RAF Western Desert Air Force

15 June 1942

Official Description

7 B-24’s, along with 2 RAF B-24’s and RAF torpedo-carrying Beauforts, attack Italian fleet E of Malta. The B-24’s bomb and damage a battleship and a cruiser, while the Beauforts sink a cruiser.

Description

HALPRO B-24's and two Liberators of No 160 Squadron, RAF, attacked the Italian shipping fleet, which had now put to sea. The Beauforts sank a cruiser, and five of the USAAF planes bombed, claiming hits on a Littorio-class battleship and a Trento-class cruiser.



On their return to base the bomber formation encountered and shot down an Me-110 achieving the first aerial victory in which Americans had participated in the Middle East.

Mission Details

Italian Fleet, East of Malta

Description: 9 B-24 Liberators of the HALPRO detachment and No 160 Squadron RAF attack the Italian fleet near Malta. The Americans claim an ME-110 on the return to base.

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Mission Statistics

  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 9
  • Aircraft effective: 7

Italian Fleet, East of Malta

Description: RAF torpedo-carrying Beauforts support the attack on the Italian Fleet, claiming a cruiser.

Connections

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People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Halverson Detachment
  • Service Numbers: 12026078 / 0-789038 / 0-388723
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator - Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Halverson Detachment 1st Provisional Group
  • Service Numbers: O-11444
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Pilot