ROLLS OF HONOUR

 

ROYAL AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS, RAF MEDITERRANEAN

(later known as AIR HEADQUARTERS, MALTA)

Azzopardi, J

AC2

11.03.41

Boornan, G E

LAC

02.03.42

Brunton, F A

LAC

02.01.43

Cliff, J W

Cpl

15.06.44

Hermon, H C

LAC

29.04.41

Jordan, R C, MiD

Grp Capt

23.06.43

Kitcher, C

AC2

12.09.43

Leavesley, S

LAC

15.03.42

McCririck, R E

Cpl

30.12.42

Newman, H G

Flt Lt

14.01.43

Scadeng, H

Plt Off

28.02.41

Styles, A H

LAC

27.03.42

Tapper, R N

Sgt

29.04.41

RAF STATION, KALAFRANA

Beer, A A J, MiD

Flt Lt

18.04.42

Blyth, A D

Cpl

30.12.41

Borg, J

AC1

11.03.41

Carswell, R

Cpl

08.09.43

Clarke, J S

AC1

09.05.42

Cook, S H

Cpl

08.05.42

Davis, J C

F/Sgt

08.05.42

Dawes, V E

LAC

23.11.40

Farrugia-Gay, J

AC2

08.05.42

Flower, W T

LAC

26.04.42

Griffith, T P L

LAC

04.02.42

Hayter, K W

Cpl

18.04.42

Kin, H

Cpl

24.03.42

King, G R

AC2

04.02.42

Lockwood, F H

Cpl

08.05.42

Long, D B

AC2

21.10.41

McCarty, J A

LAC

08.05.42

McEwen, M

LAC

26.04.42

McNicol, W J

LAC

31.12.41

Moriarty, A

AC2

23.04.42

Nicolls, V A

Flt Lt

11.02.42

Nielsen, T L

Cpl

04.02.42

Parmenter, S L

Cpl

08.05.42

Pirotta, J

AC1

30.12.41

Poole, F

LAC

16.02.42

Smith, J M

Sgt

18.04.42

Titherington, W G

AC1

24.03.42

Vella, A

AC1

23.06.42

Wills, D L

Cpl

01.04.42

Woodman, A T

Cpl

24.03.42

RAF STATION, HAL FAR

Baines, G

AC1

24.03.42

Ciarlo, J

LAC

05.07.42

Collins, W T D

LAC

18.04.42

Dewhurst, J S, MM

Sgt

21.05.42

Fisher, W

AC1

24.03.42

Gibbs, H T, MM

F/Sgt

30.04.42

Godwin, L J F

Sgt

28.02.41

Keeble, P G

Flt Lt

16.07.40

Kemp, V A

Cpl

21.07.40

King, W L

AC1

21.05.42

Leverington, G H R

LAC

24.03.42

Morris, V F

Sgt

26.01.42

Robbins, A D

AC1

09.10.42

Scicluna, E

LAC

24.03.42

Whatmore, W

AC1

24.03.42

Willans, F C

AC1

21.07.40

RAF STATION, TA’ QALI

Bond, G W 

LAC

20.03.42

Brown, M H, DFC*

Wg Cdr

12.11.41

Calton, D L 

LAC

23.02.42

Churchill, W M, DSO, DFC

Grp Capt

27.08.42

Clark, N

LAC

02.07.42

Clarke, C B

AC1

02.07.42

Cruickshank, G

Cpl

02.07.42

Downer, J

LAC

27.01.43

Hilton, J A

Plt Off

13.01.42

Holt, G W

LAC

10.08.42

Huggins, R

Plt Off

13.01.42

Johnson, J H

LAC

02.07.42

Lait, J F

Sgt

13.01.42

Magro, W

AC1

19.09.43

Nichols, B H

Cpl

02.07.42

Portelli, J

LAC

02.07.42

Preston, M L

AC1

02.09.41

Tapping, A T 

Cpl

09.02.42

Thomas, A J

Cpl

02.07.42

Turner, V

LAC

09.02.42

Waterfield, A A V

Flt Lt

21.03.42

Webling, P F

Cpl

24.01.43

RAF STATION, LUQA

Atkinson, L H

Cpl

29.07.42

Bond, J

AC1

16.09.41

Clarke, P M

Cpl

21.04.42

Clarke, T

Sgt

18.12.41

Drainer, J

LAC

13.07.42

Fullbrook, W

AC1

07.01.42

Granard, J

Cpl

03.01.42

Horn, G R

AC1

07.01.42

Jones, J

Cpl

26.06.42

Macmillan, D

LAC

04.10.41

Maltby, G E

AC2

07.01.42

Osborne, A M, GC

(see Appendix A)

LAC

01.04.42

Ryan, J A

AC1

07.01.42

Saliba, A

LAC

30.08.43

Singer, G F K

Cpl

15.02.42

Verney, E B

Cpl

03.01.42

Watson, W

AC1

07.01.42

No.242 A.M.E.S.

Macdonald, R J M

AC2

11.12.41

No.501 A.M.E.S.

Botfield, E J 

Cpl

04.04.43

David, R C

Cpl

01.04.42

Ellis, M D

Cpl

01.04.42

Hoskin, S F

LAC

01.04.42

Pitt, J

Cpl

01.04.42

Povey, F R

Flt Lt

01.04.42

No.14 Squadron (Blenheim)

As from November 1941, the squadron operated from the Western Desert, with numerous detachments in the Middle East, on bombing operations until August 1942 with Blenheims.

MacMichael, W

Sgt RAAF

20.03.42

Munyard, P

Sgt RAAF

20.03.42

No.18 Squadron (Blenheim)

On 12th October 1941, a detachment of fifteen Blenheims was sent to Malta for anti-shipping duties over the Mediterranean. The final sorties were made during January 1942 and its remaining Blenheims were withdrawn to Egypt where the detachment was disbanded on 21st March 1942. However, that same month it started to reform in England and was operative in April. The squadron returned to Malta by the end of July 1943 as part of No.326 Wing, equipped with Bostons, flying light bomber sorties during the Sicilian campaign.

Allan, W B

Sgt

08.12.41

Baker, S R

Sgt

07.01.42

Barclay, J A

Plt Off

08.12.41

Billett, J F

Sgt

26.12.41

Buck, D W

Sgt

19.11.41

Buckley, T R

Sgt

08.11.41

Clark, P H M

Plt Off

05.11.41

Cuming, W J

Sgt

08.12.41

Daniels, A F 

Sgt

05.11.41

Edmunds, E G, DFC

Flt Lt RNZAF

11.12.41

Hanson, H L

Sgt

19.11.41

Hedin, S E, DFM

Sgt

11.12.41

Hillman, R

Sgt

07.01.42

Kelly, J J

Plt Off RCAF

05.11.41

Lawson, L

Sgt

22.10.41

Lee, H B

Sgt

08.12.41

Lowe, G A

F/Sgt RCAF

05.11.41

Macaulay, H

Sgt RCAF

19.11.41

Marshall, W C

Sgt

26.12.41

Mills, D E

Sgt

08.11.41

Mills, M J, 

Sgt

11.12.41

Morris, R J

Sgt

05.11.41

Newsome, C D

F/Sgt RCAF

19.11.41

Parsons, G N

Sgt

19.11.41

Phillips, D H

Sgt

07.01.42

Pilley, J H, DFM

Sgt

08.12.41

Poulton, J S

Sgt

19.11.41

Pryor, G C

Flt Lt RCAF

08.11.41

Robinson, G

Sgt

22.10.41

Summers, O C

Sgt

26.12.41

Thompson, F

Sgt

19.11.41

Tollett, R

Sgt

08.12.41

Vickers, H

Sgt

05.11.41

Walker, R V W

Sgt

19.11.41

Whitmore, T A

Sgt

07.11.41

Woodburn, J D, DFM

Sgt RCAF

22.10.41

Woolman, J H

Sgt

19.11.41

No.21 Squadron (Blenheim)

On 27th April 1941, a detachment of six Blenheim Mk IV bombers from 2 Group, Bomber Command, arrived at Malta from the United Kingdom via Gibraltar, for day anti-shipping duties and coastal operations over the Mediterranean. The squadron flew out on 26th December, however, owing to sustained losses, their numbers were reduced to such an extent that the last sorties were made during February 1942 and on 14th March the squadron was disbanded and reformed the same day in the United Kingdom.

Ashley, F C

Plt Off

04.02.42

Cameron, G R

F/Sgt RNZAF

06.02.42

Clement, D J

Sgt

04.02.42

Coakley, K J

Plt Off RNZAF

14.01.42

Dukes-Smith, H F

Flt Lt

14.01.42

Fletcher, R D

Sgt

06.02.42

Fox, E

Flt Lt

29.01.42

Frost, L J

Sgt

04.02.42

Grabham, J S

Sgt

11.02.42

Grieve, J G C

Plt Off

06.02.42

Groves, D I

Sgt

14.01.42

Hall, R R

Sgt

06.02.42

Hancock, G

Sgt

06.02.42

Houston, M C

Sgt

04.02.42

Hulbert, G

Plt Off

04.02.42

Hussey, A

F/Sgt

14.01.42

Ibbotson, J K

F/Sgt RNZAF

04.02.42

Lewis, V T

Sgt

04.02.42

McLaren, D B

Sgt

14.01.42

Morris, D J

Plt Off

06.02.42

O’Grady, J

Plt Off

04.02.42

Pepper, A L

Sgt

29.01.42

Rowley, C J

Plt Off

06.02.42

Sangster, R

Sgt

28.12.41

Selkirk, W R, MiD

Wg Cdr

04.02.42

Smaridge, R E

Plt Off

06.02.42

Smethurst, K J E

Plt Off

04.02.42

Stewart, R R

Sqn Ldr RNZAF

06.02.42

Stubbs, J H

Sgt

11.02.42

Taylor, R E

Plt Off

29.01.42

Tyas, P

Sgt

11.02.42

Wallett, W H

Cpl

28.12.41

Workman, F J

Plt Off RAAF

06.02.42

Wratten, A J

Sgt

14.01.42

No.22 Squadron (Beaufort)

On 18th March 1942, the squadron began leaving the United Kingdom for the Far East via Gibraltar, Malta and Egypt and arrived in Ceylon on 28th April. It operated torpedo-armed Beauforts from Bu Amud, in Egypt, against enemy convoys and used Malta for refuelling purposes.

Howroyd, S E

F/Sgt

14.04.42

Lee, J

Wnt Off

14.04.42

No.23 Squadron (Mosquito)

On 27th December 1942, the first squadron of Mosquito Mk II fighters to operate outside the United Kingdom arrived at Luqa. The unit flew night intruder missions starting on the night of 29th/30th December over Sicily, Italy and Tunisia. During the Sicilian campaign it formed part of No.244 Wing.

Ashley, J D

Sgt

02.08.43

Bishop, J D

Flg Off

13.04.43

Cartwright, R V

Flg Off

13.04.43

Cave-Browne, E H

Flg Off

16.02.43

Clark, C E 

Sgt

21.07.43

Clunes, D I

F/Sgt

12.02.43

Cornes, S J

Flg Off

21.02.43

Cornforth, S

Flg Off

01.04.43

Crapper, V B

Sgt

10.07.43

Davies, M

Flg Off

01.04.43

Day, B J

F/Sgt

08.07.43

Farrelly, J T

Sgt

17.08.43

Gladman, P J

Flg Off

25.06.43

Haley, G

F/Sgt

05.06.43

Heslop, R

Sgt

03.04.43

Hodgkinson, A J, DSO, DFC *

Flt Lt

10.07.43

Hopkins, W H

Flg Off RNZAF

28.04.43

Innes, A C S

Flt Lt

22.07.43

Lord, J M

Flg Off

22.07.43

Marston, R C

Sgt

12.02.43

Maurice, C

Sgt

26.04.43

McCoy, L A

Plt Off

11.04.43

Menkes, E G L

Flt Lt

02.08.43

Moody, G C R

Flt Lt

25.06.43

Moss, E S

Sgt

09.01.43

Neyder, M

Flt Lt

21.02.43

Olley, P D

Sgt

09.01.43

Penfold, G A 

LAC

09.02.43

Phillips, M H A

Flt Lt

11.04.43

Sabine, L

Sgt

17.08.43

Salkeld, S W

Sgt

08.07.43

Salusbury-Hughes, K H, DFC

Sqn Ldr

21.07.43

Sherrington, R C, DFM

Wnt Off

28.04.43

Thomson, J A G

Flg Off

03.04.43

Tym, W E 

Flt Lt

05.06.43

Westcott, F

Wnt Off

16.02.43

White, E D G

Sgt

26.04.43

Winsor, K E

Sgt

02.03.43

Woodman, W A

Wnt Off

23.03.43

No.37 Squadron (Wellington)

On 8th November 1940, five Wellington bombers arrived at Luqa from the United Kingdom for operations against Italian and North African targets. A further seven reached Malta during the night of 12th/13th November. Another three aircraft arrived on the 19th but on 21st all remaining aircraft moved to Shallufa in Egypt. On 21st February 1942 a detachment of six Wellingtons from Shallufa returned to be followed by seven more the next day. During this period the Island was being subjected to heavy enemy bombing attacks. One by one bomber squadrons were withdrawn from Malta, partly to avoid destruction on the ground and partly to make way for fighter aircraft. The Wellington crews worked hard to redress the situation and during the night of 2nd/3rd March, No.37 made an outstanding attack on a large convoy assembling in Palermo harbour when three medium-sized ships were sunk. Nevertheless, as many of the Wellingtons were destroyed on the ground through enemy bombing, the remaining aircraft and crews withdrew from Malta at the end of March as it was impossible to base bombers on the Island on a permanent basis.

Asquith, J

LAC

08.03.42

Barnes, J R

Sgt

16.11.40

Baxter, J L

Sgt

21.02.41

Broad, R C W

Flg Off

21.02.41

Buttler, J G G

Sgt

16.11.40

Goodfellow, E

Sgt

09.03.42

Green,B W

Sgt

16.11.40

Herman, R M

Sgt RAAF

09.03.42

Hough, A G W

Flg Off

21.02.41

Knight, N J

Sgt RAAF

09.03.42

Kozlowski, S J

WO RCAF

08.03.42

Lattimer, A B

Sgt

16.11.40

Muir, G C

Plt Off

21.02.41

Ross, G A

Sgt

16.11.40

Scott, A A

Flg Off

21.02.41

Valler, J E

Sgt

21.02.41

Walker, H N

Sgt RAAF

08.03.42

Wilson, J G D

Sgt

16.11.40

No.38 Squadron (Wellington)

During November 1940 the squadron was ordered overseas, to Egypt, for attacks on enemy bases in Cyrenaica, Italy and the Balkans, a detachment moving to Luqa, Malta, between 9 August and 26 October 1941. 

Bold, P F

Sgt

23.09.41

Brown, W F P

F/Sgt

23.09.41

Mauchlen, D P F

Plt Off

30.08.41

Poole, W J

Sgt

23.09.41

Secomb, R

Sgt RAAF

23.09.41

Sheridan, J C

Sgt

23.09.41

Shirley-Thomson S G

Sgt

30.08.41

Toshack, R H

F/Sgt RCAF

23.09.41

No.39 Squadron (Beaufort)

During June 1942, a detachment of five Beauforts were flown to Malta for attacks against Axis shipping between Sicily and North Africa. On 20th August this detachment joined others of Nos.86 and 217 Squadrons to become No.39 Squadron. With the reduction of enemy shipping movements at the end of 1942, Beauforts stationed at Malta began minelaying operations in North African ports. During December, ten Beauforts left for Egypt, whilst six others remained on detachment. Strengthening of the squadron took place at the end of January 1943 when more Beauforts arrived for night operations. Several successful strikes on enemy merchant shipping took place during February. The unit moved to Tunisia later in 1943.

Abram, J

Flg Off

15.06.42

Bacon, T J

Sgt

14.04.42

Ballingall, N G

Sgt

15.06.42

Bee, D A R

Flg Off

14.04.42

Beveridge, R G W

Flt Lt

14.04.42

Blackmore, D G

F/Sgt

12.03.43

Blackmore, W A

Sgt

12.03.43

Boynton, T F P

Sgt

11.04.43

Brown, R J T

Flg Off

30.11.42

Bryant, C H

Sgt

14.04.42

Burrett, J R

F/Sgt RAAF

22.09.42

Burroughs, N A

Sgt

15.06.42

Calvert, A

Sgt

06.09.42

Chalmer, E D

Wnt Off RAAF

16.05.43

Clark, W

Sgt

30.11.42

Comrie, P

F/Sgt

24.02.43

Cox, E R

Sgt

06.09.42

Cunningham, J D

F/Sgt

06.09.42

Dawes, R V

Flg Off

11.04.43

Dawson, R J S

Plt Off RCAF

24.02.43

Dewhurst, L

Flg Off

24.08.42

Dixon, K M

F/Sgt RNZAF

14.04.42

Doodson, W L

Sgt

22.09.42

Duncan, K J P

Sgt

06.09.42

Eastman, A F

Sgt

11.04.43

Edge, H G

Sgt

15.06.42

Evans, R C B

Lt SAAF

06.09.42

Exton, P G

F/Sgt

12.03.43

Farrant, R C

Flg Off

11.04.43

Farrell, W G

Sgt

16.05.43

Flockhart, J

Sgt

15.06.42

Fobister, G

Sgt

15.06.42

Fox, F G

Sgt

15.06.42

Fox, G S

Sgt

14.04.42

Gamble, K

Sgt

30.11.42

Gibbons, R S, DFM

F/Sgt

06.09.42

Griffiths, W F B

Plt Off

23.06.42

Hazan, G

Sgt

23.06.42

Helme, L

F/Sgt

30.11.42

Hewetson, J C W

Plt Off

25.02.43

Howarth, T

Sgt

30.11.42

Izzard, A F

Flg Off RCAF

22.09.42

Jones, R

Flg Off

22.09.42

Keegan, T B

Sgt

14.04.42

Kerrigan G J

Wnt Off

23.06.42

Laverick, P

Lt (RN)

14.04.42

Leadbeater, G

Sgt

24.08.42

Littlewood, J E

Sgt

24.08.42

Marshall, R S O, DFC

Sqn Ldr RAAF

03.03.43

Mather, C

F/Sgt

06.01.43

McKenzie, D

Sgt

12.03.43

McLean, R

Sgt

30.11.42

Miller, A

Sgt

14.04.42

Nash, H J R

F/Sgt

14.04.42

Parker, J

F/Sgt

03.03.43

Paterson, D H

Flg Off RAAF

03.03.43

Payne, F J

Wnt Off II RCAF

16.05.43

Payne, N A

F/Sgt RCAF

14.04.42

Pearson, R

Sgt

24.02.43

Richards, W B

Sgt

26.02.43

Richards, W M D

Sgt

30.11.42

Seddon, R B

Flg Off

14.04.42

Sharman, D C

Flt Lt

06.09.42

Smith, T

Sgt

14.04.42

Sutherland, D

Sgt

24.02.43

Taylor, J E

Sgt

16.05.43

Thomas, C S

Flt Lt

15.06.42

Turner, A A

Flg Off

24.08.42

Twomey, R J

Flg Off RAAF

30.11.42

Wadham, M F N

Sgt

06.09.42

Watson, H H 

Sgt

23.06.42

Watson, R M

Plt Off

06.09.42

Way, B W

Plt Off

14.04.42

Weston, V O

Sgt

23.06.42

White, F H

F/Sgt

14.04.42

Wilsdon, R W

Flg Off RCAF

12.03.43

No.40 Squadron (Wellington)

On 24th October 1941, a detachment of seven Wellington Mk Ics arrived from the United Kingdom. These replaced the Wellingtons of No.38 Squadron which had flown in from Shallufa in Egypt, in batches, between 5th and 7th August 1941. They flew their last sorties from Malta on the night of 23rd/24th October, before returning to Shallufa. From Luqa, No.40 Squadron operated by night against ports and airfields in Sicily, Italy and North Africa. Losses sustained on operations were light but at Luqa the squadron’s strength was diminished by constant enemy bombing to such an extent that by March 1942 it stopped operations and in May, its remnants moved to Abu Sueir in Egypt. Regaining its strength there, it was able to re-establish a detachment in Malta in order to prevent supplies reaching Rommel in North Africa. In January 1943, the detachment joined its parent squadron in newly-captured airfields in Tunisia and Cyrenaica.

Abbott, L J

Sgt RAAF

06.12.41

Ackroyd, J T

Sgt

02.11.41

Arsenault, T J

Sgt RCAF

06.12.41

Aspell, E A

Sgt

03.12.42

Beard, E J

Sgt

26.10.41

Bebington, J H S

Plt Off

12.11.41

Bell, A D

Flg Off

07.12.42

Bryan, M

Sgt

05.01.42

Chabot, M R

F/Sgt RCAF

25.11.41

Chalmers, W

Sgt

05.01.42

Clarke, D J

LAC

08.05.42

Colville, G D

Sgt

02.11.41

Crosby, D Y N

Sgt RCAF

26.10.41

Davies, G I F

Cpl

26.10.41

Dawson, G T

F/Sgt

22.11.42

Eastman, C R 

Sgt

24.10.41

Forth, H M

Sgt

02.11.41

Gill, R

Sgt

07.12.42

Golby, D A D

Sgt

22.11.42

Greenhill, C P

Sgt

12.11.41

Hale, V J

Sgt

26.10.41

Hardman, C N

Sgt

14.12.41

Henderson, J I

Sgt RCAF

12.11.41

Hewitt, E W

Sgt

24.10.41

Heywood, S

Sgt

07.12.42

Higginson, H

F/Sgt

26.10.41

Hodges, W A

AC1

24.10.41

Irving, A N

Sgt RCAF

26.10.41

Jackson, R

Sgt

24.10.41

James, S H

Sgt

05.01.42

Kelly, D R

Sgt

25.11.41

Lewthwaite, J J

F/Sgt RNZAF

05.01.42

Lill, P F

Sgt

05.01.42

Lodge, A

Plt Off

26.10.41

Marshall, A

Sgt

07.12.42

McCalman, I R

Sgt RAAF

02.11.41

McCann, I T, BEM

AC1

24.11.41

Nicholls, B W

Sgt

24.10.41

Paine, J D

Sgt

24.10.41

Pick, W R

F/Sgt RCAF

05.01.42

Poole, W H

Sgt

06.12.41

Pyle, A J

Plt Off

06.12.41

Quinn, L H

LAC

24.03.42

Robinson, J B

Cpl

24.10.41

Robson, C

LAC

26.10.41

Robson, T W

Sgt

02.11.41

Saunders, C G R

Plt Off RCAF

26.10.41

Semley, R

Sgt

03.12.42

Shearsby, W

Sgt

23.11.41

Sherwood, E W

Sgt

24.10.41

Spry, E D

Sgt

02.11.41

Steadman, H L 

Sgt RCAF

26.10.41

Stephens, G S

Sgt

25.11.41

Stuart, W D

Sgt RNZAF

24.10.41

Sunley, F J

Sgt

18.12.41

Webb, J A

Sgt

15.02.42

Whitaker, H

Sgt

25.11.41

Wigley, H J

Sgt RAAF

07.12.42

No.43 Squadron (Spitfire)

The aircraft of No.43 Squadron flew into Hal Far airfield on 11th June 1943, in preparation for the invasion of Sicily, moving to Comiso on 14th July.

Barker, R O

Flg Off

04.07.43

Reading, P W

Flt Lt

04.07.43

No.46 Squadron (Hurricane)

Twenty-four Hurricanes of No.46 Squadron reached Hal Far on 6th June 1941, in Operation Rocket. The groundcrews and some pilots were sent by transport round the cape to Egypt, arriving there minus their aircraft and pilots which had gone to reinforce No.126 Squadron at Malta. Accordingly for nearly a year No.46 acted at Abu Sueir, in Egypt, as a maintenance unit until May 1942, when it absorbed Beaufighters from the flight of No.89 which was detached at Idku in Egypt. On 15th November, three Beaufighters of No.46 Squadron were ordered to fly to Malta on detachment, but all failed to arrive. Two days later, ten more were despatched and all arrived safely. Their first mission took place at dusk on Friday, 20th November when five aircraft flew to Sicily to strafe Trapani airfield.

Bate, A

Flg Off

22.11.42

Burnett, N W

Flt Lt

11.06.41

Duncan, H

Flg Off

15.11.42

Farmer, G

Plt Off

19.12.42

Glibbery, G A

Flg Off

15.11.42

Inskip, K F G

Flg Off

15.11.42

Naylor, C

Sgt

10.12.42

Perinchief, W H

Flg Off

10.12.42

Roberts, J F

Sgt

15.11.42

Roe, J R W

Flg Off

19.12.42

South, T S

Plt Off

15.11.42

White, J A

Flg Off

15.11.42

No.55 Squadron (Baltimore)

Wotherspoon, J H

Plt Off

25.07.43

Buchanan, C H

Flg Off

25.07.43

Derrick, A J

Flg Off 

25.07.43

Cottrell, W D F

Sgt

25.07.43

No.59 Squadron (Hudson)

Hankins, P

Sgt

18.01.42

Story, A W

Sgt

18.01.42

Wouldes, N F

Sgt RNZAF

18.01.42

No.60 Squadron (Blenheim)

Kemp, R W

AC1

15.02.42

No.69 Squadron (Maryland/Hurricane/Spitfire & Misc. aircraft)

On 10th January 1941, No.431 Flight at Luqa was re-designated No.69 Squadron. With its four Marylands it looked after the photo-reconnaissance of the Central Mediterranean following the move to Egypt of No.228 Squadron’s Sunderlands. Although more suitable than the Sunderlands for reconnoitring defended areas, it was asking too much of this small unit to cover the Sicilian airfields, the Italian and North African harbours and the sea routes in between, in addition to patrolling Malta and the Ionian islands. The squadron received some reinforcements in March, however, less than a handful were usually serviceable. Some Hurricanes were adapted for photo-reconnaissance duties. The squadron operated from Luqa except for a short while during November 1941 when it operated from Ta’ Qali. The squadron was on strength for the invasion of Sicily and Italy, moving there in February 1944.

Ainley, F R

Flg Off

29.03.41

Anderson, W E

Sgt RAAF

18.03.42

Batchelor, H B

F/Sgt

24.11.41

Bidgood, M A

Sgt

21.07.43

Blaize, G

F/Sgt (French)

22.09.41

Bland, R M

Sgt

10.11.42

Bolton, M H S

F/Sgt

26.06.41

Boyd, V L

Wnt Off I RCAF

04.05.43

Boys-Stones, J B

Flg Off

07.03.41

Burgess, A B

Flg Off RCAF

10.11.42

Burgess, J T

Flg Off

09.11.40

Chandler, J

F/Sgt RAAF

23.02.43

Clark, C

F/Sgt

11.08.41

Conway, J L J

Wnt Off II RCAF

18.02.43

Cook, C O

Wnt Off II RCAF

18.02.43

Cooke, I E

Flg Off

02.09.43

Corbett, G A

Sgt

11.07.42

Cottrell, S G

F/Sgt RNZAF

21.04.43

Cragg, E W

Sgt

25.08.42

Currie, M

Capt SAAF

14.03.43

Delehaunt, A G J

F/Sgt

18.03.42

Dive, P B

Sgt RAAF

23.12.41

Dowland, J N, GC

Wg Cdr

13.01.42

Duvauchelle, R, Legion d’Honneur, Croix de Guerre

F/Sgt (French)

11.01.41

Fisher, B

Wnt Off II RCAF

10.11.42

Foster, J H P

Flg Off

25.08.42

Francombe, J

Flt Lt

08.01.43

Frazer, J A

Flg Off RAAF

11.01.43

Gatien, R

F/Sgt (French)

22.09.41

Gell, A T

Plt Off RAAF

08.01.43

Gimson, E W, DFM*

F/Sgt

26.06.41

Greaves, A

F/Sgt RAAF

15.06.42

Gridley, R V

Plt Off

13.01.42

Grimley, R K

Sgt RAAF

18.03.42

Hanson, B P

F/Sgt

26.06.41

Harris, A D

F/Sgt RAAF

15.06.42

Harvey, R

F/Sgt

25.08.42

Hawcroft, D

Sgt

21.07.43

Heywood, R A

Flg Off

23.02.43

Hoare, J T

AC1

15.01.42

Howard, D T

Sgt

18.12.42

Hubbard, B F R

Sgt

09.11.40

Hudson, W

Sgt

02.09.43

Hutt, J K

Sgt

24.11.41

James, F G

Flg Off RCAF

10.11.42

Jemmett, F C M

Flg Off RCAF

15.11.42

Johnson, K W

Flg Off

04.05.43

Lamble, R B

AC2

15.01.42

Lankshear, E H

F/Sgt RNZAF

21.04.43

Laver, L C

F/Sgt RAAF

08.01.43

Lawrence, D L J

Sgt RAAF

13.08.41

Le Dieu, H V

F/Sgt

10.01.43

Lee, C F

Sgt RAAF

15.07.41

Levy, J

Sgt

07.03.41

Lewsley, F

F/Sgt

10.11.42

Locke, H F

F/Sgt RCAF

10.11.42

Long, A J

Sgt

10.01.43

Maginnis, A J

Sgt

21.07.43

Marsden, D

Sgt

23.03.43

Mathews, W H, DFC

Flg Off RCAF

10.11.42

McClure, C M

Flg Off

04.05.43

McCrea, M F

Sgt

25.08.42

McKell, D A

Sgt RAAF

24.11.41

McMahon, T J

Sgt

04.05.43

McNall, B C

Wnt Off II RCAF

10.11.42

Mehouas, J

Sgt (French)

11.01.41

Metcalfe, H B

F/Sgt

23.12.41

Millband, A

Sgt

21.07.43

Milne, J S

Plt Off

18.02.43

Moffatt, B J

Flg Off RCAF

10.11.42

Moore, A C

Sgt

12.02.42

Morgan, A J

Sgt

02.09.43

Mutimer, R S, DFM

Sgt

10.08.41

Nash, R

Plt Off

18.02.43

Neill, J C G

Sgt RAAF

15.07.41

Oldrieve, F R

F/Sgt

23.02.43

Olsen, F L

Wnt Off II RCAF

10.11.42

Parker, G B

Sgt RAAF

18.03.42

Patrick, A H

Plt Off

15.06.42

Porter, R F C

Wnt Off II RCAF

21.04.43

Ray, V B

Flg Off RCAF

10.11.42

Richardson, A A

Sgt

10.01.43

Saggers, E F

F/Sgt RAAF

08.01.43

Sanders, E C

Sgt

15.06.42

Shearer, B W

Sgt RAAF

08.01.43

Simpson, J McK

Sgt RAAF

15.07.41

Smailes, P

Plt Off

14.03.43

Smith, D A

F/Sgt RAAF

08.01.43

Sobey, P A

Sgt

09.11.40

Sullivan, J B

F/Sgt RAAF

23.02.43

Taylor, G

Sgt

11.01.41

Vaughan, M P

Sgt

10.01.43

Warburton, W D

Sgt

15.06.42

Waters, E

F/Sgt

21.04.43

Wathern, D A

F/Sgt

11.07.42

Watt, J M

Sgt

10.11.42

Wells, P C

F/Sgt

23.12.41

Whelpdale, F G, DFC

Flg Off

14.03.43

Williams, E J A, DFC

Flt Lt

15.01.42

Williams, T C

Sgt

02.09.43

Woolley, S

Sgt

11.07.42

Wylde, P R

Flt Lt

10.08.41

Yates, H J

Cpl

02.08.42

No.72 Squadron (Spitfire)

On 10th June 1943, No.72 Squadron flew into Hal Far airfield in preparation for the invasion of Sicily, moving to Comiso on 17th July.

Griffiths, A M

Sgt

16.07.43

Prytherch, D J

Flt Lt

18.06.43

Sharp, G C

Flg Off RAAF

20.06.43

No.73 Squadron (Hurricane)

A detachment from No.73 Squadron was sent to Malta and operated from Luqa.

Bramley, E F

F/Sgt

09.07.43

No.82 Squadron (Blenheim)

On 21 May 1941, a detachment of five No.82 Squadron Blenheim Mk IV light bombers was sent to Malta, one aircraft being lost en route. Their role was to carry out low-level anti-shipping attacks on Axis convoys plying from Naples, Taranto and Brindisi to Tripoli and Benghazi. The Blenheims were absorbed by other units and in March 1942, the squadron left for the Far East.

Alers-Hankey, N C

Plt Off

11.06.41

Austin, R J

Sgt

27.05.41

Beirnes, D W

F/Sgt RCAF

04.01.42

Chaning-Pearce, P

Sgt

04.01.42

Cover, J A

Sgt RCAF

29.06.41

Evans, C G

F/Sgt

21.05.41

Fairbairn, G M

Flt Lt

27.05.41

Fairweather, R G S

Sgt

29.06.41

Guy, A L

Sgt

04.01.42

Harrison, J N

Sgt

19.06.41

Higgins, P J

Plt Off

27.05.41

Inman, E B

Sgt

27.05.41

Kemp, S W

Sgt

27.05.41

MacDonald, L R

Sgt

19.06.41

Mander, R M

Sgt

04.01.42

McNally, W C

F/Sgt RCAF

04.01.42

Murcutt, A D F

Sgt

05.07.41

Oaten, J

Sgt

05.07.41

Poole, R M

Sgt

11.06.41

Robbins, J J H

Sgt

04.01.42

Rowbotham, L N

Sgt

19.06.41

Thomas, A T

Sgt

29.06.41

Watson, M L

Sqn Ldr

11.06.41

Wrightson, L H

F/Sgt

21.05.41

No.86 Squadron (Beaufort)

On 13th July 1942, several flights of Beauforts set out from Gibraltar for Malta; a total of sixteen aircraft were detailed to arrive, their ultimate destination being Egypt. One aircraft was forced to ditch on the way. A number of these aircraft and crews were kept at Malta and, together with other remaining aircraft crews of this type already based on the Island, were amalgamated into a newly-formed unit. Further elements of No.86 Squadron arrived in August to provide support to the forthcoming Operation Pedestal convoy.

Green, J G

Sgt

24.07.42

Holt, G C

Sgt

25.07.42

Hyde, J H, DFC

Sqn Ldr

24.07.42

Lowing, W A

Plt Off RAAF

24.07.42

Sutherland, E P

Wnt Off I RCAF

28.07.42

West, R C

Sgt

24.07.42

No.89 Squadron (Beaufighter)

No.89 Squadron was the first Beaufighter night-fighter squadron to be deployed overseas. Formed in the United Kingdom for that purpose, it became operational at Abu Sueir, in Egypt, in January 1942. A new detachment planned for Malta for mid-January did not materialise. On 7th March three Beaufighter night-fighters arrived at Ta’ Qali from Abu Sueir to form No.1435 NF Flight at Ta’ Qali. On 22nd June 1942, the squadron sent ‘C’ Flight to Malta in support of Operation Harpoon and operate under its own identity, No.1435 NF Flight being disbanded. On 15 July, the detachment moved to Luqa. The Beaufighter NFs destroyed many night raiders over the Island, however, they suffered from enemy jamming of their radio and radar interception aids, but their influence was sufficient to deter mass raids, so that day and night air defence of Malta was reasonably assured by the end of July. The unit’s presence on the Island lasted until March 1943 when it moved back to Egypt.

Garrod, G D

Flg Off

15.01.43

Greatrex, F D W

Flg Off

15.01.43

Lea, R F

Sgt

04.01.43

Waddingham, J, DFC

Flt Lt

27.09.42

Webb, C C

F/Sgt

20.01.43

No.92 Squadron (Spitfire)

From Tunisia the squadron flew to Luqa, Malta, on 14th June 1943, to cover the landings ion Sicily, moving to Pachino on 13th July.

Savage, T W 

Flt Lt

10.07.43

No.104 Squadron (Wellington)

On 18th October 1941, Wellington Mk IICs arrived from the United Kingdom via Gibraltar for Malta, these were to relieve No.38 Squadron. They were accompanied by their crews as well as some ground crew. Meanwhile, the home echelon continued to operate until February 1942, when it was renumbered No.158 Squadron. At Malta, No.104 was based at Luqa alongside No.40 Squadron but owing to constant enemy bombing of Luqa airfield, the squadron’s strength was diminished to such an extent that it was forced to move to Egypt in January 1942. With reduced German air units in Sicily and the Italians only mounting raids by night, the situation had improved sufficiently by 24th May for a detachment to return to Luqa and resume bombing of Italian naval bases and convoy patrols. In June, the Wellingtons were withdrawn to make way for one squadron of torpedo-bombers. With the arrival of three more supply convoys during December 1942, the offensive capacity rose swiftly. As early as 6th November, the operational echelon arrived on the Island in order to assist the initial assault at Algiers. Nos.104 and 40 Squadrons returned to Luqa to raid Tunisian and Sicilian airfields. This they did until 23rd January 1943, when both squadrons moved to Gardabia, in Cyrenaica, to resume normal bombing operations.

Bell, J

Sgt

31.12.42

Booth, L

Sgt

17.12.42

Campbell, A

Sgt

31.12.42

Coakey, A M

Sgt

28.12.42

Cope, K C W

Flg Off

26.11.42

Cottrell, R T

Sgt RNZAF

28.12.42

Coulter, R L

Flg Off RCAF

17.12.42

Craig, L L A

F/Sgt RNZAF

07.11.42

Davies, E M G

Sgt

22.10.41

Davis, G R C

F/Sgt RCAF

29.05.42

Donald, K L

Sgt RNZAF

07.11.42

Earney, H H

F/Sgt RNZAF

07.11.42

Fearnside, J

Wnt Off II RCAF

19.11.42

Gray, C E

F/Sgt

19.11.42

Hammond, W E

Sgt RNZAF

19.11.42

Holmes, B C D

Sgt

19.11.42

Holmes, O L

Sgt

07.11.42

Iremonger, D L

Wnt Off

31.12.42

Jeffries, S

Wnt Off II RCAF

28.12.42

Kellett, J J

Sgt

06.01.43

Layton, J W

Sgt

19.11.42

Lines, H G, DFM

Sgt

17.12.42

Lonsdale, T

Flg Off

06.01.43

Martin, E G

Sgt

06.06.42

McColl, A

Sgt

29.05.42

Mercer, J H D

Flt Lt

19.11.42

Merritt, A R

Sgt

24.05.42

Morrison, S C

Flg Off

07.11.42

O’Keefe, G A

Sgt RAAF

06.01.43

Paterson, A S B

F/Sgt RAAF

07.11.42

Pritchard, T J

Sgt

31.12.42

Redmond, J J

Sgt

06.01.43

Roberts, E K

Sgt

29.05.42

Ross, K J

F/Sgt

29.05.42

Schrump, S Q

F/Sgt RCAF

31.12.42

Silver, G C

Flg Off RCAF

17.12.42

Stansbury, C N

F/Sgt

28.12.42

Strutt, J C, DFC

Sqn Ldr

06.01.43

Turner, E C 

F/Sgt RAAF

28.12.42

Van Gelder, N

Sgt

28.12.42

Wright, E H

Sgt

31.12.42

Yudell, I N

F/Sgt RCAF

06.01.43

No.105 Squadron (Blenheim)

On 25th July 1941, the squadron sent a detachment of twelve Blenheim bombers to Malta. However, only ten arrived at Malta on 28th July, one aircraft having landed in Portugal was interned. The other was delayed en route and arrived on 30th. The unit immediately took over No.110 Squadron’s remaining Blenheims, these being flown to Egypt for dispersal to the squadrons there. No.105 Squadron was to carry out attacks on enemy ports and shipping in the Central Mediterranean. The unit returned to the United Kingdom on 11th October 1941.

Barnett, L M

F/Sgt

22.09.41

Bastin, S G

Sgt

26.08.41

Bendall, J

F/Sgt

17.09.41

Brown, A

F/Sgt

17.09.41

Charney, F R H, DFC

Sqn Ldr

12.09.41

Gray, B, DFM

F/Sgt

22.09.41

Harris, D R

Sgt

12.09.41

Healy, W B

Sgt

26.08.41

Hill, C H

Sgt

17.09.41

Hoare, D A D

Sgt

15.08.41

Jones, J E

Sgt

04.09.41

Mortimer, J E

Sgt

12.09.41

Owen, C D

Flg Off

12.09.41

Parry, L D

Sgt

04.09.41

Porteous, S

Sgt

12.09.41

Ramsay, A S, DFC

Plt Off

01.08.41

Reid, D J

Sgt

12.09.41

Roe, H J

Flg Off

15.08.41

Samways, S R

F/Sgt

15.08.41

Scivier, D W, AFC

Wg Cdr

22.09.41

Scott, R J

Sgt

26.08.41

Sorensen, H

Plt Off

15.08.41

Standfast, P H

Plt Off

15.08.41

Timms, J D

F/Sgt

15.08.41

Wallace, W H

Sgt

04.09.41

No.107 Squadron (Blenheim)

The squadron sent a detachment of Blenheim Mk Ivs, which reached Malta by 15th September 1941, for its first operation from Luqa. These were employed in strafing enemy shipping and attacks on bases in Sicily, Italy and North Africa. But, as several losses were suffered on the ground through enemy bombing during the winter months, the detachment was withdrawn on 9th January 1942, and disbanded three days later.

Bloodworth, C O

Plt Off

09.10.41

Brenton, E H

Sgt RAAF

16.10.41

Brooks, B F

Sgt

17.09.41

Burcher, L J

Sgt

04.12.41

Burrell, F

Sgt

17.09.41

Calderwood, J S A

F/Sgt RCAF

13.12.41

Crossley, E

Sgt

24.12.41

Darcy, D P

Sgt

22.12.41

Gibson, J

Sgt

08.11.41

Gracie, R D

Sgt

13.12.41

Greenhill, R A

Flg Off

11.10.41

Hamilton, I

Sgt

08.11.41

Harte, F A, DFC

Wg Cdr

09.10.41

Henley, R F J

Sgt

22.12.41

Hewson, K T

Sgt

24.12.41

Hopkinson, W A

Sgt RAAF

08.11.41

Hunting, W K

Sgt

09.10.41

Jones, S

Sgt

09.10.41

Kidby, R G

Sgt 

04.12.41

Law, W E

Plt Off

24.09.41

Luke, H G

Sgt

24.12.41

McAllister, S

Flg Off

16.10.41

McLean, A P

F/Sgt RCAF

13.12.41

McLeod, G F

Sgt RCAF

11.10.41

Parker, R N

Sgt

11.10.41

Parsons, H F D

Sgt

22.12.41

Paul, I

Plt Off

24.12.41

Pickup, J

Sgt

17.12.41

Robinson, P E C

Plt Off

17.09.41

Routh, A D M

Sgt

11.10.41

Shaver, W T

F/Sgt RCAF

26.10.41

Smith, A M

Sgt

11.10.41

Stanier, A

Sgt

27.10.41

Talbot, E E A, GC, MBE 

Lt (Royal Engineers) 

09.10.41

Warren, T J S, DFC

Sqn Ldr

24.09.41

Waterfall, J T

Flg Off

24.09.41

Wewege-Smith, T

Flg Off

09.10.41

Whidden, C A

Sgt RCAF

04.11.41

Whitford-Walders, N

Flg Off

09.10.41

Wincott, G L

Sgt

25.10.41

No.108 Squadron (Beaufighter)

During March 1943, No.108 changed from a bomber to a fighter squadron. At Shandur, in Egypt, equipped with Beaufighters, it absorbed No.89 Squadron’s unofficial flight detached at Malta. With a detachment at Luqa, it flew night convoy patrols and offensive patrols north of Tunisia. By June, the squadron had moved to Malta and began intruding over Sicily, then flew beachhead patrols when Operation Husky took place in July. The squadron then reverted for a while to defence patrols of Malta.

Adams, C F

F/Sgt

13.06.44

Alpe, H T

Sgt

02.05.44

Barton, A T

Flg Off

17.04.44

Broadbent, T R

Wnt Off

02.05.44

Bunn, J G

Sgt

18.06.44

Chambers, K E

Plt Off

18.05.44

Coster,G L

Flg Off

08.03.44

Daniel, C H Mc K

F/Sgt RAAF

14.12.43

Edwards, H G, DFC

Sqn Ldr

05.05.43

Farquharson, A W, DFM

Plt Off

12.07.43

Firth, K

Sgt

18.06.44

Forsyth, M R

Sgt

17.04.44

Gill, M H

Plt Off

17.07.44

Hobbs, A P R

Plt Off

13.07.44

Jones, J G

F/Sgt

08.03.44

Pocock, D R 

F/Sgt

12.01.44

Riches, R L

Coder, Royal Navy

17.04.44

Smith, H R

Flt Lt RCAF

13.06.44

Spencer, K R E

Plt Off

17.07.44

Street, D A

Sgt

05.05.43

Ward, D R

F/Sgt

18.05.44

White, B K

Plt Off

13.07.44

Williams, J L

Wnt Off

16.01.44

Yeo, C E

Flg Off

12.01.44

No.110 Squadron (Blenheim)

On 29th June 1941, a detachment of seventeen Blenheims was sent to Malta, arriving in batches between 2nd and 4th July. This operated from Luqa alongside No.82 Squadron and carried out low-level anti-shipping attacks on Axis convoys plying the Mediterranean until 28th July. 

Baird, R E

Sgt

09.07.41

Broadway, J A

Sgt

15.07.41

Cathles, N A C

Plt Off

23.07.41

Child, B J

Sgt

23.07.41

Cox, R L

F/Sgt

14.06.41

Elmes, E S

Sgt

14.08.41

Hunt, T M, DFC

Wg Cdr

18.07.41

Lowe, W H

Plt Off

09.07.41

Lummus, H

Sgt

09.07.41

McDougall, W H

F/Sgt

09.07.41

Mulford, F B

F/Sgt

09.07.41

Newborough, S G

Plt Off

23.07.41

Potier, M E

Flt Lt

09.07.41

Sargent, W H

F/Sgt

22.07.41

Seale, D H

Sqn Ldr

09.07.41

Thripp, F S

F/Sgt

18.07.41

Tucker, K C

F/Sgt

18.07.41

No.111 Squadron (Spitfire)

From North Africa the squadron flew to Safi, Malta, on 10th June, to cover the landings in Sicily, moving to Comiso on 15th July.

Mellor, F

Plt Off

03.07.43

No.112 Squadron (Kittyhawk)

From Tunisia the squadron flew to Safi, Malta, on 9th July, to cover the landings in Sicily, moving to Pachino on 18th July.

Norton, G H

Sqn Ldr

13.07.43

Vance, F R

Wnt Off RCAF

13.07.43

No.113 Squadron (Blenheim)

On 27 September 1941, three Blenheim Mk IVF fighters were despatched on detachment from No.113 Squadron in Egypt to provide convoy escorts and anti-submarine patrols. During January 1942, another reinforcement flight consisting of long-range Blenheim Mk IVFs, with a 20mm cannon in the nose, was despatched to Malta by No.113 Squadron to intercept Axis aircraft ferrying troops and supplies to North Africa from Sicily.

Crossley, H

F/Sgt

28.09.41

Smith, A E

F/Sgt

28.09.41

Swan, J

F/Sgt

28.09.41

No.117 Squadron (Hudson)

The squadron carried freight and passengers.

Stringfellow, P

Sgt

06.04.43

No.126 Squadron (Hurricane/Spitfire)

On 28th June 1941, a third fighter unit was formed on Malta, from No.46 Squadron. On 30th June the unit moved from Hal Far to Ta’ Qali, however, for a brief period the aircraft were dispersed at newly-constructed Safi strip. The unit was initially equipped with the early type Hurricanes as well as some of the new Mk IICs and thrown into battle right away. The squadron scrambled daily to face both German and Italian raiders with a degree of success, but lack of spares and few replacement aircraft hampered its operations. During October, it took the offensive and its ‘Hurribombers’ attacked Comiso airfield. This was the start of a series of fighter-bomber operations for the unit as following the receipt of Spitfire Mk Vs during 1942, the squadron went a step further, and with locally improvised bomb racks, Spitfire fighter-bombers were used as from August, to attack airfield targets in Sicily. As the pressure on Malta eased, the squadron went more on the offensive and during March 1943 it was the first unit on Malta to receive a few Mk IXs which then operated alongside the unit’s Mk Vs. The squadron supported the invasion of Sicily as part of No.324 Wing.

Baker, C H

Flt Lt

21.03.42

Brooker, S F

Plt Off

21.04.42

Curtis, J

LAC

02.09.41

Davidson, G G

Flt Lt RCAF

14.11.42

Davidson, J

AC2

02.09.41

Emery, F R

F/Sgt

24.12.41

French, T J C

Cpl

16.05.42

Hackston, T

Sgt

04.07.41

Hallett, W C H

Plt Off

21.03.42

Hicks, J L

Plt Off

09.07.42

Jemmett, F J

Plt Off

22.04.42

Jones, R O

Flt Lt (American)

17.10.42

Kelly, G H

Plt Off RCAF

19.11.42

Keynes, J D, MiD

Flt Lt

04.06.43

Kirkham, W A 

LAC

22.05.43

Lapish, H, MiD

AC1

02.07.42

Leckie, J A

F/Sgt RCAF

25.06.43

Long, J H

Flt Lt RCAF

28.01.43

MacLean, D D

F/Sgt RNZAF

11.10.42

Main, B W

Plt Off

04.02.42

Maltby, J F E

Sgt

26.08.41

Mayall, J M

Plt Off RAAF

10.03.42

McCarthy, W F

Plt Off RCAF

02.04.42

McCracken, J D

F/Sgt

19.07.41

Meyrick, G E G

AC1

02.07.42

Mulloy, G F R

Sgt

18.03.42

Otis, J E

F/Sgt RCAF

19.07.42

Park, N M, DFM

Plt Off RNZAF

25.10.42

Pennock, T

Sgt

07.04.43

Preston, I F

Plt Off RCAF (American)

23.09.42

Putnam, H A

Plt Off RCAF (American)

21.04.42

Rennolds, J

F/Sgt

22.05.43

Reynolds, B W

F/Sgt RCAF

10.07.42

Roberts, H

Sgt RNZAF

19.11.42

Russell, J K

Plt Off

25.01.42

Ryckman, G A J

Plt Off RCAF

20.04.42

Smith, J A

Plt Off RCAF

10.08.42

Steele, E E

Plt Off (American)

19.12.41

Stevenson, J D

Flg Off RCAF

18.10.42

Streets, E E

Plt Off (American)

21.03.42

Sussems, D G

Cpl

16.05.42

Sutton, E C 

F/Sgt

08.06.43

Tanner, J H

F/Sgt RNZAF

13.08.42

Tedford, D A

Plt Off (American)

24.02.42

Thompson, W A

LAC

02.09.41

Wallace, E W

Flg Off RCAF

16.10.42

Wicks, B J, DFC

Sqn Ldr

12.10.42

No.139 Squadron (Blenheim)

On 16th May 1941, the squadron sent a detachment of five Blenheims from the United Kingdom via Gibraltar, to operate from Luqa on anti-shipping duties over the Mediterranean until 5th June.

Hyde, T E

Sgt

03.06.41

Pepper, N E W, DFC

Wg Cdr

03.06.41

No.145 Squadron (Spitfire)

From North Africa, the squadron moved to Luqa, Malta, on 14th June to carry out offensive patrols over Sicily, moving to Pachino on 13th July.

Daley, E A

F/Sgt RAAF

04.07.43

No.148 Squadron (Wellington)

On 1st December 1940, the Malta Wellington Flight was given new status as No.148 Squadron. Its Wellingtons continued to attack ports and airfields in Sicily, Italy and Cyrenaica until 27th April 1941, when the remaining seven Wellingtons moved to Egypt. A detachment returned on 19th June leaving the island once again for Egypt on 19th July. No.148 continued to use Malta as an advanced base until disbanded on 14th December 1942.

Adams, H P

F/Sgt

09.04.41

Backes, T D

AC1

18.01.41

Balinson, A

F/Sgt RCAF

24.04.42

Barlow, E S

AC1

18.01.41

Buckley, M W

Sgt

24.04.42

Bunnett, G

Sgt

07.12.42

Cameron, D H

Sgt

28.01.41

Charron, A E

F/Sgt RCAF

24.04.42

Clifton, K W

Sgt

09.04.41

Cramp, P

F/Sgt

09.04.41

Ford, E

LAC

08.12.42

Grandfield, C R

Sgt

08.12.42

Hall, G C

Sgt

14.01.41

Harper, R M

Flg Off RAAF

23,04.42

Hearfield, S V

Sgt

13.01.41

Hosking, T P

Sgt

23.04.42

Kehoe, J B

Sgt

24.04.42

King, D C

Sgt

24.04.42

King, G H

Sgt

23.04.42

Kitchen, J I

F/Sgt

07.12.42

March, E H

Sgt

24.04.42

May, A H

Sgt

28.01.41

McNamara, J L

Sgt RNZAF

09.04.41

Moody, H L, DFM

Sgt

09.04.41

Noble, G K, DFC

Plt Off

12.01.41

Perrin, R T

Sgt

23.04.42

Powell, H C 

Sgt

23.04.42

Reardon, J

Sgt

13.01.41

Reay, T

Sgt

28.01.41

Sellors, J E

Sgt

09.04.41

Stidolph, J, MiD

Plt Off

13.01.41

Tull, G W

Sgt

24.04.42

Verran, R C, DFM, MiD

Sgt

13.01.41

Warren, W

Sgt

28.01.41

Wear, E F

Sgt

23.04.42

Wilson, J I

Sgt

12.01.41

No. 152 Squadron (Spitfire)

From North Africa the squadron moved to Ta’ Qali, Malta on 6 June for sweeps over Sicily and to cover the Allied landings there in July, transferring to Lentini (East) on 27July.

Quine, R 

Wnt Off RAAF

12.07.43

No. 157 Squadron (Mosquito)

Wills, D W

Flg Off

27.01.44

No. 162 Squadron (Wellington)

A small detachment was located at Luqa, arriving there on 9th May 1943, and consisting of three Wellingtons IC – DV647, DV931 and DV972. The Squadron’s task included radar calibration, locating and identifying enemy radar stations and jamming enemy tank radios. On 18th May Wellington DV931 was lost, from Malta, on a reconnaissance mission.

Bousfield, J W

Sgt

18.05.43

Cheese, C A

Plt Off

18.05.43

Eastwick, A L

Sgt

18.05.43

McCarthy, C L

F/Sgt

18.05.43

McKim, A D

Sgt

18.05.43

Muir, J D AFM

F/Sgt 

18.05.43

Parry, D

Sgt

18.05.43

Van der Linden, H D

Flt Lt SAAF

18.05.43

No. 185 Squadron (Hurricane/Spitfire)

On 12th May 1941, the squadron reformed at Hal Far. This was the second squadron to be formed on the Island, this time with pilots mainly from ‘C’ Flight of No.261 Squadron and ground personnel from Nos.251 and 261 Squadrons and No.1430 Flight. Equipped initially with Hurricane Mk Is, the squadron met the Italian raiders with success but later, though equipped with Hurricane Mk IIs, victories became harder to come by with the re-appearance of the Luftwaffe in the skies over Malta. The year 1942 kept the squadron on the alert with frequent scrambles and convoy patrols whenever a relief convoy fought its way to the Island. In May, No.185 received its first Spitfires and by June was completely re-equipped. These were a great help and in the following months more offensive flying took place with ‘Hurribomber’ escorts and fighter sweeps. This continued until the end of the year when it resumed fighter-bomber work. By now the squadron was almost entirely on sweeps and bomber escorts in preparation for the invasion of Sicily. This it helped cover as part of No.322 Wing.

Allardice, P M

Plt Off

22.03.42

Bailey, G G

Flg Off

09.11.41

Boyd, J L, DFM

Plt Off RAAF

14.05.42

Campbell, A C

AC2

24.03.42

Carmody, C J

Wnt Off RCAF

08.02.43

Chaffe, R I

Sqn Ldr

22.02.42

Cousens, R A

F/Sgt

21.11.41

Cruickshank, W A

Plt Off

19.10.43

Dyer, R O

F/Sgt

06.10.43

Finlay, C V

Sgt

14.05.42

Fletcher, J W S

Plt Off RCAF

28.04.42

Forth, A J

F/Sgt

29.12.41

Gallichan, H T

LAC

24.03.42

Guthrie, J W

Plt Off

02.08.42

Guy, D G

Sgt

07.12.42

Haggas, H

F/Sgt

07.07.42

Hamilton, C E, DFC, MiD

Plt Off

14.05.41

Hartney, D J

Wnt Off I RCAF

03.01.43

Haslam, R

Cpl

24.03.42

Hayes, B

F/Sgt

21.12.41

Haynes, J

LAC

24.03.42

Howieson, G

Sgt RauxAF

16.06.43

Kent, D W

Flg Off

23.07.42

Knight, E G

Sgt

25.10.41

Lee, E J

AC1

24.03.42

Lindsay, A I

Flt Lt

23.10.42

Lintern, D W

Plt Off

30.09.41

Lowry, J

Wnt Off I RCAF

02.07.43

MacLeod, A O

F/Sgt RCAF

13.10.42

Manchip, A R

AC1

24.03.42

Maynard, A R H

Flg Off

22.11.42

McFarlane, J

Plt Off RCAF

28.04.42

McLeod, M L

Sgt RNZAF

02.08.42

McNaughton, A A

Plt Off RCAF

01.06.42

Miller, J N, MiD

Plt Off RCAF

20.03.43

Mould, P W O, DFC*

Sqn Ldr

01.10.41

Moye, E D

F/Sgt RCAF

06.07.42

Ormrod, O O, DFC

Plt Off

22.04.42

Park, R B

Flg Off RAAF

19.11.42

Pitt, J C

LAC

10.10.42

Pratt, E F

Sub Lt RNZNVR

19.01.43

Reid, D G, DFM

Plt Off RCAF

22.07.42

Russel, H R

Plt Off RCAF

20.07.42

Saunders, R H

Sgt

24.10.42

Sly, R H C

Flt Lt RAAF

09.05.42

Steele, A C

Plt Off

31.03.42

Swain, L H

F/Sgt

13.09.42

Tarbuck, J

Plt Off

01.04.43

Terry, P C

F/Sgt

07.07.42

Tindall, L J

AC1

27.03.42

Turpin, C

LAC

24.03.42

Tweedale, G R, DFM

Plt Off RAAF

09.05.42

Veitch, P J B

Plt Off

04.10.41

Vinall, J D

Sgt

12.10.42

Walker, N M

Sgt

12.06.41

Webb, A D

LAC

24.03.42

Weedon, A C H

Cpl RauxAF

08.04.43

Withy, H F

Flt Lt

25.05.43

Wynne, E V

Sgt

15.05.41

Yates, J S

F/Sgt

12.05.43

No.201 Squadron (Sunderland)

Allen, J

Plt Off

31.07.42

Bluck, W

Sgt

31.07.42

Collins, J A

F/Sgt

31.07.42

Fort, C G

Sgt RAAF

31.07.42

Goodings, J R

Sgt

31.07.42

Lewis, V

Sgt RAAF

31.07.42

Scarce, H

Sgt

31.07.42

Tomley, M J

F/Sgt

31.07.42

Traill, J R

Flt Lt

31.07.42

Wakefield, W H

Flt Lt

31.07.42

Williams, N

Sgt

31.07.42

No.203 Squadron (Blenheim/Maryland)

Maritime reconnaissance Blenheim Mk IVFs and Maryland Mk Is based at Bu Amud, in Egypt, shadowed Axis convoys steaming southwards heading for Tripoli and reported their positions so that the merchant vessels would be attacked.

Bowker, M B

Flt Lt

14.04.42

Checkley, J E

Sgt

15.02.42

Gordon, N

F/Sgt

15.04.42

Halbert, J B

Flg Off RAAF

15.04.42

Handfield, P P E T

Sgt RAAF

15.02.42

Hayes, H J

Sgt RAAF

14.04.42

Heywood, F

Sgt

23.03.43

Holloway, E G

Sgt RAAF

15.02.42

Parsons, C J S

F/Sgt RAAF

14.04.42

Preston, D H

Sgt

20.04.42

Rattee, W V

F/Sgt RCAF

23.03.43

Rogers, H

F/Sgt RAAF

15.04.42

Somerville, E N

Flg Off RAAF

15.04.42

Welsh, J R

Sgt

15.02.42

No.217 Squadron (Beaufort)

For the June 1942 convoy, No.217 Squadron, en route to India, together with Beauforts and Wellingtons from other squadrons, were grouped at Malta especially for the passage of the vital convoy Operation Vigorous. No.217 Squadron successfully engaged units of the Italian fleet which were chasing ships in the convoy to Malta. The unit was retained for anti-shipping operations in the Mediterranean until 25th August.

Bowyer, J A

Sgt

20.06.42

Connell, J

Sgt

21.06.42

Davis, D M

Sgt

03.07.42

Dennis, F K

Sgt

03.07.42

Frith, T

Sgt

22.06.42

Hodson, G L

Sgt

03.07.42

Hole, H

Sgt

03.07.42

Hutcheson, J

Sgt

03.07.42

King, W A R

Sgt

20.06.42

Lynn, R G, DFC

Sqn Ldr

21.06.42

Mercer, R G

Sgt

03.07.42

Minster, F J R T

Flg Off

20.06.42

Moschonas, J

Sgt

20.06.42

Norman, D W

Sgt

10.06.42

Smyth, W D

Sgt

21.06.42

Walls, F H

Sgt

21.06.42

Wallworth, J N

Sgt

22.07.42

Weaver, F S

Sgt RNZAF

03.07.42

York, L A

Sgt

03.07.42

No. 221 Squadron (Wellington)

A detachment of No.221 Squadron Wellingtons reached Luqa on 8th January 1942. This continued to operate ASV Wellington Mk VIIIs until 26th August when No.69 Squadron absorbed it. At Shallufa in Egypt, the squadron started to operate Wellington torpedo-bombers in addition to their reconnaissance aircraft in preparation for a move to Malta which took place on 22ndJanuary 1943. Each aircraft was loaded full of aircrew, groundcrew, equipment and a brace of torpedoes. The remainder of the accompanying groundcrew travelled in a Dakota and a Hudson. The squadron’s first success from Malta was in the Tyrrhenian Sea against ships bound for Tunisian ports. This initial success was very encouraging and during the following three to four months No.221 harassed enemy shipping around the coast of Italy, Sicily and Tunisia in an effort to prevent the passage of supplies to the Axis Forces in North Africa. The squadron crews ranged from Naples to Sardinia, Messina to Taranto and Bari but the main hunting ground was the Sicilian Narrows, between Sicily and Tunisia. The squadron moved to Italy during March 1944.

Ackland, R H

Flt Lt

24.03.44

Alford, H

Sgt

04.04.43

Anderson, F C

Flt Lt RCAF

02.02.43

Barker, M E

F/Sgt

02.02.43

Bateman, H N

Sgt

14.04.43

Bentley, A

Sgt

09.05.42

Bertran, R H, DFC

Sqn Ldr RCAF

02.02.43

Braine, H

Flg Off RAAF

07.02.43

Burns, R J

Sgt RAAF

23.01.43

Cameron, R

Sgt

24.03.44

Campbell, W F

Flg Off RCAF

04.01.44

Cardwell, R H

Sub/Lt RN (Special Obs)

23.12.41

Chuck, H G, DFM

Plt Off

04.04.43

Clayton, F A

Sgt

24.03.44

Cochrane, D N

Flg Off

27.02.43

Cock, W D

F/Sgt RAAF

04.01.44

Cornwell, L C

Sgt

30.12.43

Craig, J I

Flg Off RAAF

23.01.43

Creed, W G

Sgt

02.02.43

Daley, C J

F/Sgt RAAF

04.01.44

Davey, G F

Flg Off RAAF

27.02.43

Dempster, G W

Sgt

27.02.43

Dey, A A

F/Sgt RAAF

27.02.43

Ding, E J

Sgt RAAF

07.02.43

Douglas, J

Sgt

10.04.43

Dowds, R

LAC

15.08.43

Duncan, A F J

Flg Off

02.02.43

Fake, J E

Sgt

30.12.43

Fennah, D C

Flg Off RCAF

10.04.43

Few, F J

Cpl

09.05.42

Foulis, M, DFC*

Sqn Ldr

18.04.43

Fox, H D

Sgt RAAF

13.08.42

Fox, J

Sgt

04.04.43

Fraser, R I

Flt Lt

18.04.43

Gaudet, J R

Plt Off RCAF

18.04.43

Gorringe-Smith, J E

Sqn Ldr

09.05.42

Groom, P J

F/Sgt

04.04.43

Grosvenor, T F

F/Sgt

09.05.42

Hamilton, D P

Sgt

07.02.43

Hart, G L

F/Sgt

08.11.43

Hele, C J B

Sgt

04.04.43

Henderson, R

Sgt

15.04.43

Hewitt, H W

Sgt

30.12.43 

Hollies, D J

Flg Off

24.03.44

Hornung, W, DFM

F/Sgt RNZAF

10.04.43

Hunt, A

F/Sgt

07.02.43

Hurley, C R D

Wnt Off II RCAF

18.04.43

Jacklin, J F

Sgt RAAF

09.05.42

Jackson, G F

Sqn Ldr RAAF

23.01.43

Jamieson, C E

Sgt RCAF

27.02.43

Jones, N

Sgt

02.02.43

Keeble, N L

Flg Off

08.11.43

Keen, D

Flg Off

24.03.44

Kenyon, R T

Flt Lt

03.03.43

Leslie, J A

Flg Off

09.05.42

Lowe, A

F/Sgt

04.04.43

MacDonald, D C

Sgt RCAF

03.03.43

Mayberry, R M

Wnt Off II RCAF

10.04.43

McArdIe, C A

Sgt RCAF

27.02.43

Miller, B W

Sgt

18.04.43

Milner, A J

Wnt Off RNZAF

10.04.43

Morton, W

Sgt

18.04.43

Murphy, J

Sgt

23.10.43

Neame, F A

Sgt

03.03.43

O’Neill, R B

Wnt Off RAAF

30.12.43

Page, T H

Sgt

18.04.43

Pain, G W, DFC

Flg Off

18.04.43

Penlington, A

Sgt

18.04.43

Phelps, C J

Wnt Off II RCAF

04.04.43

Reid, H G

Wnt Off I RCAF

04.01.44

Rowson, H

Plt Off

02.02.43

Sanford, N G D

Flt Lt

03.03.43

Scott, W

F/Sgt

18.04.43

Shaver, H W

Wnt Off I RCAF

08.11.43

Shusterove, S C

Flg Off RCAF

23.01.43

Spencer, F

Sgt

07.02.43

Stewart, A R

Plt Off RNZAF

08.11.43

Stripe, R

Sgt

30.12.43

Swanson, D M

Flg Off RCAF

18.04.43

Swift, R

Wnt Off RNZAF

08.11.43

Thompson, L E

Flg Off

18.04.43

Thompson, L J

F/Sgt

08.11.43

Tooze, R M

Wnt Off II RCAF

03.03.43

Towle, T

Sgt

03.03.43

Vials, S G

Sgt

23.01.43

Waite, G F J

Flg Off

07.02.43

Walker, H L

F/Sgt RAAF

04.01.44

White, W A

Flg Off RCAF

09.05.42

Wilde, G G

F/Sgt RNZAF

04.01.44

Wilson, C

F/Sgt RAAF

30.12.43

Wright, J

Sgt

10.04.43

Youngjohns, W A

Sgt

24.03.44

No.227 Squadron (Beaufighter)

On 20th August 1942, a detachment of Beaufighters of No.235 Squadron at Luqa was re-designated No.227 Squadron which then became independent. On 25th November 1942, the squadron moved over to join No.272 at Ta’ Qali. Its role included escort and anti-shipping duties as well as attacking enemy ships with bombs and cannon fire. No.227 moved to Idku in Egypt, on 16th February 1943.

Candler, C G

Sgt

14.11.42

Charlton, J L

Sgt

05.01.43

Cusworth, A J

Sgt

06.09.42

Davies, C L

Sgt

06.01.43

Day, P G F

Sgt

10.12.42

Dicker, J S

Plt Off

17.09.42

Fargher, G P

Wnt Off II RCAF

04.10.42

Featherstone, F W

F/Sgt

10.12.42

Franklin, F J

Sgt RNZAF

18.12.42

Goalby, P N

F/Sgt

06.01.43

Goff, W O

F/Sgt

31.01.43

Hughes, J E

Sgt

14.11.42

Hunt, L H

Flg Off

31.01.43

Johnson, C L

Flt Lt

23.11.42

Leslie, G D

Sgt

20.08.42

MacColl, C C

Plt Off

18.12.42

Miller, I R

F/Sgt

14.10.42

Moffatt, J D

Plt Off

17.09.42

Noome, F O

Lt SAAF

06.09.42

O’Hara, E

Sgt

27.08.42

Partridge, D de M

Flg Off RAAF

06.09.42

Pearson, R B

Flg Off

14.11.42

Rae, J A

Flt Lt RCAF

31.01.43

Reynolds, A M

Wnt Off II RCAF

31.01.43

Seddon, K

Sgt

27.08.42

Stephen, J M

Wnt Off II RCAF

13.11.42

Underwood, P L, DFC

Sqn Ldr

14.10.42

Vivian, A W

Sgt

06.09.42

Ward, B J

F/Sgt

05.01.43

Webb, R E

Sgt

23.11.42

Whear, S A

Sgt

13.11.42

Witherspoon, D M

Flg Off RCAF

14.11.42

No.228 Squadron (Sunderland)

At the beginning of June 1940 a detachment of No.228 Squadron Sunderland flyingboats flew out from the United Kingdom to Kalafrana to keep check on the Italian fleet. In October the unit moved entirely to Malta to fly anti-submarine patrols and reconnaissance missions in the Central Mediterranean. No.228 Squadronreplaced No.3 AACU which had disbanded earlier in September. Following particularly heavy raids during the first week of March 1941, Air Vice-Marshal Maynard reported that he was unable to protect the Sunderlands and together with No.148 Squadron Wellingtons left for Egypt that month.

Dawes, E

Sgt

01.11.40

Farries, S M

Flg Off

01.11.40

Fletcher, R

LAC

01.11.40

Hale, L C M

LAC

01.11.40

Harris, F

Sgt

01.11.40

Jones, A S

Sgt

07.03.41

Menzies, G L

Sqn Ldr

01.11.40

Nicholas, B E

LAC

01.11.40

Setterfield, E L

Sgt

01.11.40

Stamp, G A, DFM

Sgt

01.11.40

No.229 Squadron (Hurricane/Spitfire)

Ten cannon-armed Hurricane IICs of ‘A’ Flight, No.229 Squadron moved from El Firdan in Egypt, to Malta on 27th March 1942 and was soon in action scoring its first victory on 1st April. During that month the squadron lost several aircraft on the ground and was disbanded on the 29th. It reformed at Ta’ Qali on 3rd August with Spitfires from No.603 Squadron and was immediately in action again. The squadron was flying daily in action but by the end of the month it was on the offensive flying sweeps over Sicilian airfields. During the next two months there was little respite, Malta having up to a dozen raids a day in what became known as the October Blitz. On 10th December 1942, No.229 moved from Ta’ Qali to join No.249 at Qrendi, leaving the former base to the Beaufighters. Spitfire fighter-bombers were used during 1943 for attacking targets in Sicily. During July the squadron was on strength as part of No.322 Wing but when other units went over to Sicily, No.229 remained at Malta escorting transport aircraft and flying daily meteorological flights. It moved to Sicily in January 1944.

Biggs, S J

Wnt Off

07.01.44

Brooks, L D

F/Sgt RCAF

25.04.42

Cachia, G

AC1

03.07.43

Chaplin, A R

Flt Lt

17.01.43

Corfe, D F

Wnt Off RauxAF

25.04.42

Cornish, C H

Sgt

26.08.42

Foley, T G

Plt Off RCAF

28.04.42

Fullalove, J K

Sgt

21.04.42

Goodyear, S H K

Plt Off RCAF

15.02.43

Gosling, L C, DFC*

Flt Lt RCAF

19.07.43

Lees, R J

Sgt

06.05.42

Lundy, M A

F/Sgt

21.11.42

Magruder, E P F L T

Flt Lt

28.08.42

Miller, R

F/Sgt

17.10.42

Mowbray, J R

Flg Off RCAF

01.12.42

Newman, D G

Flg Off

26.08.42

Parks, W

F/Sgt RAAF

29.10.42

Pendlebury, J R

Sgt

18.05.42

Phimister, J M

LAC

13.05.43

Ripper, D E

F/Sgt RAAF

26.10.43

Salzman, R R

F/Sgt

05.07.43

Scott, J R

Plt Off RCAF

15.09.42

Smart, T, DFC*

Sqn Ldr

12.04.43

Wallace, T

Sgt

23.11.42

White, B E G

Sqn Ldr

05.07.43

Williams, A

Plt Off

12.07.43

No.230 Squadron (Sunderland)

In May 1940, the squadron was transferred to the Mediterranean where it flew reconnaissance missions for the Mediterranean Fleet and carried our anti-submarine patrols. In June 1943 other detachments were sent to the Mediterranean for air-sea rescue and transport duties.

Odhams, B E L

Flg Off

23.12.41

No.233 Squadron (Hudson)

A Hudson of No.233 Squadron was instrumental in leading the first Hurricanes during their long flight from the United Kingdom to the Middle East in June 1940, which in fact ended at Malta. This aircraft remained at Malta carrying out long-range aerial reconnaissance until it was shot down by mistake by a RN Fulmar. In December 1941, a detachment was sent from the UK to Gibraltar which was joined by the rest of the squadron in July 1942. These Hudsons flew to Malta and back, some being lost in transit.

Brown, K C

F/Sgt

11.12.41

Dick, A C

Sgt

11.12.41

Leaver, N

Sgt

11.12.41

Pinsent, J S

Sgt

11.12.41

No.235 Squadron (Beaufighter)

No.235 with Beaufighters, on loan from Coastal Command, was one unit of three that were congregated at Malta especially for the passage of the vital convoys Operations Harpoon and Vigorous of June 1942.

Cockshott, J

Sgt

10.06.42

Doncaster, J P

Plt Off RCAF

13.06.42

Hector, C W

Sgt

15.06.42

Stead, G R

Flg Off

10.06.42

Webster, W W

Sgt

13.06.42

No.242 Squadron (Hurricane)

Pilots of Nos.242 and 605 Squadrons flew Hurricanes off HMS Argus and Ark Royal to Malta on 12th November 1941. The ground parties of both squadrons went to the Far East where new squadrons were formed with the same numbers. Thus for a short while these two units appeared to be operating in two widely-separated theatres of war at the same time! On Malta, Nos.242 and 605 Squadrons had their aircraft serviced by ground crews of Nos.185 and 249 Squadrons. The squadron was based at Hal Far and later at Luqa. On 18th March 1942, both Nos.242 and 605 Squadrons were disbanded with pilots of No.242 joining No.126 Squadron.

Blanchard, M C

Plt Off RCAF

29.12.41

Harvey, R V

F/Sgt RCAF

01.03.42

Kidson, M W T

Plt Off

05.03.42

MacNamara, T B

Plt Off

24.02.42

Neale, D T

Sgt

22.01.42

Tew, J D

Plt Off

01.03.42

No.243 Squadron (Spitfire)

From North Africa, the squadron moved to Hal Far, Malta, on 11th June to fly sweeps and provide escorts for day bombers attacking enemy bases and transport. The squadron moved to Comiso on 14th July.

Blunn, G B

Flg Off

10.07.43

Connors, L J

Flg Off RAAF

10.07.43

No.248 Squadron (Beaufighter)

At the end of July 1942, sixteen of the squadron’s aircraft left the United Kingdom for Malta, all arriving safely by 10th August. After escorting the vital relief convoy Operation Pedestal to the Island and attacking enemy airfields in Sicily, the aircrew returned to the United Kingdom leaving their aircraft at Malta.

Jay, D J, DFC

Plt Off RCAF

13.08.42

No.249 Squadron (Hurricane/Spitfire)

On 21st May 1941, the squadron arrived at Ta’ Qali. It was soon in action but the fighting until the end of the year was desultory, as only the Italians were involved. However, as the year drew to a close and the Germans again showed interest in Malta, No.249 became more and more active in repelling enemy raids in addition to flying the occasional fighter-bomber raid against Comiso airfield and patrols over incoming and outgoing convoys. By February 1942, No.249 was heavily engaged in defensive action using Luqa as a dispersal base as Ta’ Qali was frequently bombed. On 7th March 1942, the first Spitfire fighters to operate outside the United Kingdom were flown off the aircraft-carrier HMS Eagle to serve with this squadron. These were flown in the major blitzes of the following months. The top-scoring Malta ace G F Beurling, gained all his Malta victories with this squadron. By the end of October the squadron had claimed more than 300 enemy aircraft destroyed. On 23rd November No.249 moved to a new airstrip at Qrendi and operated ‘Spitbombers’ on the raids on Sicily and all through late 1942 and early 1943 continued its high rate of scoring against enemy aircraft attempting to supply the troops in North Africa. The squadron also claimed the 1000th Axis aircraft to fall to Malta’s defencessince the start of the war. The squadron converted to Spitfire Mk Ixs and took part in the invasion of Sicily and Italy as part of No.322 Wing.

Berkeley-Hill, O W H

Flg Off

12.07.42

Booth, J C M

Flg Off

21.03.42

Brandt, S

Flt Lt

29.12.41

Butler, B

Plt Off RCAF

25.08.42

Carter, P

Wnt Off RCAF

16.10.42

Cavan, B M

Flg Off

20.12.41

Cormack, I M

F/Sgt

17.03.42

Dawkins, J A N

Flg Off

06.01.43

Edwards, G S

Wnt Off II RCAF

28.11.42

Fox, H J

F/Sgt RCAF (American)

14.05.42

Fox, H M

Plt Off

18.03.42

Gass, M I

F/Sgt

04.10.42

Gilbert, J C

Plt Off

08.07.42

Greenacre, H A W

LAC

19.01.42

Guerin, J J

Flg Off RAAF

21.03.42

Guest, M

Sgt

17.07.41

Hiskens, E T

Wnt Off RAAF

15.10.42

Hogarth, G A

F/Sgt RCAF

04.10.42

Hulbert, J G K

Plt Off

04.02.42

Kelly, H

Plt Off (American)

02.07.42

Kimberley, J C

Sgt

04.09.41

Lawson, R W

F/Sgt

29.12.41

Leggo, D C

Plt Off (Rhodesian)

20.03.42

Livingston, A

Sgt

18.06.41

Locke, W J

Flg Off

20.03.43

MacLeod, M G

Sqn Ldr RCAF

11.03.43

MacQueen, N C, DFC

Flt Lt

04.05.42

Matthews, R H

Flg Off

22.12.41

McDowall, H J

Sgt

04.02.42

Milburn, H A

Plt Off

09.05.42

Moren, H

Sgt

20.12.41

Munro, R H M

Plt Off (Rhodesian)

12.06.41

Murray, K N L

Plt Off RAAF

10.03.42

Nash, P A, DFC

Plt Off

17.05.42

Notley, A

Plt Off

26.02.43

Paradis, J H R

Plt Off RCAF

22.07.42

Peters, B C 

F/Sgt

15.09.42

Ramsay, C B

Plt Off RCAF

11.07.42

Roberts, J E

Sgt

15.11.42

Robinson, A D

LAC

05.02.42

Round, R P

Flg Off RNZAF

25.08.42

Sim, J

LAC

19.01.42

Small, J H A

Cpl

19.01.42

Smith, G V

Plt Off

04.09.41

Smith, J

Flg Off

08.07.42

Stuart, J R A

Plt Off

09.02.42

Tomkins, M E

F/Sgt

25.06.42

White, G

LAC

13.03.42

Wright, G

AC1

01.03.42

Yaholnitsky, W L

Wnt Off II RCAF

09.04.43

No.250 Squadron (Kittyhawk)

From North Africa, the squadron flew to Hal Far/Luqa, Malta, on 9th July, to support the landings in Sicily, moving to Pachino a few days later.

Creighton, F A

Plt Off

14.06.42

Stephens, A C

Plt Off

12.07.43

No.252 Squadron (Beaufighter)

On 1st May 1941, a detachment of fifteen anti-shipping Beaufighters of No.252 Squadron flew to Malta via Gibraltar. They were sent for the specific purpose of giving long-range protection to convoys to Malta. This lasted until 21st May when they moved to Egypt.

Beet, C H

Plt Off

18.01.42

Day, A S

AC2

15.02.42

Gardner, J V

Sgt

18.01.42

Gorman, H

AC1

15.02.42

Jackson, G A

F/Sgt RCAF

15.02.42

Keane, D F

Sgt

15.02.42

Largent, A A

Sgt

15.02.42

Lowe, J J

Flt Lt

10.05.41

Mulholland, C H

Sgt RNZAF

15.02.42

Smith, D A

Flg Off

14.12.41

Tranter, J H

Wnt Off

10.05.41

No.256 Squadron (Mosquito)

On 4th July 1943, a detachment of six Mosquito night-fighters was flown to Malta to add strength to the night force for the invasion of Sicily, Operation Husky. The highly skilled and offensive-minded team, especially during the Sicilian campaign obtained several successes. The whole squadron joined the detachment on 14th October and soon began a long series of convoy patrols by night together with the night defence of the Island.

Costley, H E

Sgt

23.07.43

Jenkins, D G L

F/Sgt

26.07.43

Martin, J

Sgt

25.07.43

Paskell, R D F

Sgt

23.07.43

Wells, W R

Flt Lt

28.12.43

No.261 Squadron (Sea Gladiator/Hurricane)

This squadron was reformed at Malta officially on 16th August 1940, by the amalgamation of Fighter Flight and twelve Hurricanes of No.418 Flight, flown off HMS Argus as part of Operation Hurry on 2nd August. For the following months it bore the brunt of the enemy raids, operating initially from both Hal Far and Luqa, moving to Ta’ Qali on 20th November when by its amalgamation with No.1430 Flight formed No.185 Squadron on 12th May 1941. No.261 Squadron had never been fully constituted or trained as a squadron but nonetheless it had achieved most creditable results with over 100 victories plus many more probables and damaged.

Ashton, D K 

Sgt

26.11.40

Auger, H F

Flg Off

23.04.41

Currie, I R

Plt Off

30.01.41

Foxton, J H T

Flg Off

22.03.41

Garland, T B

Plt Off

22.03.41

Jennings, H H

Sgt

07.05.41

Kearsey, P J

Plt Off

26.02.41

Kelsey, E N

Sgt

19.01.41

Kennett, P

Plt Off

11.04.41

Knight, D F

Plt Off

22.03.41

Langdon, C E

Plt Off RNZAF

26.02.41

MacDougal, C W

Sgt RauxAF

05.03.41

O’Donnell, R

Sgt

15.08.40

Ottey, R

Sgt

02.05.41

Southwell, J S

Flg Off

22.03.41

Spyer, R A

Sgt

22.03.41

Taylor, F F, DFC 

Flg Off

26.02.41

Thompson, P J A

Plt Off

13.05.41

Timms, W J

Sgt

11.01.41

Waghorn, P H

Sgt

11.04.41

Walsh, J J

Flg Off

02.03.41

Watson, G

Flt Lt

12.02.41

No.262 Squadron (Catalina)

March, G A

Sgt

24.03.43

No.272 Squadron (Beaufighter)

Prior to Operation Halberd, the running of a supply convoy to Malta in September 1941, the Air Ministry arranged for the Middle East’s consignment of Beaufighters to reach Malta in time for the required convoy protection. In addition to these, Coastal Command agreed to the temporary loan of other Beaufighters to bring the total number to twenty-two Beaufighters and five Blenheim fighters. On 6th November 1942, a detachment of sixteen Beaufighters of No.272 Squadron, one of the Desert Air Force’s most successful strike units, moved from Idku in Egypt, to Ta’ Qali, to add their support to Operation Torch, the Anglo-American landings in North Africa. The squadron moved to Sicily in September 1943.

Amos, F V

Sgt

14.06.42

Archer, C F

Plt Off

10.05.43

Bale, L A

Flt Lt

14.11.42

Blessing, W G

Sgt RAAF

15.06.42

Bruce, J A

Flg Off

10.12.42

Bullen, E G K

Plt Off RCAF

26.02.43

Cooper, A E

F/Sgt RAAF

14.06.42

Corbisier, R L H

Plt Off (Belgian)

15.06.42

Cossette, R A

Plt Off RCAF

08.05.43

Dawson, W J

Wnt Off RCAF

23.03.43

Deakin, W M

Sgt

23.07.41

Duquette, F A

Plt Off RCAF

08.05.43

Fletcher, R G

Sgt

08.05.43

Frazee, D W

Plt Off RCAF

08.05.43

Garrett, K J

Sgt

14.06.42

Garvey, C P

Sgt RCAF

22.02.43

Glazebrook, J K

Wnt Off RCAF

26.02.43

Grimes, R R

Plt Off RCAF

23.03.43

Hains, C G D

F/Sgt RAAF

11.12.42

Hawksley, R J

Sgt

06.06.43

Herron, T A

Flg Off RCAF

06.06.43

Hickey, D J

Flg Off RAAF

22.05.43

Houdin, G, Croix de Guerre

F/Sgt (French)

14.06.42

Jenkins, C F

Sgt

23.07.41

Johnson, A W

F/Sgt

08.05.43

Kingsley, A R

Flg Off

10.05.43

Lane, R W

F/Sgt

19.12.42

Lavin, P J

Sgt

22.05.43

Law, D N

Sgt

22.05.43

Lawton, D C

F/Sgt

11.12.42

McLeish, W C

Sgt

15.06.42

Palmer, I S H

Flg Off RAAF

06.01.43

Pien, H F M

F/Sgt (Belgian)

19.12.42

Ransom, F

F/Sgt

14.06.42

Ridgway, C C

Sgt

14.06.42

Schofield, A H M

Sgt

22.05.43

Schultz, L H

Sgt RAAF

17.03.43

Soutter, R H

F/Sgt

14.11.42

Stead, G H

Plt Off

20.01.43

Steele, J G

Sgt

08.05.43

Stephen, J W

Wnt Off II RCAF

14.02.43

Stow, E

F/Sgt

02.08.43

Tedesco, Y C

Plt Off (Belgian)

14.06.42

Thorpe, C

Sgt

22.02.43

Trery, C R

Flt Lt RCAF

02.08.43

Truby, E F R

F/Sgt RCAF

14.06.42

Turton, D M

F/Sgt

14.02.43

Wainwright, W M

Sgt

17.03.43

Williams, J R

F/Sgt

15.06.42

No. 283 Squadron (Walrus)

Osborne, T H

LAC

24.08.44

No. 601 Squadron (Spitfire)

On 20th April 1942, forty-seven Spitfire Mk VCs were flown off the aircraft-carrier USS Wasp. The aircrews were drawn from Nos.601 and 603 Squadrons and were in action on arrival at Luqa. The groundcrew, however, took the long route round the Cape to Egypt. In the few months the Squadron served on the Island it saw much action and in June it moved on to Egypt. There it met up with its groundcrew and prepared for its desert fighting, where it formed part of No.244 Wing, returning to Malta a year later to cover the invasion of Sicily, moving there on 14th July.

Briggs, G M

Plt Off RAAF

10.05.42

Caldwell, W A

Plt Off RNZAF

25.05.42

Cripps, W E

Plt Off RCAF

26.04.42

Drury, G I

LAC

31.03.43

Graysmark, C E

Sgt

12.05.42

Howard, F S

Sgt

20.05.42

McConnell, J N

Sgt RNZAF

15.06.42

Pawson, K W

Plt Off

25.04.42

Relton, F K G

Wnt Off

13.06.42

Seaman, W, AFC

Flg Off

06.07.43

Taylor, J S, DFC

Sqn Ldr

12.07.43

No.603 Squadron (Spitfire)

On 20th April 1942, forty-seven Spitfire Mk VCs were flown off the aircraft-carrier USS Wasp. The aircrews were drawn from Nos.601 and 603 Squadrons. Based at Ta’ Qali, the unit saw a great deal of combat over Malta, however, by August it was disbanded and its remaining aircraft and pilots became the nucleus for a reformed No.229 Squadron.

Barlow, L G

Flg Off

08.06.42

Buckstone, J W

Flt Lt

09.05.42

Hurst, J, DFC

Plt Off

02.07.42

King, N S

Flg Off

08.07.42

Levy-Despas, G A, Legion d’Honneur, Croix de Guerre

Flg Off RCAF

09.07.42

Mitchell, H R

Plt Off RNZAF

12.05.42

Murray, G

Plt Off RCAF

22.04.42

No.605 Squadron (Hurricane)

On 12th November 1941, Nos.242 and No.605 Squadrons flew off HMS Argus and Ark Royal to Malta. The ground parties of both squadrons went to the Far East, where new squadrons were formed with the same numbers. Thus for a short while these two units appeared to be operating in two widely separated theatres of war at the same time! On Malta Nos.242 and 605 Squadrons had their aircraft serviced by groundcrews of Nos.185 and 249 Squadrons. The squadron was based at Hal Far and later at Luqa flying Hurricanes in defence of the Island until it was disbanded at Ta’ Qali on 18th March 1942, its pilots joining No.185 Squadron.

Allen, G

Flt Lt

12.02.42

Lowe, P W

Plt Off

15.02.42

No. 614 Squadron (Halifax)

Mutton, D I

F/Sgt

30.04.45

Robinson, B C

Flg Off RNZAF

30.04.45

No. 683 Squadron (Spitfire)

On 6th February 1943, the PRU Spitfire flight of No.69 Squadron was formed into No.683 Squadron equipped entirely with Spitfire PR Mk Ivs. During March the squadron had been joined by a detachment of F-4 Lightnings from the 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance Group of the USAAF. During May, the squadron received some Mosquitos and later on it helped cover the invasion of Sicily as part of No.244 Wing, moving to Italy in December 1943.

Burnet, J B

Flt Lt RNZAF

02.10.43

Lewis, W S D

F/Sgt

02.09.43

Peacock, C R

Wnt Off RCAF

09.03.43

No.1435 Squadron (Spitfire)

During 1941, a Hurricane flight was formed on Malta for night-fighting duties. This was designated No.1435 Flight, it being standard practice to number special flights in the 1400 series. In June 1942, a detachment of Beaufighters from No.89 Squadron arrived at Malta to take over the night defence. Thus No.1435 Flight re-equipped with Spitfires as a day fighter unit, retaining its flight number. As its ranks expanded it became known as a squadron as from 2nd August 1942. This was eventually approved by the Air Ministry and was retained throughout the war, this being the only operational RAF squadron with a four-figure number. The squadron, during late 1942, was one of five battle hardened squadrons on Malta at the time. They were able, in company of other units, to aid in the disruption of communications and supplies between Sicily and North Africa. The squadron took part in the invasion of Sicily as part of No.324 Wing and moved there at the end of October and to Italy later on.

Benjamin, S H

F/Sgt

12.07.43

Bray, G P

Plt Off RCAF

29.06.43

Buntine, R A

F/Sgt RAAF

13.08.42

Harrison, J M

F/Sgt

18.12.42

Hart, W

Sgt

18.03.43

Hubbard, D F

Sgt

28.07.42

Ilsley, K R

F/Sgt

09.03.43

Kelly, C L

Sgt RNZAF

08.08.42

Martin, R B

Flg Off

11.05.43

McDougall, L J

Plt Off RCAF

03.03.43

Pollock, D P

Plt Off

29.08.42

Roe, R J

Sgt RNZAF

14.10.42

Rowland, M J

Flt Lt RNZAF

10.07.43

Stevenson, R A

F/Sgt

12.10.42

Williams, W B K

F/Sgt RAAF

14.10.42

Wilson, W R

F/Sgt

16.10.42

Wood, C L

Sgt RNZAF

30.07.42

Wood, J E

Plt Off

27.04.42

Wright, R A

Plt Off

01.11.42

MALTA NIGHT FIGHTER UNIT (Hurricane)

During 1941, night bombing attacks were fairly frequent but were made as a rule by only a few aircraft coming over at intervals and dropping their bombs at random. They were a nuisance but did little damage. In August, a Malta Night Fighter Unit was formed consisting of twelve Hurricane Mk Iis, eight of which were armed with four cannon and the remainder with twelve machine-guns. The pilots flew only at night and worked closely with the searchlights. There was soon a noticeable decline in the number of night raids.

Barnwell, D U, DFC

Plt Off

14.10.41

Mackie, A S

Plt Off

29.01.42

MALTA WELLINGTON FLIGHT

On 30th October 1940, twelve Wellington crews drawn from Nos.38, 75, 115 and 149 Squadrons from the United Kingdom were detailed to fly their bombers to Luqa. Their mission was to raid oil tanks in Naples harbour. The mission was a success, however, on the second operational trip, during the night of 3rd November, the second and fourth bombers crashed moments after take-off. The first fell in open countryside, all crew but one escaping. Sgt R M Lewin received the George Cross for extricating the second pilot from the burning aircraft. The second pilot died later (see Appendix A). The second crash was on Qormi village where all crew, but one, were killed. Maltese Police Constable Carmel Camilleri rescued Sgt Smith from the bottom of a quarry; this earned him a George Medal. Sadly, Smith died shortly after. Further raids were made on targets in Sicily, southern Italy, Yugoslavia and Cyrenaica as well as participating in the successful attack on the Italian fleet in Taranto harbour by dropping flares.

Allen, D R

Plt Off

04.11.40

Forrester, P E

Sgt

04.11.40

Rawlings, D P

Sgt

04.11.40

Smith, A T

Sgt

04.11.40

Wood, T R

Sgt

04.11.40

SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT (Wellington)

During September 1941, No.221 Squadron in the United Kingdom was asked to supply three crews to be sent to Malta as an autonomous unit for Special Duties. The crews flew new ASV Wellington Mk VIIIs from St Eval via Gibraltar to Malta by night so as to avoid enemy fighters. At Malta their task was to find enemy surface shipping. All enemy supplies for the Italian-German North African armies were shipped through two ports, Benghazi and Tripoli. These supplies either came through the Straits of Messina or around the west tip of Sicily. Either way the enemy supply-ships had to pass within flying range of Malta. As these ships used to be attacked in daylight by Malta-based Blenheims and Marylands, they then changed tactics and passed by Malta at night; nevertheless they were intercepted by ASV Wellingtons and attacked. During January 1943, the SDF was strengthened further by a number of Wellingtons from the United Kingdom and in conjunction with No.69 Squadron continued to form the reconnaissance element at Malta during that period.

Gulliver, A J

Wnt Off

23.12.41

Hunt, G H

Sgt

23.12.41

Kingston, D M

Sgt

23.12.41

Reason, W D

Sgt

23.12.41

Reid, A J

Sgt

23.12.41

Woolley, L J

F/Sgt

23.12.41

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