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

[Brian]

Hi guys

Help required - one for our Italians friends, maybe?

On 28 September 1941, during a raid by SAAF Marylands on a vessel in Bardia harbour, Martlets - acting as part of the escort - were attacked by three G.50. One Martlet was damaged in wings and tail unit, while another Martlet claimed a G.50 probably destroyed. Wing HQ later confirmed this 'kill'.

I can't find mention of this action in published works. Can anyone help, please?

Cheers
Brian

[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

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Brian,

Here is an extract from the Luftwaffe situation report for Mediterranean air operations on 28 September 1941:

"Um 1300 Uhr fliegen etwa 18 feindl. Flugzeuge unter dem Schutz von 35 Jägern über den Hafen von Bardia ein. Es entstand kein Schaden. Einige Verletzte durch Flaksplitter. 1 Feindflugzeug wurde abgeschossen."

There is no mention of any Italian aircraft losses.

Cheers,
Andrew A.
Air War Publications - www.airwarpublications.com/earticles

[AndreasB]

Hi Andrew

That's the Maryland attack. One Maryland was claimed shot down by AA at 13.12. Another attack by 2 Blenheims, both of which were claimed shot down, occurred from 5.35. to 6.05, and another attack by six planes, including Wellingtons, from 19.30 to 21.30. At 22.20 Almena left Bardia.

All the best

Andreas

[Brian]

Thanks Andreas and Andrew

Seems like the former Danish SS Almena had been renamed Bengasi by the Germans.

I have just found mention of the G.50s v Martlets confrontation in Chris Shores' original Fighters over the Desert, but not in his latest tome!

I also have copies of the combat reports of the two Martlet pilots involved, the one who was attacked and the other who claimed the G.50.

Cheers and Happy Christmas

Brian

[bearoutwest]

This (see attached extract of p186) appears as the only reference in Volume 2 of "The Royal Navy and the Mediterranean". The extract is perhaps more interesting for what occurred after the raid, than in the single reference to an RAF bomber raid on Bardia.

Regards,
...geoff

[Brian]

Hi guys

Apologies! There is an entry in Med War Volume 1.

Most interesting Geoff. Not 204 Squadron Blenheims (no such animal!). Perhaps typo for 203 Squadron. Nevertheless, a Blue on Blue!

CFS says G.50s from 155 Gruppo.

Cheers
Brian

[michele-palermo]

Cap. Spagnolini, Ten. Galfetti, S.Ten. Sarti of 351a Sq. at 5000m (11.40-13.40) sighted a formation of 40 enemy bombers and fighters. They attacked and expended respectively 150/450/40 rds. Obviously it was not possible to observe results. 5 more G.50 at 2500m tried to join the fight but were too low.
No casualties sustained.

[Brian]

Hi Michele

Many thanks for the details.

Have you anything on 1 December 1941, when three G.50s or MC200s were claimed by RNFS Hurricanes? I note that one MC200 of 373 Squadriglia was lost with its pilot (Ten Sappa).

Cheers and all the best for the New Year.

Brian