Hurricane losses in Malta.

[michele-palermo]

I’m trying to figure out the exact losses possibly for single months in 1941 and 1942.
Working on The Hurricane Years and Hurricanes over Malta I still have a few doubts.
For example Cull says that 150 Hurries were sent to Egypt after been delivered to Malta, but in the case of 261 SQ. it is not clear how many planes were sent to Egypt.
It also seems that 261 SQ. had on charge more planes that had been delivered to Malta.
Another problem is the lack of situations at the end of each month.
Also a question: I imagine that the same serial number with added letters (Z3495- Z3495/T) relates to the same machine, perhaps modified.
Anyone can help?
I'm also looking for other complete losses data in the Mediterranean theatre.

[Brian]

Hi Michele

I think you will fortunate to find monthly situation reports for Malta, particularly for 1940/early 1941 - the majority of records were for his period were destroyed - particularly for 261 Squadron. It has taken me many years of research and contact with former members (mostly now gone) to reconstruct 261's history on the island.

Regarding Hurricane serials - to use your example - Z3495 is the serial number, any suffix is the individual aircraft letter (nothing to do with modifications).

Hope this helps
Brian Cull

[michele-palermo]

Thank you very much.