28/9/41 Bardia - G.50s v Martlets

[AndreasB]

Hi Brian

no info on the G.50s. To put this into some context, the Germans were trying to prove that Bardia was a workable delivery point for seaborne supplies, and had brought the S.S. Almena in from Greece I believe. A very significant effort to sink her in harbour was made by the R.A.F./S.A.A.F., which cost them a number of planes (claims were made for 2 Hurricanes, 2 Marylands, and 2 Blenheims). On the upside, the attacks caused considerable damage and losses, and forced Almena to leave harbour with 300t engine oil on board, rather than fully discharged.

The pattern of attacks, which immediately ceased after Almena's departure, increased the suspicion that radio security had been broken. Something I have written about here, in connection with earlier cases.

http://rommelsriposte.com/2012/07/10...st-try-harder/

All the best

Andreas