Air War over the Horn of Africa (1940 - 1941)

[Ajcrou]

22 November 1940

 

Southern Front

 

At dawn (05:36), three Caproni Ca.133 bombed the airfield of Bura (Kenya) without causing damage. Three Hawker Hurricane of No.3 (SAAF) Squadron (Lieutenant Colin A. Allan ; Second Lieutenant F.R. Glover and Robert H.C. Kershaw with No. 292) take off immediately to catch them. The leader is quickly shot down, southeast of Bura (crew killed) by Lieutenant Colin A. Allan, while the other bombers are damaged by the two other South African pilots. A Caproni Ca.133 is in fact forced into a forced landing near the Italian Somaliland border (crew captured).[1]

 

Crew members of Caproni Ca.133 captured by South Africans. The date of the event is not known. Collection : Imperial War Museum

 

 

Two Fairey Battle (n° 925 and n° 927) of No.11 (SAAF) Squadron take off, at 10:30, from Archers Post, for a photographic reconnaissance mission above the airfield of Afmadow and Gobwen, as well as Kismaayo. The planes are engaged by Fiat CR.42 over the port and a fight breaks out during which Air Sergeant S.H. Hipkin claims the destruction of an Italian fighter. However at the same time, the Fairey Battle n°927 (Captain D.W.J. Allam ; Air Sergeant J.L. Wright and Jack B. Lockwood) is hit and started to catch fire. The pilot is able to make a forced landing and the crew is captured.[2]

 

 

 

 

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[1] No.3 (SAAF) Squadron : War Diary. Kew : TNA, AIR/54/3 ; November – Narrative Norther Operations SAAF. Kew : TNA, AIR/54/8 ; BROWN, James Ambrose. A Gathering of Eagles : The campaigns of the South African Air Force in Italian East Africa (1940 – 1941). Cape Town : Purnell and Sons, 1970. p.97 ; MCLEAN, Steven. Squadrons of the South African Air Force and their aircraft (1920 – 2005). Cape Town : [s.n.], 2005. p.48 ; SCHOEMAN, Michael. Springbok Fighter Victory : East Africa (1940 – 1941). Nelspruit : Freeworld. p.73 et 137 ; SHORES, Christopher ; RICCI, Corrado. Dust Clouds in the Middle East – The Air War for East Africa, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madagascar, 1940 – 1942. London : Grub Street, 2010 (Reprinted). p. 79 ; CANWELL, Diane ; SUTHERLAND, Jon. Air War East Africa (1940 – 1941). The RAF versus the Italian Air Force. Barnsley : Pen and Sword Aviation, 2009. p. 78.

[2] No.11 (SAAF) Squadron : War Diary. Kew : TNA, AIR/54/3 ; November – Narrative Norther Operations SAAF. Kew : TNA, AIR/54/8 ; SHORES, Christopher ; BROWN, James Ambrose. A Gathering of Eagles : The campaigns of the South African Air Force in Italian East Africa (1940 – 1941). Cape Town : Purnell and Sons, 1970. p.95 ; RICCI, Corrado. Dust Clouds in the Middle East – The Air War for East Africa, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madagascar, 1940 – 1942. London : Grub Street, 2010 (Reprinted). p. 79 ; CANWELL, Diane ; SUTHERLAND, Jon. Air War East Africa (1940 – 1941). The RAF versus the Italian Air Force. Barnsley : Pen and Sword Aviation, 2009. p. 78.

[Ajcrou]

24 November 1940

 

Northern Front

 

The No.237 (Rhodesia) Squadron joins the advanced airfield of Gordon’s Tree. Several training sessions are organized to simulate the interception of Hawker Hardy by Gloster Gladiator of the No.2 (SAAF) Squadron. Captain Gerald J. le Mesurier and Lieutenant Wellesley H. Morris take off for such training. The session turned into a tragedy at 16:20,  when Lieutenant Wellesley H. Morris misjudged his altitude and crashed to the ground at full speed near Al-Qadarif. The Gloster Gladiator Mk II N5850 immediately exploded on impact, killing the pilot.[1]

 

Gloster Gladiator N5850 of No.2 (SAAF) Squadron. The aircraft crashed on the ground during training on 24 November 1940 with Lieutenant Wellesley H. Morris at the controls. Collection : SAAF Museum Swartkops via Tinus le Roux.

 

 

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[1] BROWN, James Ambrose. A Gathering of Eagles : The campaigns of the South African Air Force in Italian East Africa (1940 – 1941). Cape Town : Purnell and Sons, 1970. p.92 ; MCLEAN, Steven. Squadrons of the South African Air Force and their aircraft (1920 – 2005). Cape Town : [s.n.], 2005. p.5 ; SCHOEMAN, Michael. Springbok Fighter Victory : East Africa (1940 – 1941). Nelspruit : Freeworld. p.48 et 137 ; SHORES, Christopher ; RICCI, Corrado. Dust Clouds in the Middle East – The Air War for East Africa, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madagascar, 1940 – 1942. London : Grub Street, 2010 (Reprinted). p. 80.

[Ajcrou]

26 November 1940

 

Northern Front

 

Six Bristol Blenheim of No.14 (RAF) Squadron take off at 07:00 to attack Nefasit station, on the railway line connecting Asmara to Massawa. At 08:30, above Dessie, they were intercepted by three Fiat CR.42s of 412a Squadriglia CT. In fact, six planes are deployed on 23 November at Gura, while another section of six planes is sent to Gondar, under the orders of the Tenente Niso Provinciali. The Italian fighters are piloted by Tenente Mario Visintini and Sergente Aroldo Soffritti. The identity of the third pilot is not known.

 

In the battle, Tenente Mario Visintini is able to claim the destruction of the Bristol Blenheim R3593 (Flying Officer Murray MacKenzie, Sergeant Maurice E.F. Hitchin and Kenneth C.A. Ball), while Sergente Aroldo Soffritti damages another aircraft. Flying Officer Murray MacKenzie is effectively forced to land on the coast, northwest of Massawa. Fortunately for the crew, Squadron Leader Deryck C. Stapleton (Bristol Blenheim T1877) is in a position to land nearby, to embark the crew in their aircraft, before returning to Port Sudan.[1]

 

 

In a letter to his mother, dated on 15 December 1940, Tenente Mario Visintini wrote :

« On the 26th of last month, I intercepted a formation of six Blenheim, shooting down one and dispersing the others who did not reach their goal. »[2]

 

 

Squadron Leader Deryck C. Stapleton will be awarded the DFC, dated on 22 December 1940 :

« Acting Squadron Leader Deryck Cameron Stapleton, A.F.C. (37948), No. 14 Squadron. Squadron Leader Stapleton was the leader of two formations in a combined attack against a target in Eritrea. South of Massawa, they were intercepted by enemy fighters and an engine of one of our aircraft was put out of action. The pilot endeavoured to escape, but was followed by an enemy fighter and eventually forced to land in enemy territory. Squadron Leader Stapleton, having shaken off the fighters, ordered the remainder of the second formation to join up with him and successfully attacked his alternative target. He then returned to the coast to search for the missing aircraft, which was sighted and observed to crash on landing. Squadron Leader Stapleton landed alongside, and waited while the crew set fire to their papers. He then emplaned the crew in his own aircraft, and flew back to base with the rest of the formation, which had been circling overhead. Courageous leadership, skill and daring are characteristic of all this officer’s operations against the enemy. »[3]

 

Note that this day also sees the last sortie of No.14 (RAF) Squadron on Vickers Wellesley, when K8529 (Sergeant Alexander G. Brown) take off on a reconnaissance mission.[4]

 

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[1] No.14 (RAF) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27/192 ; NAPIER M. Winged Crusaders : The Exploits of 14 Squadron RFC & RAF 1915 – 1945. Barnsley : Pen & Sword, 2013 ; SHORES, Christopher ; RICCI, Corrado. Dust Clouds in the Middle East – The Air War for East Africa, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madagascar, 1940 – 1942. London : Grub Street, 2010 (Reprinted). p. 80 ; GUSTAVSSON, Håkan. Maresciallo Aroldo Soffritti. Biplane Fighter Aces from the Second World War : http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/italy_soffritti.htm ; GUSTAVSSON, Håkan. Capitano Mario Visintini Medaglia d’oro al valor militare. Biplane Fighter Aces from the Second World War : http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/italy_visintini.htm

[2] EUSEBI, Eugenio, LAZZARO, Stefano et SLONGO Ludovico. Le vittorie aeree di Mario Visintini in Africa Orientale, in Storia Militare, n°246, 2014, p. 62.

[3] The London Gazette, 7 January 1941 : https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35037/page/151

[4] No.14 (RAF) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew: TNA, AIR 27/192.

[Ajcrou]

27 November 1940

 

Northern Front

 

The Hawker Hardy K4311 (Flying Officer Paul A. Holdengarde ; Sergeant Alan P. Burl) takes off for a reconnaissance of the Gallabat – Metemma sector. Above, they are intercepted at around 05:45 by two Fiat CR.42 of 412a Squadriglia CT. Machine gunner Alan P. Burl is killed, while the aircraft is seriously damaged. Flying Officer Paul A. Holdengarde is, however, able to land in his lines near Guriangana. The Hawker Hardy is able to be transported to Khartoum for repair.[1]

 

At the same time, No.237 (Rhodesia) Squadron receives reinforcements with five Westland Lysander Mk II coming from No.102 (RAF) Maintenance Unit : L4676, L4679, L4715, L4725 and L4915. The arrival of the aircraft seems, however, to take longer and it will be necessary to wait until mid-January to see the first flights.

 

According to the memories of Pilot Officer Eric Smith:

« The speed and range announced were very optimistic, but the rate of fire of the rear machine gun was good and they did not stop like the Lewis of our old biplanes. »[2]

 

 

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[1] No.237 (Rodesia) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27/1450 ; SALT Beryl. A Pride of Eagles, The Definitive History of the Rhodesian Air Force : 1920 – 1980. Johannesburg : Covos Day, 2001, p. 72 ; SHORES, Christopher ; RICCI, Corrado. Dust Clouds in the Middle East – The Air War for East Africa, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madagascar, 1940 – 1942. London : Grub Street, 2010 (Reprinted). p. 80 ; SUTHERLAND, Jon. Air War East Africa (1940 – 1941). The RAF versus the Italian Air Force. Barnsley : Pen and Sword Aviation, 2009. p. 79.

[2] SALT Beryl. A Pride of Eagles, The Definitive History of the Rhodesian Air Force : 1920 – 1980. Johannesburg : Covos Day, 2001, p. 72.

[cardboard_killer]

[Ajcrou]

29 November 1940

 

Northern Front

 

The Wellesleys made twelve sorties to bomb Danghila (Ethiopia) between 08:10 and 12:15 hours : seven Wellesleys of No.47 (RAF) Squadron (five from Khartoum and two from Sennar) and five of No.223 (RAF) Squadron. One of the latter, however, is forced to make a forced landing after take-off due to a technical problem. The bombing is carried out at 10:05 in formation by the eleven Wellesleys from an altitude of about 3 000 metres. One aircraft, of No.47 (RAF) Squadron, is slightly damaged by the anti-aircraft defence, although the ORB did not indicate the serial. Once again, however, it is difficult to assess the damage on the ground[1].

 

A Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 is reported several times, at 10:00, over the various advanced airfields along the Sudanese border. Three pilots of the No.1 (SAAF) Squadron take off : Captain Gerald J. le Mesurier, Lieutenant Robin Pare and John L. Hewitson (N5824), but the Italian bomber remains unseen.

 

Four Gloster Gladiators of No.2 (SAAF) Squadron take off from Nairobi at 06:00 with a Junkers Ju.52 of No.50 (SAAF) Squadron in charge of navigation. They are delivered to the No.1 (SAAF) Squadron at Khartoum, while the pilots (Lieutenant Edward J. Kelly, Frank J.M. Meaker, Patrick K.Q. Rushmere and Donald Stuart) return to Kenya on board the Junkers Ju.52.

 

Lieutenant Frank J.M. Meaker, No.2 (SAAF) Squadron. Collection : SAAF Museum Swartkops, via Tinus le Roux.

 

 

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[1] No.223 (RAF) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27/1373.

 

 

[Ajcrou]

30 November 1940

 

Northern Front

 

The day before, three Gloster Gauntlets of No.430 (RAF) Flight (Flying Officer James E. Divent, Pilot Officer Arthur N.W. Johnstone and Reeves) land on Azaza airfield. During the day, they are tasked with carrying out three ground attack missions against Italian troops in the Coma – Wahni sector (along the road to Al-Qadarif) at around 07:00, 13:30 and 15:30. Each time, three Gloster Gladiators, of No.1 (SAAF) Squadron, are in charge of the escort. Lieutenant John L. Hewitson fly, aboard the N5824, as indicated in his logbook.[1]

 

Logbook Lieutenant John L. Hewitson. Collection : John Hewitson, via Tinus le Roux.

 

 

No.237 (Rhodesia) Squadron is provisionally split in two. The A Flight stays at Gordon’s Tree, while the B Flight joins Goz Regeb. [2]

 

The ORB of No.223 (RAF) Squadron provided some information on the weather conditions prevailing in Sudan and in the Eritrea / Western Ethiopia area of operation during this month of November. A wind blowing from the north could reach 32 to 56 km / h and tended to increase towards the end of the month. At the same time, a very strong cloud layer is reported of 8/10 to 10/10. This situation is further aggravated by the local geography of the highlands and mountains of Eritrea and western Ethiopia, especially for the very numerous night flights, which also explains the very mixed results of the bombings. Finally, there is a certain drop in temperatures which drops from 30° C on the first of the month, to 15° C on 30 November[3].

 

 

Southern Front

 

Good news awaits the crews of No.40 (SAAF) Squadron, following the damage suffered by the Hartbees and their crews in the face of shots coming from the ground. After considering the request since October, the South African command decides to allow armor plates in the cockpit, as well as at the rear to protect the gunner.

 

On the same date, a SAAF report indicates the number of aircraft available on that date in Kenya: No.2 (SAAF) Squadron: five Hawker Hurricanes and four Hawker Fury (six in maintenance) ; No.3 (SAAF) Squadron: fifteen Hawker Hurricanes (two in maintenance); No.11 (SAAF) Squadron: ten Fairey Battles (two in maintenance) ; No.12 (SAAF) Squadron: eleven Junkers Ju.86 (two in maintenance); No.40 (SAAF) Squadron: twelve Hartbees (thirteen in maintenance); Reserves: five Hawker Hurricanes (blocked in Khartoum) and three Fairey Battles.[4]

 

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[1] No.1 (SAAF) Squadron : War Diary. Kew : TNA, AIR/54/1.

[2] No.237 (Rodesia) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27/1450

[3] No.223 (RAF) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27 / 1374.

[4] Télégramme A 261 (29 november). Kew : TNA, AIR 27 / 1373.

[Ajcrou]

1st December 1940

 

Northern Front

 

The French attached to No.8 (RAF) Squadron continued their flights aboard Glenn-Martin 167F No.102 (Flight Lieutenant Jacques Dodelier, Warrant Officer Yves Trécan, Flight Sergeant Ronan Michel and Flight Sergeant Joseph Portalis [1]) with a reconnaissance of the sector: Assab – Barasoh – Edd – Thio – Meder, between 08:00 and 11:35. [2]

 

----------------------

 

[1] It should be noted that, since the end of November, the French of the Escadrille d’Aden appear in the ORB of No.8 (RAF) Squadron under pseudonyms : James Boulat for Jacques Dodelier, John Gallipot for Yves Trécan, Pierre Nanor for Ronan Michel, Beaumont for Joseph Portalis and Cunival for Robert Cunibil.

[2] No.8 (RAF) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27/114.

[Ajcrou]

2 December 1940

 

Northern Front

 

The K (RAF) Flight receives three additional Gloster Gladiators : N5629, N5896 and N5917, with a new pilot, Pilot Officer Alan Tofield. They will be followed on 4 December by N5833 and N5895. At the same time, Flying Officer Rovert H. Chapman and Pilot Officer Gordon A. Wolsey are transferred to Khartoum to join No.1 (SAAF) Squadron. The detachment will, however, be very short as they will be back on 10 December.[1]

 

Bombardment of the Italian position of Adi Ugri (Mendefera), along the road between Kassala and Asmara, by Bristol Blenheim of No.14 (RAF) Squadron. It could be the bombing carried out on 2 December 1940 (07:25 – 12:25) by Sergeant John R. Taylor.. Collection : No.14 (RAF) Squadron Association.

 

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[1] K Flight : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 29/858.

[Ajcrou]

3 December 1940

 

Northern Front

 

Five Gloster Gladiators (Captain Garald J. le Mesurier, Lieutenant John L Hewitson, Robin Pare, Servaas de Kock Viljoen and Leonard le Clues Theron) take off from Azaza at 10:45. Lieutenant Leonard le Clues Theron, however, is soon forced to return to Azaza due to engine problems.

 

They join three Hawker Hardy of No. 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron: K4318 (Flight Lieutenant Neville S.F. Tyas, Sergeant Hercules L. Maltas), K4314 (Flying Officer Edward W.S. Jacklin; Sergeant Rhodes W. Horobin) and K4316 (Flying Officer Alexander T.R. Hutchinson; Sergeant J.G.P. Burl). They are tasked with attacking several fuel and ammunition depots in the Gallabat – Metemma sector, as well as dropping several propaganda leaflets.

 

 

On the way back, a Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 is attacked over Al-Qadarif but without results.

 

Two Savoia-Marchetti SM.79s of the 4bis Gruppo (14 Squadriglia) are transferred from Dire Dawa to Gura airfield.

[Ajcrou]

4 December 1940

 

Northern Front

 

The Bristol Blenheim MK IV R2770 (Flying Officer Thomas G. Rhodes, Sergeant Maurice E.F. Hitchin and Sidney C. Lewis), of No.14 (RAF) Squadron, took off at 04:30 to carry out a reconnaissance mission of the Danas – Dambe Wadi area. In preparation for the next offensive in early 1941, the unit is now in charge of carrying out a series of aerial photographs of roads in Eritrea. In order to carry out these actions, the squadron developed a tactic using diversionary bombing to attract Italian fighters and thus make the task easier for the reconnaissance aircraft.

 

A first Bristol Blenheim (R3899) takes off half an hour earlier to attack Adarte station. Although a direct hit on the objective, this raid failed to distract the Italians. The Bristol Blenheim R2770 fell near Ginda after the attack of Tenente Mario Visintini of the 412 Squadriglia.[1]

 

In a letter addressed to his mother on 15 December 1940, he wrote :

 

« On the day of the 4th, intercepted a reconnaissance Blenheim that I also shot down. »

 

Two new Gloster Gladiator Mk II are being delivered to K Flight : N5833 and N5895.[2]

 

 

------------------------------------------

 

 

[1] No.14 (RAF) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27/192 ; NAPIER M. Winged Crusaders : The Exploits of 14 Squadron RFC & RAF 1915 – 1945. Barnsley : Pen & Sword, 2013 ; SHORES, Christopher ; RICCI, Corrado. Dust Clouds in the Middle East – The Air War for East Africa, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madagascar, 1940 – 1942. London : Grub Street, 2010 (Reprinted). p. 81 ; EUSEBI E., LAZZARO S., SLONGO L. Le vittorie aeree di Mario Visintini in Africa Orientale, in Storia Militare, n°246, 2014, p. 62 ; GUSTAVSSON, Håkan. Capitano Mario Visintini Medaglia d’oro al valor militare. Biplane Fighter Aces from the Second World War : http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/italy_visintini.htm

 

[2] K Flight : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 29/858.

[Ajcrou]

5 December 1940

 

Southern Front

 

Three Junkers Ju.86 of No.12 (SAAF) Squadron take off for an armed reconnaissance of the Mega – Moyale sector.

 

The fort of Mega is bombed, without success, but n°656 is hit on the right engine. It cuts soon after and the aircraft is forced to land in Italian territory. After landing, three crewmembers remain near the wreckage, while three others decide to take a southern route on foot in hopes of joining an advanced patrol of the King’s African Rifles. The other two planes returned to Nanyuki at 15:25 and an intensive search was launched by No.11 and No.12 (SAAF) Squadron.

 

It was not until 10 December that a plane finally found the wreckage and the three crew members (Flight Sergeant J.W. Armstrong, Arthur R. Ingle and Air Mechanic T.A.C. Cockilin) sheltered under a tree. Food rations are immediately dropped, while elements of the 2nd (South Africa) Infantry Brigade are dispatched from the fort at Marsabit. They returned to Kenya on 13 December with airmen exhausted by eight days of waiting. The pilot, Lieutenant P.H. Vermeulen however is missing with the other two crew members who accompanied him on the march south.

 

The search continues tragically when Fairey Battle L5176 (n°918) crashes, killing the entire crew (Lieutenant Murdock MacDonald, Flight Sergeant Paul C. Marais). The body of Lieutenant P.H. Vermeulen will finally be found lifeless a few months later, while the two others are still missing (Warrant Officer Marcus M. Hough and Air Sergeant William Roller).

 

This tragic event led the SAAF to adopt several resolutions for missions carried out over Italian territory. Now, before each mission, one or more zones, depending on the distance, must be determined, in agreement with the troops on the ground, to allow the forced landing of damaged aircraft in order to facilitate search. At the same time, crew members were instructed to remain in the immediate vicinity of the wreckage except in special situations. The equipment is also reinforced and the crews are now receiving additional maps covering the entire territory, while the supply of a pigeon cage is envisaged in order to allow better communication with the troops on the ground. This practice is not new within the SAAF as the Coastal Squadrons in Namibia already use this solution. A first experiment with 200 birds will take place on February 1941.[1]

 

Two Junkers Ju.86, of No.12 (SAAF) Squadron in Kenya. In the foreground is No.656 (c/n 086/2020, ex ‘ZS-AND’). Collection : SAAF Museum, via Tinus le Roux.

 

Five Hawker Hurricane of No.3 (SAAF) Squadron are sent to Sudan, under the orders of Major Laurence A. Wilmot, to join No.1 (SAAF) Squadron, which he takes command. As before, they took off at 07:10 with a Junkers Ju.52.

 

Finally, No. 14 (SAAF) Squadron is declared operational, on this day, on Glenn-Martin. A first mission is carried out when one of the aircraft (Major Charles E. Martin, Lieutenant H.A. Launder and Warrant Officer Farr) takes off at 07:15 from Nakuru for a photographic reconnaissance of Kismaayo. The mission is successful, despite an interception attempt by an Italian fighter.

 

 

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[1] No.12 (SAAF) Squadron : War Diary. Kew : TNA, AIR/54/4 ; December – Narrative Northern Operations SAAF. Kew : TNA, AIR/54/9 ; BROWN, James Ambrose. A Gathering of Eagles : The campaigns of the South African Air Force in Italian East Africa (1940 – 1941). Cape Town : Purnell and Sons, 1970. p.97 à 98 ; MCLEAN, Steven. Squadrons of the South African Air Force and their aircraft (1920 – 2005). Cape Town : [s.n.], 2005. p.123 et 131 ; SHORES, Christopher ; RICCI, Corrado. Dust Clouds in the Middle East – The Air War for East Africa, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madagascar, 1940 – 1942. London : Grub Street, 2010 (Reprinted). p. 81 

 

 

 

Edited October 31, 2021 by JG300_Manfred

[Ajcrou]

6 December 1940

 

Northern Front

 

Five Vickers Wellesley [1] of No. 47 (RAF) Squadron took off at 08:15 from Sennar to bomb Bure (Ethiopia). The K7713 is forced to return early due to an engine failure. The other four aircraft continue to the target when they are intercepted at 10:40 by Fiat CR.42. The K8521 (Pilot Officer Basil B. Witty, Paul A. Hunt; Sergeant George A. Bonnar) is quickly shot down and the crew is seen parachuting. Pilot Officer Basil B. Witty is seriously injured in the action and he died a few days later. Three victories are claimed by the Italians, but the three remaining Vickers Wellesley do not seem to have been damaged. After attacking the target, they return to land at Sennar airfield at 12:30.[2]

 

 

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[1] Christopher Shores reports the presence of four aircraft (one of which is returning due to an engine problem). While the Form 540 reports four Wellesleys, the Form 541 indicates that five aircraft took off on this mission. This information is also confirmed by reading the mission reports written by the crews. For example, Flight Lieutenant Graham R. Magill states that on approach to the target, the formation split into two pairs; while Pilot Officer Gordon writes that five aircraft took off.

[2] No.47 (RAF) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27 / 463  ; SHORES, Christopher ; RICCI, Corrado. Dust Clouds in the Middle East – The Air War for East Africa, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madagascar, 1940 – 1942. London : Grub Street, 2010 (Reprinted). p. 82 et 83.

 

[Ajcrou]

7 - 9 December 1940

 

Northern Front

 

The French attached to No.8 (RAF) Squadron continued their flights aboard the Glenn Martin 167 F n° 102 (Flight Lieutenant Jacques Dodelier, Warrant Officer Yves Trécan, Flight Sergeant Ronan Michel) with a reconnaissance of the sector: Massawa – Edd – Thio – Assab, between 09:40 and 13:55, on 7 December.

 

Tenente Luciano Cacciavillani, together with two other pilots whose identities are not known, is temporarily seconded to the 412 Squadriglia at Gura.[1]

 

Southern Front

 

The South African archives report an attack on the Bura airfield by a Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 flying at 4 500 metres at 07:38, on 9 December.

 

 

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[1] GUSTAVSSON, Håkan. Tenente Luciano Cacciavillani. Biplane Fighter Aces from the Second World War : http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/italy_cacciavillani.htm

[2] GUSTAVSSON, Håkan. Maresciallo Giuseppe Mottet. Biplane Fighter Aces from the Second World War :  http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/italy_mottet.htm

 

[Ajcrou]

10 December 1940

 

Southern Front

 

The Royal Navy decides to plan a naval raid against the Italian port of Kismaayo. The H.M.S. Southampton must therefore approach around 13:00 to open fire on the various port facilities and ships. For this purpose, the Supermarine Walrus seaplane, transported by the ship, is responsible for guiding the fire.

 

In order to avoid any threat by Regia Aeronautica, four Hawker Hurricanes (Major Noël G. Niblock-Stuart, Captain John E. Frost and Harvey, Second Lieutenant S.D. Marsh of No.3 (SAAF) Squadron are tasked with patrolling the area (by section of two) between 13:00 and 13:45.

 

A Glenn-Martin (Major Charles E. Martin) of No. 14 (SAAF) Squadron must carry out a reconnaissance at the end of the afternoon (16:00 – 18:00).

An Italian transport ship is reported destroyed. The result of this raid seems very limited and according to his report: “after the end of the naval bombardment, maritime transport resumed as before”.

 

Extract from the Logbook of Captain John E. Frost. Collection : SAAF Museum, via Tinus le Roux.

 

[Ajcrou]

11 December 1940

 

Northern Front

 

Three Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV of No.14 (RAF) Squadron take off at 14:00 to bomb a bridge inside the city of Asmara. The target, surrounded by residential areas, requires special instructions as the crews are asked to clearly identify it before any bombing. Squadron Leader Deryck C. Stapleton (T2167) is forced to return quickly to Port Sudan (15:10) due to left engine trouble. The two other aircraft continued on to Asmara. Above the city, Flying Officer William D. Matthew (T1857) managed to find the old fort on a hill, which is supposed to provide the course to follow. However, he had to make four laps over Asmara to find the objective and attack, without success. Flight Lieutenant John K. Buchanan (T2185) does not succeed in obtaining a visual and according to the instructions he decides to go towards the secondary target: the Asmara airfield. Here again, the bombing is a failure.[1]

 

Southern Front

Six Fairey Battle Mk.I of No.11 (SAAF) Squadron takes off to attack Yabelo airfield. The South African planes operate in three waves of two and dives from an altitude of 1 200 meters between 07;50 and 09;45. The bombing appears to be a success and three Caproni Ca.133 are claimed destroyed, as well as three others damaged. One of the Fairey Battle: n°925 (Captain Johannes F. Britz, Air Sergeant Michael A. Oberholzer and E. Murphy) is however damaged by AA. The oil tank hit, the pilot is forced to land near Gombo, after crossing the Kenyan border. The plane will be repaired the next day to reach Archers Post airfield.

A second aircraft: No. 915 (Lieutenant W.M.P. Matthias, Air Sergeant R.J. van Heerden) encountered engine problems on the return. A forced landing is also carried out near Laisamis (50 km from Archers post). The contact with the ground is more violent and the wreckage is not considered recoverable.

 

 

Fairey Battle of No.11 (SAAF) Squadron in Kenya. Collection : SAAF Museum, via Tinus le Roux.

 

 

 

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[1] No.14 (RAF) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27/192 ; NAPIER, Michael. Winged Crusaders : The Exploits of 14 Squadron RFC & RAF 1915 – 1945. Barnsley : Pen & Sword, 2013.

[Ajcrou]

12 December 1940

 

Northern Front

 

As on 13 October, 412 Squadriglia attack the advanced airfield of Goz Regeb where the B Flight of No.237 (Rhodesia) Squadron is based. Five Fiat CR.42 take off with a Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 (Tenente Colonnello Liberati). They arrived above the target at around 06:10. The Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 dropped its bombs, while the three fighters immediately attacked (Capitano Antonio Raffi, Tenente Carlo Canella and Mario Visintini), while two others remain on the cover (Tenente Luciano Cacciavillani and Sottotenente Giovanni Levi). Four Hawker Hardy are destroyed on the ground (K4053, K4308, K4055 and K4307).[1]

 

However at the same time Capitano Antonio Raffi’s aircraft is hit by shots from the ground. He immediately return, but his engine failed in the vicinity of Aroma (north of Kassala, in Sudanese territory). Forced into a forced landing, he received assistance from Tenente Mario Visintini. The latter decides to land to recover him. Due to the small interior of the Fiat CR.42, he has to sit on Antonio Raffi’s lap to be able to take off. It is also necessary to leave the parachutes on site. In a somewhat complicated position, however, he manages to bring the plane back to Barentu.

 

Tenente Mario Visintini, Luciano Cacciavillani and Sottotenente Giovanni Levi quickly took off in order to destroy the abandoned aircraft. They took the opportunity to claim, on the spot, the destruction of three armored cars.[2]

 

No.14 (RAF) Squadron sent two Bristol Blenheim Mk IVs to the forward field of Wadi Gazuza, with five Vickers Wellesley from No.223 (RAF) Squadron. All the aircraft took off, between 17:00 and 17:30, to target the airfields of Asamara, Gura and Mai Edaga. A different method is used, as the bombers are supposed to drop time bombs (with a delay of twelve hours) in order to prevent the deployment of the Italian planes.

 

 

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[1] No.237 (Rhodesia) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27/1450.

[2] GUSTAVSSON, Håkan. Capitano Antonio Raffi. Biplane Fighter Aces from the Second World War : http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/italy_raffi.htm ; EUSEBI, Eugenio, LAZZARO, Stefano et SLONGO Ludovico. Le vittorie aeree di Mario Visintini in Africa Orientale, in Storia Militare, n°246, 2014, p. 63.

[Ajcrou]

13 December 1940

 

Northern Front

 

Due to the gradual arrival of the 4th Indian Infantry Division in Sudan, there are insufficient Blenheim Mk IVFs to provide protection for ships. The B Flight of No.14 (RAF) Squadron is therefore tasked, during 13 and 14 December, of a series of patrols throughout the day in search of possible Italian submarines in the area. All of these protective sorties, as well as the daily harassment against Italian airfields seem to be bearing fruit as the Regia Aeronautica and Regia Marina are unable to oppose the deployment of Indian troops in Port Sudan.