AAR from the demo for Battle for Malta.
7 July 1941Hal Far flight combat reportSorties: 11
Kills 2
Losses 2 destroyed (1 Hurricane, 1 Gladiator), 2 damaged in bombing
Combat ready aircraft remaining: 2 (1 Hurricane, 1 Gladiator) plus recon Blenheim
The enemy attacked again in strength today, with 9 raids detected between 0600 and 2000, primarily unescorted bombers at squadron strength but for the first time including fighter sweeps in strength.
Primary targets included shipping in Grand Harbour, the Army compound at Mosta, and Hal Far airfield.
An enemy attack on Convoy Holdfast, bound for Malta from Alexandria, took place at 1200 hours.
However the raid was detected by our Blenheim, which was conducting anti shipping surveillance in the area, and the fleet was warned to take evasive action.
The Blenheim then engaged the enemy raiders and broke up the attack, claiming one Italian bomber damaged. The convoy suffered no damage, as the raiders appeared to lack the mettle to press their attack in the face of aerial opposition.
Several raiders hit the airfield at Hal Far and one Gladiator and one Hurricane (non operational, being used for spare parts) were damaged.
The Hal Far flight, comprising two Hurricanes and three Gladiators, succeeded in intercepting one of these raids.
It is estimated that approximately 20 enemy bombers and 15 enemy fighters were engaged. One Gladiator was lost almost immediately, to enemy fighters. The pilot was severely wounded.
However our Hurricanes had more success, claiming two kills.
One Hurricane was damaged in combat, and crashed short of the currently non operational Takali field. The pilot is safe, but the machine is judged to be a write off.
The air defence situation remains desperate, with only two fighters, a reconnaissance aircraft and 7 pilots available for combat tomorrow.