Which unit hit HMS Glasgow on 3.12.1940

[Darius]

Hello friends,

the british cruiser HMS Glasgow was hit by two torpedos in the Suda Bay on Crete on 3.12.1940 (3 dead, 3 wounded). Which italian aircraft & unit pressed this attack?

Glasgow was at 2300 on her way for Alexandria with two destroyers, arriving there on the 5.12.

Thank you

Darius

[Andy Mitchell]

Darius,

Found this on a BBC page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/s...a8653908.shtml)


"On 3rd December 1940 HMS Glasgow's luck changed. As she lay at anchor in Suda Bay on the Island of Crete she came under attack from Italian torpedo bombers. From a range of 3000 yards the aircraft launched their weapons and two of the torpedoes struck the cruiser, causing damage to the bow and stern, killing two and injuring seven of the crew. In spite of the damage sustained HMS Glasgow steamed to Alexandria, at a creditable 18 knots, for repairs to be undertaken. However during the passage the starboard inner propeller and shaft fell off! An Italian reconnaissance plane reported that the Glasgow had been sunk, giving rise to ribald comments being made by the ship's company as the loss was reported on the Italian news broadcastcrew."


Shores et al - Air War for yugoslavia and Crete p130 gives the following:-

"a suprise strike against Suda Bay on 3rd Dec by two S.79s from Libya. Cap Massimiliano Erasi and Ten Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia of 278 Squadriligia from El Adem, managed to release their torpedoesbeyond the anti-torpedo nets, bothe gaining hits on HMS Glasgow..."

Hope that all of the above helps.

[Darius]

Thank you Andy,

I should have a look for this book by Shores et al...

Greetings

Darius