission. In an attack by enemy fighters, one crew member was killed, although the crew managed to fly the aircraft back to Luqa.
06.09.42 B. Beaufighter VI 227 X8089 For no known reason, this aircraft was seen to be flying in an erratic manner before the attack. It crashed in the sea 20-30 miles south of the convoy. Two fatalities.
06.09.42 B. Beaufighter I 227 T4666 No reason for the loss of this aircraft are known, either shot down by enemy fighters or naval AA fire.
06.09.42 B. Beaufort II AW305 Another aircraft that didn’t return after the attack, possibly shot down or damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Four fatalities.
06.09.42 B. Beaufort II 39 AW280 As above.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
15.09.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 BP867 Crashed in the sea after engagement by enemy fighters.
17.09.42 B. Beaufighter VI 227 T5149 Aircraft lost during an operational mission.
22.09.42 B. Beaufighter VI 227 X8061 Aircraft, damaged by enemy action, crashed at Birzebbuga whilst attempting to land. Crew suffered slight injuries.
23.09.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR383 Shot down 50 miles north of Gozo.
23.09.42 Ta Qali aerodrome is unserviceable as a new drainage system is installed across the centre of the landing ground. A 229 detachment operated from Luqa.
26.09.42 B. Beaufighter I 89 V8268 Aircraft was on patrol at 20,000ft, when the port engine failed.

As they approached, the Island’s anti-aircraft positions were on ‘Guns Tight’, orders to shoot only at aircraft once they had been identified. However, the guns covering the approach to Luqa airfield were still on ‘Guns Free’ – ready to fire at any aircraft.

Spotting an unidentified aircraft headed for Luqa, the gunners opened fire. The Beaufighter pilot took evasive action, turning away from the airfield and looping back to make another attempt at landing. But the aircraft had lost too much height and he was forced to crash land. The Beaufighter burst into flames. The pilot escaped from the top hatch as Royal Artillery personnel rushed to the scene, managing to rescue the observer, who was badly burned. Despite suffering relatively minor burns, the pilot died later in hospital from shock.

Cause of port engine failure was the sleeve crank long rear on No. 1 cylinder sheared at the front needle roller bearings rollers; the shaft of sleeve crank became detached and fell into the front row of connecting rods, causing a jam, preventing the crankshaft from rotating.
04.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 249 BR379 Aircraft was engaged in aerial combat, when it was seen to be emitting glycol, shortly after crashing at Qrendi. Pilot died later in hospital from injuries sustained during the crash.
04.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 EP270 Aircraft was seen diving into the sea during combat. One fatality.
04.10.42 V. Wellington V 69 HX605 Aircraft’s hydraulic system damaged by flak over target, also lightly injuring one of the crew. Wellington collapsed on landing at Luqa.
11.10.42 S. Spitfire 229 EN954 Crashed due to enemy action.
11.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR183 Didn’t return from aerial combat.
12.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 AB377 Aircraft didn’t return from aerial combat.
12.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 185 EP139 Aircraft sighted and engaged enemy fighters during a patrol over the island. Aircraft was shot down, the pilot’s body being washed up ashore a few hours later.
12.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 1435 EP209 Pilot didn’t return from aerial combat.
13.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 185 EP316 Pilot shot down during combat.
14.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 229 BR130 Pilot shot down, and crashed at Ta Qali, pilot suffering injures.
14.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 249 BR173 Pilot baled out, with slight injuries.
14.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 1435 AR470 Didn’t return to base after aerial combat.
14.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 1435 EP203 Pilot didn’t return from aerial combat.
14.10.42 B. Beaufighter VI 227 X8091 One of three aircraft engaged in a shipping strike, it was hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashing in the sea. No reports of survivors being either seen or picked as PoWs.
14.10.42 B. Beaufighter VI 227 T5312 As with X8091 above, this aircraft was hit during the attack and crashed in the sea, but the crew were able to escape, becoming PoWs.
15.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR176 Pilot, injured during combat, baled out, coming down in the sea, being picked up by the HSL.
15.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 245 BR245 Aircraft shot down in the sea during combat. Pilot baled out, but had suffered injuries during combat.
15.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 EP340 Pilot didn’t return from aerial combat.
16.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 1435 BP873 Aircraft damaged during combat. Pilot attempted to land but ended up crashing, suffering from injuries. Aircraft declared a write-off.
16.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 1435 EP718 One of eight aircraft scrambled to intercept an incoming raid by 7 Ju-88s with a fighter escort. During the ensuing combat, the pilot’s aircraft engine was seen to be on fire when five miles north of Grand Harbour. Aircraft never returned to base.
16.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 EP338 Aircraft was in an intercept mission against Ju-88s and Me-109s. Shot down during combat, pilot missing.
17.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 229 EP381 Pilot never returned from an engagement with enemy aircraft.
17.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 185 EP521 Aircraft was damaged during combat. Pilot attempted to land, but was seen to stall and spin into the ground at Hal-Far. Pilot suffered from serious injuries, aircraft being completely destroyed.
17.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BP955 Pilot didn’t return from an interception mission.
18.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 AB332 Eight Spitfires were scrambled from Luqa to engage six Me-109s in the vicinity of Grand Harbour at around 20,000 ft. This aircraft was shot down, crashing near the village of Naxxar. One fatality.
22.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 1435 EP410 Pilot appeared to have suffered injuries when, during violent evasive action, hit his head against the hood. No damage to aircraft.
23.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 185 EP685 Aircraft was shot down during combat. Aircraft crashed on land, but the pilot had been unable to bale out, and was killed in the crash.
24.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 185 EP467 Shot down during combat, north of Dingli village. One fatality.
25.10.42 S. Spitfire Vb 229 EP716 Aircraft damaged during combat, pilot being injured. He crash landed at Ta Qali.
25.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 126 BR311 Aircraft was scrambled from Luqa to intercept a formation of 12 Me-109s. The pilot was seen to engage with one enemy aircraft, both being seen coming down. Although the enemy pilot baled out, nothing was seen of the British pilot.
27.10.42 S. Spitfire Vc 249 BR529 Aircraft damaged during combat, crashing at/near Torri Combo, Mosta, two miles from Ta Qali airfield, suffering from injuries.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
02.11.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 EP448 Aircraft damaged by enemy action at Ta Qali airfield, pilot injured.
10.11.42 B. Beaufighter I 272 T4708 Aircraft was on a bombing mission at El Auina, between Tunis and Carthage. Due to an engine bursting into flames, the pilot had to land at a beach on Bou Ficha. Having burnt the aircraft, the crew were soon surrounded by local Arabs and French military personnel, and taken into custody.
10.11.42 V. Wellington A.S.V. VIII 69 HF883 Aircraft was part of a formation which departed Luqa to attack enemy shipping. It would appear that their intended target was not located, but at a point given as “100 degrees Gozzo Spadere * 75 miles on their radar, seven to eight E-Boats were detected. It is presumed that the formation attacked these vessels, but this Wellington wasn’t seen after this encounter.

*This could be mis-spelling for Cozzo Spadaro, located at the southernmost point of Sicily, east of Pozzallo.
13.11.42 B. Beaufighter VI 227 X8074 This was one of eight which departed Luqa for an offensive sweep of the Sicilian – Tunisian channel area. They encountered a formation of SM.81s escorted by fighters. This aircraft was damaged, the pilot receiving some injuries, but making it back to Luqa.
13.11.42 B. Beaufighter VI 227 EL229 One of the eight aircraft mentioned above. The crew never returned to base, being assumed to have crashed in the sea.
14.11.42 B. Beaufighter I 227 T5046 Eight Beaufighters took off from Luqa on an offensive sweep along the Tunisian-Sicilian channel. A formation of enemy fighters and “large aircraft” were encountered at 4,000 feet, which attacked the British fighters. This aircraft failed to return to base from this encounter.
14.11.42 B. Beaufighter I 272 T5079 Aircraft engaged on the above stated missison. Crew had to make a forced landing in the neighbourhood of Sedjoumi Lake, but survived.
14.11.42 B. Beaufighter 272 X8031 Aircraft was on a strafing mission of an aerodrome in Tunis. Last seen heading north from Tunis, chased by enemy fighters.
14.11.42 B. Beaufighter VI 227 X8071 On the same mission as above. Aircraft never returned to base, believed shot down.
14.11.42 S. Spitfire Vb 126 EP310 Aircraft was engaged on a fighter sweep over the Sicilian-Tunisian channel, part of an 8-aircraft formation. Intercepting between 35-40 unknown transport, escorted by twelve Me-109s, 20 miles north of Cape Bon. Engaging the Axis fighters, this particular Spitfire never returned to base.
15.11.42 S. Spitfire IV 69 BS646 Took off for a reconnaissance mission, but failed to return. Pilot later reported being safe.
15.11.42 S. Spitfire IV 69 BS359 Aircraft never returned, and pilot was never seen again, presumed to have either crashed in the sea, or the result of enemy action.
15.11.42 S. Spitfire Vb 249 EP199 Pilot reported missing after combat, presumed to have fallen in the sea.
19.11.42 V. Wellington II 104 W5583/E Aircraft was part of a squadron detachment at Luqa. Together with a mix of 40 and 104 squadron aircraft, it departed for a bombing mission of Catania airport. Heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered, which was the cause of the downing of this aircraft. A report received from the IRC stated that of two crew were taken as prisoners, but died later of their wounds.
22.11.42 B. Beaufighter I 272 T5210 This was of four aircraft tasked with a strafing mission of coastal roads and aerodromes along Eastern Tunisia. This aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, causing the port engine catching fire. The pilot ditched into the sea, but both crew survived, being seen by the rest of the formation in their dinghy.
23.11.42 B. Beaufighter I 227 X7628 One of five aircraft airborne to escort Beaufighters of 39 squadron on a shipping strike off the Tunisian coast. A convoy was sighted and when this aircraft was within two miles of the vessels received a direct hit from A.A. fire, crashing in the sea from 900 feet. Two fatalities.
24.11.42 B. Beaufighter I 227 X8068 One of five aircraft sent on a bombing mission over Palermo Docks. They encountered heavy and light A.A. fire, and is believed that this may have been hit, as it never returned to Luqa. Interception of the Italian Wireless News service revealed that a British aircraft had been shot down, and that the pilot had been saved.
25.11.42 S. Spitfire Vc 1435 BR236 Part of a formation tasked with bombing Comiso airfield. This aircraft was shot down during an engagement with enemy aircraft.
29.11.42 B. Beaufort I 39 DW817 One of eight aircraft to asked with mining Palermo harbour. Both heavy and light anti-aircraft fire, from ships and land installations, was encountered. The aircraft was damaged, being forced to ditch outside the harbour. All the crew survived, becoming PoWs.
30.11.42 S. Spitfire Vc 249 BR298 Aircraft was hit by A.A. fire over Gila aerodrome, pilot becoming a PoW.
30.11.42 B. Beaufort II 39 DD875 A three aircraft formation tasked with mine laying at Bizerta Harbour, Tunis. It is possible that this aircraft was damaged by A.A. fire because it never returned to base. Nothing was ever found of either aircraft or crew.
01.12.42 S. Spitfire Vb 229 EN972 Pilot never returned to base after encounter with enemy aircraft.
03.12.42 V. Wellington 40 X_395 Aircraft had returned from a bombing mission, and made a normal approach and landing. Towards the end of its landing run, an explosion brought the aircraft to a stop, killing two crew. This had been the result of a 250 lb bomb that had “hung up” falling and exploding, a safety device that should have prevented the explosion failing to work properly. A second bomb didn’t explode.

The pilot reported that all safety precautions for “hung ups” had been taken (pulling of jettison toggle, Visual inspection of bomb compartment and bombing panel, and “shaking of the aircraft”.)
07.12.42 V. Wellington Ic 40 HF834 Aircraft had been tasked with bombing Bizerte Docks. No messages were ever received from the crew, and the aircraft never returned to base. Aircraft was on detachment to Luqa. Testimony from a surviving crew member, the rear gunner, later in the war after he had been repatriated, stated that the aircraft was hit by flak and on fire at 9,000ft. The pilot gave orders to bale out, but during his descent, didn’t see any other crew members.
07.12.42 S. Spitfire Vb 185 BR295 Aircraft was one of a formation on a fighter patrol. Sighting, and attacking a Ju-88. Pilot was seen breaking away from the attack, and calling out a mayday. A search of the area, by both aircraft and High Speed Launch failed to find a trace of either the Spitfire or the pilot.
10.12.42 HP Halifax 138 JB173 Aircraft went missing after departing Egypt for Malta. Nine crew and eight, tour-expired, passengers missing. It is assumed that the aircraft fell to an enemy aircraft. Had it been mechanical or weather related, there would have been a very good chance of the crew sending a message.
10.12.42 B. Beaufighter IV 227 D8017 Part of a formation engaged on convoy protection duties, it ran and engaged with enemy fighters. Aircraft failed to return from this mission, and it assumed that he was shot down during the engagement.
11.12.42 B. Beaufighter VI 272 T4986 Aircraft departed from Ta’ Qali, as part of an offensive patrol and interception of enemy transport aircraft. The enemy aircraft were sighted and engaged, but this aircraft never returned to base, being assumed that it had been shot down 30 miles south of Lampion Islet. This would place the crash point more or less west of Lampedusa Islands.
17.12.42 S. Spitfire Vb 1435 BR376 One of six aircraft on a low-level attack on Lampedusa Island airfield. It is presumed that this aircraft was damaged or brough down by light machine gun fire. Pilot listed as missing.
18.12.42 S. Spitfire IV BR425 Pilot was returning from a reconnaissance mission when he was attacked by enemy aircraft off Malta. Presumably he baled out, as his body was recovered by HSL.
18.12.42 S. Spitfire Vb 1435 EN980 One of four aircraft scrambled to intercept 6 Ju-52s 80 miles north east of Malta. This aircraft was damaged during the engagement, the pilot baling out. A search and rescue mission failed to locate either aircraft or pilot.
18.12.42 B. Beaufighter VI 46 X8133 Aircraft was being crewed by 227 squadron personnel, part of a 5-aircraft formation that departed Ta Qali. They engaged with enemy (Italian) aircraft, this aircraft being shot down during combat, 150 miles south-east of Malta. According to reports by the other crews, the aircraft was seen with an engine on fire, ditching in the sea. Only one survivor was seen in the dinghy. An Italian flying boat also was seen to come down in the water, having been damaged, but being made of wood, remained afloat. A flying boat from Malta was sent to pick up the survivor, who by this time had floated over to the Italians. On seeing the flying boat, the Italian crew used their aircraft’s machine guns to prevent it from landing, forcing it to return to Malta. A High Speed Launch (HSL) was also sent to the location, but by the time they arrived, there was nothing to see. Presumably, both British and Italian personnel had been picked up by Italian forces.
19.12.42 B. Beaufighter Ic 272 T5037 Part of a formation that departed Ta’ Qali for an offensive patrol. Aircraft was last seen receiving hits from enemy aircraft during an engagement. Crew failed to return to base.
        
 
DATE AIRCRAFT SQDN SERIAL NOTES
05.01.43 B. Beaufighter VI 227 X8007 One of six aircraft on an offensive sweep. 15 miles north of Lampedusa, they sighted and engaged enemy aircraft. In the ensuing combat the crew were involved in a mid-air collision with an enemy aircraft.
06.01.43 B. Beaufighter I 227 V8279 One of two aircraft airborne on an offensive sweep (target unknown). Engaging with enemy aircraft, the crew never returned to base.
06.01.43 V. Wellington II 104 W5401 Eight aircraft departed on a bombing mission of docks and shipping at Tunis. As heavy clouds obscured their target, they changed course for Sousse. Encountering heavy anti-aircraft fire, two crews reported an explosion at 7,000 ft, with an aircraft being seen burning on the ground shortly afterwards. This aircraft never returned to base.
07.01.43 V. Wellington VIII 69 HX588 Aircraft damaged by light flak during an attack on enemy shipping. Had to make a belly landing on returning to Luqa. One slight injury.
18.01.43 B. Beaufighter I 89 X8259 This was a detachment to Malta. Aircraft returned to Luqa with one injured crewman.
19.01.43 B. Beaufighter VI 272 EL294 Crew were tasked with strafing enemy transport vehicles on roads in eastern Tunisia. Heavy flak was encountered, which caused the aircraft to ditch in the sea, 5 miles of Sfax, Tunisia. Both crewmen escaped on the aircraft’s dinghy. The observer reported the pilot dying the following day, for no apparent reason, there being no external signs of injuries, and that he had acted perfectly normal during the flight. It is assumed that they had been picked by Axis forces, as the pilot was buried in Nakta, Sfax.
23.01.43 V. Wellington VIII 221 HX646 Aircraft departed on a bombing mission of an enemy convoy west of Sicily. As the aircraft was flying at 200 feet, it was attacked by enemy fighters, causing it to crash in the sea in the vicinity of Trapani. One survivor, rest of the crew going down with the aircraft.
31.01.43 B. Beaufighter VI 227 X8003 Four aircraft from this squadron, and another four from 272 squadron were airborne on a shipping strike on vessels off the Tunisian coast. This particular aircraft was hit by flak, crashing in the sea some 1.5 miles from the coast. There appeared no hope of survivors.
31.01.43 B. Beaufighter 227 EL278 On the same mission as above, except that it was seen to blow up in the air after being hit by flak.
07.02.43 V. Wellington VIII 221 HX600 Aircraft had departed Luqa tasked with illuminating an enemy convoy, 60 miles east of Sardinia. It was later learnt that the body of a crewman had washed ashore and buried in Sardinia.
08.02.43 S. Spitfire Vc 249 BR373 Aircraft was on a bombing mission over Sicily. Hit by machine gun fire west of Gela, forcing pilot to make a forced landing, becoming a PoW.
08.02.43 V. Wellington VIII 458 HX683 Aircraft departed Luqa on a night time torpedo attack on enemy shipping north of Sicily. This aircraft suffered multiple hits by enemy fire, but was able to return to base. One injury. This was a detachment to Malta by 458 squadron between January-May 1943.
15.02.43 S. Spitfire Vc 229 EP641 Pilot was part of a bombing mission over warehouse and buildings in Sicily. He was last seen over the target area, but never returned to base.
17.02.43 S. Spitfire Vc 1435 EP915 One of two aircraft tasked with strafing enemy motor vehicles in Sicily. On returning to Malta, they saw an enemy aircraft and initiated engagement. Unfortunately, this aircraft was damaged, forcing the pilot to bale out. The second pilot circled overhead long enough to confirm him landing safely in the sea, some 2-3 miles from Catania. There were a number of fishing boats in the area, and it is assumed the pilot was taken into custody.

According to the Italian Corriere della Sera, the Italian bombers were being flown from one aerodrome to another a short distance from the Sicilian coast, when they were attacked by numerous Spitfires. One of the Spitfires was shot down, the pilot baling out over the sea and being picked up fishermen and taken prisoner. According to the ”Gazzetta del Popolo” one of the bombers was hit, and the engine mechanic was wounded.
22.02.43 B. Beaufighter VI 272 X8093 One of four aircraft on a night intruder patrol over Sicily. This particular aircraft didn’t return. As the other three crews reported intense flak, and as all three aircraft were damaged, it was assumed that X8093 had been shot down.
24.02.43 B. Beaufort II 39 AW359 Part of a formation sent on a night time attack on an Axis convoy, which was located at position 39°00'00.0"N 12°40'00.0"E, north of Trapani. Crew didn’t return from the mission, and was presumed shot down. A month later, on 24th March, an Italian minesweeper, based at Tortoli, Sardinia, came across a body in the water, in RAF blue uniform, and wearing a ‘Mae West’. An identity disc with the wearer’s name and service serial number identified the body as a crew member of this aircraft. He was picked up, and buried on land.
25.02.43 B. Beaufort II 39 DD910 Engaged on the same mission as the above Beaufort. This aircraft was shot down by the vessels’ A.A. defences. Three survivors (picked up by an Italian destroyer), and as they did not see him, they assumed he had gone down with the aircraft.
25.02.43 V. Wellington 221 LB134 Although belonging to 221 squadron, it was in fact crewed by members of 458 squadron. Part of a formation that departed Luqa to attack the same convoy as above. This aircraft was shot down, crashing in the sea in the vicinity of Capri. An Italian rescue mission recovered the bodies of four of the crew.

Investigations after the war into the burial locations of unknown personnel i.e. matching the details of missing personnel, with details of unknown buried bodies, British forces came across a report by the Italian officer in charge of the rescue mission. It noted that “The Commanding Officer took them on board, identified them by means of documents recovered from the bodies, and then on account of operational necessities buried them at sea with military honours, and with what ceremony the absence of a chaplain would allow.
26.02.43 B. Beaufighter I 272 X7778 Part of a formation on a night intruder patrol, the crew never returned to base. Other crews reported quite accurate flak, and it was assumed that this aircraft had been shot down.
26.02.43 B. Beaufort II 39 DD878 One of five aircraft tasked with attacking an enemy convoy in the Naples Bay area, this aircraft is believed to have been damaged by A.A. fire, and never returned to base. At least one crewman was taken prisoner.
26.02.43 S. Spitfire Vc 249 AR559 Aircraft was part of a formation acting as cover for returning bombers. An attack by an Me-109 damaged this aircraft, forcing the pilot to bale out at 700 feet. Unfortunately, the parachute failed to open, and no further trace of the pilot could be found.
06.07.43 L. P-38 USAAF 4 aircraft landed at Ta Qali with minor problems.
14.07.43 NA B-25 21st Bomber Group One of three aircraft that landed at a Qali from a bombing mission over Sicily/Italy. This aircraft had been hit in the engine by enemy flak. The other two aircraft departed after re-fuelling.
14.07.43 Co. B-24 389th BG Crew landed at Ta Qali, having been damaged by flak over Messina. Outer starboard engine shut down.
19.07.43 S. Spitfire Vc 229 LZ808 The pilot of this aircraft was leading a section from his squadron on a sweep of the Sicilian east coast. Spotting, and engaging, four Me-110s, he was unfortunately hit. He was last seen baling out of his aircraft, which by now had thick black smoke pouring from it.
06.08.43 DH Mosquito PR Mk.II 60 SAAF DD744 Aircraft suffered damage by AA fire during a mission over Palermo and Messina, the aircraft being declared a write off on returning to Malta, being Struck of Charge later in the year.
04.07.43 NA B.25 Mitchell 445th Bomber Squadron 42-30387 Aircraft named “Kay Girl”. Diverted to Ta Qali by the co-pilot after an attack on Gerbini, the pilot having been killed by a 20mm shell from enemy fighters.
19.12.44 S. Spitfire Mk. IX 237 PT715 Didn’t return from combat operations.
        
 
Accidents - Military Accidents - WW II Armed Forces of Malta Deliveries Malta-based Royal Air Force Luqa Naval Aviation Summer Camps
Copyright (c) 2025 Aviation in Malta   Terms Of Use  Privacy Statement