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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.
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DATE |
AIRCRAFT |
SQDN |
SERIAL |
NOTES |
03.07.40 |
H. Hurricane |
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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 |
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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 |
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K8369 |
Missing on a Search flight, further details below. |
21.07.40 |
Saunders-Roe London |
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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.
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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 |
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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.)
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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. |
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.
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09.03.41 |
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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 |
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DATE |
AIRCRAFT |
SQDN |
SERIAL |
NOTES |
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 |
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. |
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. |
12.09.41 |
B. Blenheim |
105 |
Z7357 |
One of eight aircraft sent on a shipping strike. 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 |
Z7423 |
One of eight aircraft sent on a shipping strike. The formation was engaged by formation of three CR.42s and three MC200 Italian fighters, this aircraft being shot down. |
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DATE |
AIRCRAFT |
SQDN |
SERIAL |
NOTES |
12.09.41 |
B. Blenheim |
105 |
Z7504 |
One of eight aircraft sent on a shipping strike. The formation was engaged by formation of three CR.42s and three MC200 Italian fighters, this aircraft being shot down. |
12.09.41 |
Blenheim |
105 |
Z7423 |
As above. |
22.09.41 |
B. Blenheim |
105 |
Z7421 |
Crashed over target area of Homms, North Africa after colliding with Blenheim Z7423. |
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 |
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Z3512 |
Aircraft crashed in the sea, seven miles of Tigne, presumably due to enemy action. |
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.
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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. |
28.10.41 |
F. Albacore |
828 |
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Six of the type attacked Comiso airfield but one was shot down by AA fire. |
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. |
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 |
B. Blenheim |
18 |
Z7895 |
One of six aircraft attacking an enemy convoy. Shot down by enemy ship’s AA fire during an attack. |
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. |
14.11.41 |
B. Blenheim |
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L7887 |
Forced landed at Ta Qali due to enemy action. One crew member killed due to enemy action. |
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. |
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. |
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”. |
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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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. |
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. |
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, one injured, two survivors. 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. |
27.07.42 |
|
|
|
Bombing raid on Ta Qali airfield and runway resulted in aerodrome being temporarily closed. 249 squadron operated from Luqa, 603 from Hal-Far. |
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 spitfire damaged. |
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. |
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 operates from Luqa. |
26.09.42 |
B. Beaufighter I |
89 |
V8268 |
According to aviation-safety.net, the aircraft was one of two which had to return early from a patrol to intercept enemy raiders.
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.
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
DATE |
AIRCRAFT |
SQDN |
SERIAL |
NOTES |
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. |
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. Three aircraft were shot down by Me-109s some 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. |
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 brought 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 injuried, the aircraft declared Cat.2 damage. |
|
|
|
|
|
DATE |
AIRCRAFT |
SQDN |
SERIAL |
NOTES |
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 |
Z1698 |
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. |
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. |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
DATE |
AIRCRAFT |
SQDN |
SERIAL |
NOTES |
13.06.42 |
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. |
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 suffered damage. Pilot, who suffered sight injuries, managed to fly safely back to base. |
21.06.42 |
B. Beaufort I |
217 |
AW342 |
As above. Four fatalities. |
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 |
Aircraft crashed on landing at Luqa, possibly as a result of enemy action, having been involved in an attack on a convoy in the Ionian Sea. One slight injury. |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
DATE |
AIRCRAFT |
SQDN |
SERIAL |
NOTES |
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. |
14.07.43 |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
25.08.42 |
S. Spitfire Vb |
249 |
EP695 |
Aircraft was part of an offensive sweep over the Sicilian coast. Pilot reported problems with his propeller constant speed unit going unserviceable, and seen to crash into the sea. One fatality. |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
DATE |
AIRCRAFT |
SQDN |
SERIAL |
NOTES |
06.09.42 |
B. Beaufort II |
39 |
AW280 |
As above. |
15.09.42 |
S. Spitfire Vb |
249 |
BP867 |
Crashed in the sea after engagement by enemy fighters. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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, killing the pilot. |
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. |
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. |
02.11.42 |
S. Spitfire Vb |
249 |
EP448 |
Aircraft damaged by enemy action at Ta Qali airfield, pilot injured. |
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. |
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. |
01.12.42 |
S. Spitfire Vb |
229 |
EN972 |
Pilot never returned to base after encounter with enemy aircraft. |
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. |
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. |
|
|
|
|