OPERATION PEDESTAL
The amazing story of the determination to get the tanker SS OHIO to Malta.
From a convoy of 14 ships only 5 made it into Grand Harbour
This is the story of that epic, and harrowing, journey.
https://youtu.be/CjB0Bm-yJJY
The amazing story of the determination to get the tanker SS OHIO to Malta.
From a convoy of 14 ships only 5 made it into Grand Harbour
This is the story of that epic, and harrowing, journey.
https://youtu.be/CjB0Bm-yJJY
No. 504 A.M.E.S. – Part I
AMES = Air Ministry Experimental Station
Thanks to Bob 'Taff' Mace for sending this to me, very interesting information.
N.B. Photos are copyright of the original owner, mainly Ms Annie Tipton, Ron Saunders daughter and Bill Crawford, son of William Crawford both of whom were in the initial group of No. 504 personnel. The coloured ones are mine, Tony Abela, and may be reproduced as long as due credit is given.
Information on the formation of AMES can be found at this link;
https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/radar-stations-during-wartime-malta.293741
No. 504 A.M.E.S. was one of the three Chain Overseas Low Units that arrived in Malta on 9th November 1940. These were planned to give full low-level coverage for Malta. In fact there was a small sector not covered due to the topography of Gozo in relation to the location of these three Units towards the North West.
The first two years of its history were not documented as they used to burn the Operations Records Books on routine basis in case of an invasion. The first recorded entry was found on May 1943 which stated that “The Operations Record Book has not been written up since the formation of this Unit. I am therefore, before commencing the usual Monthly Record, writing up the history of this Unit since its formation. This history will necessary be brief. The sources of information are 993448 F/Sgt R. Smith, who, together with the other five airmen who remain on the Unit from the original personnel, have provided the main outline; the monthly Technical Reports; and some files. The operational log books have all been burnt from time to time and are not available” This entry was written by F/Lt H.J.M. Maxey who happened to be the 3rd Commanding Officer for the Unit. The 1st one was F/Lt Sutton and the 2nd was F/Lt ‘Tony’ Clark from South Africa. This is very strange as it is known that F/Lt Tony Clark always kept a personal diary and he was very organised.
Luckily I managed to make contact with the late Dr Ronald Saunders through his daughter Mrs Anne Tipton, who was an LAC who travelled round the Cape with the personnel of the three COL who confirmed what was written by F/Lt Maxey and much more. The same happened with a very detailed Biography written by F/Lt Tony Clark of himself, whose daughter, Mrs Nina Baker, was so kind to share with me. It was a day-by-day diary. Also I was lucky enough to have a visit on site by Mr William Crawford from Glasgow, who was the son of another airman Bill Crawford, who was on the original group. In an attempt to find where his Dad served during WWII, he visited Dingli with his father, Bill before he passed away, but the old gentleman was not able to recognise the place at all. He visited again in 2014 and I managed to show him all he wanted to find. He too shared some photos with me.
So, as one expect the material I have on this Unit is too much to cover in one episode.
The equipment arrived in Malta on 12 December 1940. F/Lt Sutton and 8 Radio Mechanics were temporary attached to No. 241 and No. 242 which was about 500 metres easterly from the location to be for No. 504. The technical building of No. 504 constructed from local stones was in the course of erection, less than 50 metres west of the Dingli Signals Turret, in place of the present road at a height of 846 feet above sea level. On the side of the road one can still spot some small pieces of barbed wire and angle irons used as security fence. Images attached will give a clear picture of the exact location. The rest of the personnel were sorting the equipment at RAF Kalafrana were it had been unpacked. Personnel were initially billeted at Marsaxlokk and Hal Far.
On 5th January 1941 a site for the Barrack Block for these personnel was chosen some less than 50 metres away from the Technical site, which eventually developed into RAF Dingli Camp and later billeted the personnel of No. 203 S.U.
For security reasons the equipment was shipped without two of its units, the ‘Strobe’ and the “Calibrator’ which were transported by another vessel which unfortunately sunk on its way. Replacement units were dispatched and arrived in Malta on 12 February 1941, thus the System could start the testing phase.
During February, temporary accommodation was arraigned at St Paul’s Farmhouse which was more than half a kilometre to the West of the Unit.
Manu and Paula Frendo who used to own the Morning Star Café just on the east side of the domestic site on the other side of the road from Dingli village to the Cliffs, used to wash their cloths and used the Café as their local bar.
No. 504 A.M.E.S. was reported ‘on the air’ on 14th February, plotting to Room ‘A’ (Filter Room) in Scots Street, Valletta by landline communications. The filter room was the basement of what today is the Public Notary Offices.
The Unit’s operational sweep assigned was between 170 and 319 degrees. At these points the antenna had mechanical stoppers so that it was only rotated across this sector. Being innovative, the personnel of No. 504 soon removed these stoppers and were sweeping across full rotation. Their innovation was reflected in a report written by F/Lt Sutton which gave a brief description of an Optical Azimuth Indicator which was devised and fitted by Unit’s personnel. This was such a success that Air ministry applied this modification to all COL Units in Malta and in the UK. The report also gave details of how they modified the Antenna system to make it more sensitive and selective and that the Mechanical Stoppers were removed to give a full rotation coverage.
June 25th was a historical day for No. 504 as they plotted the vessels movements in anticipation of the e-boat attack on the Grand Harbour Break water which happened at dawn on the 26th June. The alert given by No. 504 just before midnight of the 25th gave the Malta Defence and Coastal Defence the ‘wake-up call’ which was one of the main reasons that the plan by the Italian e-boats failed and did not manage to enter the Grand Harbour and the Sliema Creek to plant the detonators with the British fleet vessels and submarines.
On 1st December 1941 F/O A.K.F. (Tony) Clark arrived from the U.K. to take over command of the Unit from F/Lt J.M.R. Sutton on the 17th.
Tony Clark was a South African Electrical Engineer, son of an Electric Engineer Lecturer at a University in South Africa.
The personnel in the group Photo are:
Back row standing from Left to Right: Ken Slatter, Bob Gibson, Eric Hall, Ronald Saunders, Jack Chidgey, Donnolly, Arthur Doliman, Valentine, Tommy Williamson, F/Sgt Gravett, Andy Filayson, Shaw and Ivor Davis.
Middle row sitting from Left to Right: Jack Stalley, Manning, Cree, Tickler, Eric Herd, Bill Crawford, unidentified member, Jimmy Stoodard, Allen and Lancesolot Holland aka Charlie.
Front sitting on the ground: Bentley, F/O Tony Clark, O.C., Cyrill Cousins and Ken Hargeaves
Two of the personnel shown were not part of the crew of No.504 A.M.E.S as the full complement was 1 Officer and 24 other ranks. They could have been members of the VHF/DF as they used to live at the same site.
AMES = Air Ministry Experimental Station
Thanks to Bob 'Taff' Mace for sending this to me, very interesting information.
N.B. Photos are copyright of the original owner, mainly Ms Annie Tipton, Ron Saunders daughter and Bill Crawford, son of William Crawford both of whom were in the initial group of No. 504 personnel. The coloured ones are mine, Tony Abela, and may be reproduced as long as due credit is given.
Information on the formation of AMES can be found at this link;
https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/radar-stations-during-wartime-malta.293741
No. 504 A.M.E.S. was one of the three Chain Overseas Low Units that arrived in Malta on 9th November 1940. These were planned to give full low-level coverage for Malta. In fact there was a small sector not covered due to the topography of Gozo in relation to the location of these three Units towards the North West.
The first two years of its history were not documented as they used to burn the Operations Records Books on routine basis in case of an invasion. The first recorded entry was found on May 1943 which stated that “The Operations Record Book has not been written up since the formation of this Unit. I am therefore, before commencing the usual Monthly Record, writing up the history of this Unit since its formation. This history will necessary be brief. The sources of information are 993448 F/Sgt R. Smith, who, together with the other five airmen who remain on the Unit from the original personnel, have provided the main outline; the monthly Technical Reports; and some files. The operational log books have all been burnt from time to time and are not available” This entry was written by F/Lt H.J.M. Maxey who happened to be the 3rd Commanding Officer for the Unit. The 1st one was F/Lt Sutton and the 2nd was F/Lt ‘Tony’ Clark from South Africa. This is very strange as it is known that F/Lt Tony Clark always kept a personal diary and he was very organised.
Luckily I managed to make contact with the late Dr Ronald Saunders through his daughter Mrs Anne Tipton, who was an LAC who travelled round the Cape with the personnel of the three COL who confirmed what was written by F/Lt Maxey and much more. The same happened with a very detailed Biography written by F/Lt Tony Clark of himself, whose daughter, Mrs Nina Baker, was so kind to share with me. It was a day-by-day diary. Also I was lucky enough to have a visit on site by Mr William Crawford from Glasgow, who was the son of another airman Bill Crawford, who was on the original group. In an attempt to find where his Dad served during WWII, he visited Dingli with his father, Bill before he passed away, but the old gentleman was not able to recognise the place at all. He visited again in 2014 and I managed to show him all he wanted to find. He too shared some photos with me.
So, as one expect the material I have on this Unit is too much to cover in one episode.
The equipment arrived in Malta on 12 December 1940. F/Lt Sutton and 8 Radio Mechanics were temporary attached to No. 241 and No. 242 which was about 500 metres easterly from the location to be for No. 504. The technical building of No. 504 constructed from local stones was in the course of erection, less than 50 metres west of the Dingli Signals Turret, in place of the present road at a height of 846 feet above sea level. On the side of the road one can still spot some small pieces of barbed wire and angle irons used as security fence. Images attached will give a clear picture of the exact location. The rest of the personnel were sorting the equipment at RAF Kalafrana were it had been unpacked. Personnel were initially billeted at Marsaxlokk and Hal Far.
On 5th January 1941 a site for the Barrack Block for these personnel was chosen some less than 50 metres away from the Technical site, which eventually developed into RAF Dingli Camp and later billeted the personnel of No. 203 S.U.
For security reasons the equipment was shipped without two of its units, the ‘Strobe’ and the “Calibrator’ which were transported by another vessel which unfortunately sunk on its way. Replacement units were dispatched and arrived in Malta on 12 February 1941, thus the System could start the testing phase.
During February, temporary accommodation was arraigned at St Paul’s Farmhouse which was more than half a kilometre to the West of the Unit.
Manu and Paula Frendo who used to own the Morning Star Café just on the east side of the domestic site on the other side of the road from Dingli village to the Cliffs, used to wash their cloths and used the Café as their local bar.
No. 504 A.M.E.S. was reported ‘on the air’ on 14th February, plotting to Room ‘A’ (Filter Room) in Scots Street, Valletta by landline communications. The filter room was the basement of what today is the Public Notary Offices.
The Unit’s operational sweep assigned was between 170 and 319 degrees. At these points the antenna had mechanical stoppers so that it was only rotated across this sector. Being innovative, the personnel of No. 504 soon removed these stoppers and were sweeping across full rotation. Their innovation was reflected in a report written by F/Lt Sutton which gave a brief description of an Optical Azimuth Indicator which was devised and fitted by Unit’s personnel. This was such a success that Air ministry applied this modification to all COL Units in Malta and in the UK. The report also gave details of how they modified the Antenna system to make it more sensitive and selective and that the Mechanical Stoppers were removed to give a full rotation coverage.
June 25th was a historical day for No. 504 as they plotted the vessels movements in anticipation of the e-boat attack on the Grand Harbour Break water which happened at dawn on the 26th June. The alert given by No. 504 just before midnight of the 25th gave the Malta Defence and Coastal Defence the ‘wake-up call’ which was one of the main reasons that the plan by the Italian e-boats failed and did not manage to enter the Grand Harbour and the Sliema Creek to plant the detonators with the British fleet vessels and submarines.
On 1st December 1941 F/O A.K.F. (Tony) Clark arrived from the U.K. to take over command of the Unit from F/Lt J.M.R. Sutton on the 17th.
Tony Clark was a South African Electrical Engineer, son of an Electric Engineer Lecturer at a University in South Africa.
The personnel in the group Photo are:
Back row standing from Left to Right: Ken Slatter, Bob Gibson, Eric Hall, Ronald Saunders, Jack Chidgey, Donnolly, Arthur Doliman, Valentine, Tommy Williamson, F/Sgt Gravett, Andy Filayson, Shaw and Ivor Davis.
Middle row sitting from Left to Right: Jack Stalley, Manning, Cree, Tickler, Eric Herd, Bill Crawford, unidentified member, Jimmy Stoodard, Allen and Lancesolot Holland aka Charlie.
Front sitting on the ground: Bentley, F/O Tony Clark, O.C., Cyrill Cousins and Ken Hargeaves
Two of the personnel shown were not part of the crew of No.504 A.M.E.S as the full complement was 1 Officer and 24 other ranks. They could have been members of the VHF/DF as they used to live at the same site.
Photographs relevant to Part 1
No. 504 A.M.E.S. – Part II
We shall continue to follow the history of A.M.E.S. No. 504 and in this second part we shall see the challenges it faced and how these were resolved.
The Unit came under the command of F/O (Tony) Clark in mid-December 1941, almost one year after it set foot at Dingli Cliffs under the command of F/Lt Sutton.
On 19th December 1941 the Dining Hall and the Cookhouse were completed at Dingli Camp just in time for Christmas. The Menu for Christmas diner 1941 we have seen in previous posts. The Christmas Dinner was served by Wing Commander Slowfield, Chief Signals officer, the outgoing CO F/Lt Sutton and the new CO, F/O Tony Clark, a South African volunteer. His daughter, Ms Merry Dewar was so kind to share with me his original Diary notes. F/Lt Sutton moved to the Filter Room in Valletta.
On 8th January 1942, F/Lt Birthwhistle and two airmen were attached to the Unit for visual control of Fighter Aircraft from the Observation Post on top of the Naval Signals Turret. A Maltese Airmen, AC Carmel Abela, which was serving as Visual Observer fell the stairs and succumbed to head injuries few days after at the Mtarfa General Hospital. Air Raids were intensified and by April 1942 the personnel were showing signs of strain, while the underground shelter excavation was still under construction. They used nearby caves during air raids.
On 14th April the Unit personnel witnessed a running fight between two Beauforts and four ME109s about 3 miles off the cliffs. The two Beauforts were shot down and one of the crew was seen swimming for the shore. The Unit personnel carried a search that night without success, but at dawn the next day, F/Sgt Wilson located the Officer on a ledge on the cliff about two miles away from the Unit. The officer was rescued by F/Lt Jones the CO of No. 242 A.M.E.S. who was lowered down the cliffs by means of a rope and brought the survivor up with him. F/Lt Clark and some of his personnel helped in this rescue operation.
On 8th May 1942 ACM Sir E.R. Ludlow-Hewitt accompanied by the AOC visited No. 504. On the 12th an Italian bomber crashed about 200yards North West of the Unit and an empty parachute landed on the Unit.
During May a VHF Direction Finding Station was established some 300 yards North of the Unit, which building still stands today.
On 4th July, at the height of the Malta Siege, the Unit suffered the first heavy hostile interference, commonly known as ‘jamming’. This proved that by the then the enemy realised that Malta had Radar. Mr. Barker from the Technical Research Establishment (T.R.E.) in the UK came over and made some modifications to the system to reduce the effects of jamming. This shows the high priority Malta Radars were given by the M.O.D. UK. There are a number of documented files at Kew Archives, UK, referring to radio and radar jamming in Malta. By then enemy jamming was a major problem to Malta’s Early Warning Systems. While the RDFs personnel in Malta and other visiting experts managed to reduce the effect of jamming by various interventions on the systems, the curing medicine was a tactical one used by the British Chief Radar Scientist, Mr R.V. Jones who on the 10th July 1942 sent a Secret Message, instructing Malta RDFs to “Essential Continue RDF Transmissions even if u/s by jamming”. This gave the false impression that the jamming was not effective and our systems were working through it. This led the enemy to give up with their jamming efforts later in the year.
During August 1942, the Unit’s operations were maintained and it was at its peak when they plotted and tracked the famous Santa Marija Convoy.
On 3rd October 1942, Mr Light of T.R.E. arrived from England to investigate the jamming and devise an anti-jamming modifications. Eventually an ‘anti-jamming’ unit was built and proved successful and became standard on all COL Units in Malta, the UK and other overseas installations.
As the war developed the scope of No. 504 from an Early Warning System changed to a surveillance role sweeping between 140 and 300 degrees to monitor the surface movements from Italy to North Afric. To ensure that no future jamming results, it was decided to lower the Unit to a new site on a ledge about 100 feet lower, but adjacent to the original site. This move was made under the command of F/Lt Tony Clark towards the end of November 1942. On 28th Nov, 1942 F/Lt Tony Clark left the Unit on a posting to A.M.E.S. No. 611 and F/Lt F.D. Bennett took command of the Unit. By this time most of the original crew were posted back to the UK.
Normal operations continued until 2000hrs on 8 June 1944 when instructions were received to put the Unit ‘off-the-air’ and close it down. By the 30th July 1944 all equipment was dismantled and packed and on the 30th all packed equipment left Dingli Cliffs and shipped to O.C. No. 4 B.S.U.
We shall continue to follow the history of A.M.E.S. No. 504 and in this second part we shall see the challenges it faced and how these were resolved.
The Unit came under the command of F/O (Tony) Clark in mid-December 1941, almost one year after it set foot at Dingli Cliffs under the command of F/Lt Sutton.
On 19th December 1941 the Dining Hall and the Cookhouse were completed at Dingli Camp just in time for Christmas. The Menu for Christmas diner 1941 we have seen in previous posts. The Christmas Dinner was served by Wing Commander Slowfield, Chief Signals officer, the outgoing CO F/Lt Sutton and the new CO, F/O Tony Clark, a South African volunteer. His daughter, Ms Merry Dewar was so kind to share with me his original Diary notes. F/Lt Sutton moved to the Filter Room in Valletta.
On 8th January 1942, F/Lt Birthwhistle and two airmen were attached to the Unit for visual control of Fighter Aircraft from the Observation Post on top of the Naval Signals Turret. A Maltese Airmen, AC Carmel Abela, which was serving as Visual Observer fell the stairs and succumbed to head injuries few days after at the Mtarfa General Hospital. Air Raids were intensified and by April 1942 the personnel were showing signs of strain, while the underground shelter excavation was still under construction. They used nearby caves during air raids.
On 14th April the Unit personnel witnessed a running fight between two Beauforts and four ME109s about 3 miles off the cliffs. The two Beauforts were shot down and one of the crew was seen swimming for the shore. The Unit personnel carried a search that night without success, but at dawn the next day, F/Sgt Wilson located the Officer on a ledge on the cliff about two miles away from the Unit. The officer was rescued by F/Lt Jones the CO of No. 242 A.M.E.S. who was lowered down the cliffs by means of a rope and brought the survivor up with him. F/Lt Clark and some of his personnel helped in this rescue operation.
On 8th May 1942 ACM Sir E.R. Ludlow-Hewitt accompanied by the AOC visited No. 504. On the 12th an Italian bomber crashed about 200yards North West of the Unit and an empty parachute landed on the Unit.
During May a VHF Direction Finding Station was established some 300 yards North of the Unit, which building still stands today.
On 4th July, at the height of the Malta Siege, the Unit suffered the first heavy hostile interference, commonly known as ‘jamming’. This proved that by the then the enemy realised that Malta had Radar. Mr. Barker from the Technical Research Establishment (T.R.E.) in the UK came over and made some modifications to the system to reduce the effects of jamming. This shows the high priority Malta Radars were given by the M.O.D. UK. There are a number of documented files at Kew Archives, UK, referring to radio and radar jamming in Malta. By then enemy jamming was a major problem to Malta’s Early Warning Systems. While the RDFs personnel in Malta and other visiting experts managed to reduce the effect of jamming by various interventions on the systems, the curing medicine was a tactical one used by the British Chief Radar Scientist, Mr R.V. Jones who on the 10th July 1942 sent a Secret Message, instructing Malta RDFs to “Essential Continue RDF Transmissions even if u/s by jamming”. This gave the false impression that the jamming was not effective and our systems were working through it. This led the enemy to give up with their jamming efforts later in the year.
During August 1942, the Unit’s operations were maintained and it was at its peak when they plotted and tracked the famous Santa Marija Convoy.
On 3rd October 1942, Mr Light of T.R.E. arrived from England to investigate the jamming and devise an anti-jamming modifications. Eventually an ‘anti-jamming’ unit was built and proved successful and became standard on all COL Units in Malta, the UK and other overseas installations.
As the war developed the scope of No. 504 from an Early Warning System changed to a surveillance role sweeping between 140 and 300 degrees to monitor the surface movements from Italy to North Afric. To ensure that no future jamming results, it was decided to lower the Unit to a new site on a ledge about 100 feet lower, but adjacent to the original site. This move was made under the command of F/Lt Tony Clark towards the end of November 1942. On 28th Nov, 1942 F/Lt Tony Clark left the Unit on a posting to A.M.E.S. No. 611 and F/Lt F.D. Bennett took command of the Unit. By this time most of the original crew were posted back to the UK.
Normal operations continued until 2000hrs on 8 June 1944 when instructions were received to put the Unit ‘off-the-air’ and close it down. By the 30th July 1944 all equipment was dismantled and packed and on the 30th all packed equipment left Dingli Cliffs and shipped to O.C. No. 4 B.S.U.
Photographs relevant to Part 2
A.M.E.S. No. 314 at Qawra Point
A.M.E.S. No. 314 was used for the dual purposes of Early Warning and Ground Control Interception (GCI) services. We also mentioned that No. 314 was similar to No. 241 and 242, in as much as its antenna was not of the turning type but a set of Yagi-Antennas mounted on a 70ft Tower. We also mentioned that no Log Books or detailed history of this Unit were found at the National Archives in the UK or Malta, thus we picked the references to this Unit from F/Lt Sutton’s and F/O Findlay Reports.
In Sutton’s Report we find a diagram which was included in last Sunday’s post regards No. 841, confirming that No. 314 was at Qawra Point on 1 December 1941 being installed and hoped that it would be in operation within a fortnight.
F/O Findlay during his visit to Malta between 18 March and 28 April 1941 to inspect and evaluate the RDF Units present at that time and to consider the siting options of additional RDF Units for all-round coverage of the Island. Amongst other sites considered Kawra (Qawra) Point adjacent to Qawra Tower, Survey Map Ref. 393.5, 334 situated at 30 feet above sea level. Height could be measured from 310 degrees, through 360
degrees, to 120 degrees, with two lines of shoot at 350 and 080- degrees. A flat field, which was big enough for use by the Unit, existed behind Qawra Tower. A decent road led to the site, and two telephone lines were already available. Accommodation for 20 men was readily available at Qawra Tower and there was room for further buildings. No mains power was available but water supply was only a few hundred yards away. The site was at that time occupied by an Army searchlight and an observation post, which would not need to be moved.
In another Report that F/O John W. Findlay compiled during another visit between 20 January and 1 February 1942 he commented about No. 314 which at the time was under the command of F/Lt Walker of the R.C.A.F. as follows: “This station is now operational, with MB2/RF7 equipment and a 3-stack array antenna. The height calibration was done during the visit, and the results were observed. As a result of the low angle at which the resulting curve became ambiguous, about 6.5 degrees, it was decided to lower the ‘R’ aerial to the mean height of the ‘T’ array, thus altering the ratio of the top and bottom arrays. Calculations suggests that this will allow of height measurements up to angles of 8 degrees. The results obtained are good enough to show that the station will be a
most valuable addition of height cover around the Island. Technically the transmitting array is not yet completely satisfactory, but ranges of 90 miles are often recorded”. This Report was signed by F/O Findlay on 5 February 1942.
The site where it was located is shown below from a google earth image which interestingly shows clearly a number of circles engraved in the rocks with the North clearly marked. In another document there is a mention of a small underground site, which today is only a small pit which could well be the small black square-shaped marks shown on the mentioned google image.
In another document it was recorded that the same Towers of No. 314 were used for Y-Service eaves-dropping by a WRAF who was posted from Middle East HQ, Cairo purposely to monitor Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground Radio Telephony (R/T) conversations between aircrew of enemy aircraft over Sicily on their way for bombing Malta and with their Bases. These R/T messages in the Italian and German languages were immediately translated into English and forwarded to the War Rooms in Valletta as ‘Intelligence’. Hope that in the future I will cover this interesting topic too.
A.M.E.S. No. 314 was used for the dual purposes of Early Warning and Ground Control Interception (GCI) services. We also mentioned that No. 314 was similar to No. 241 and 242, in as much as its antenna was not of the turning type but a set of Yagi-Antennas mounted on a 70ft Tower. We also mentioned that no Log Books or detailed history of this Unit were found at the National Archives in the UK or Malta, thus we picked the references to this Unit from F/Lt Sutton’s and F/O Findlay Reports.
In Sutton’s Report we find a diagram which was included in last Sunday’s post regards No. 841, confirming that No. 314 was at Qawra Point on 1 December 1941 being installed and hoped that it would be in operation within a fortnight.
F/O Findlay during his visit to Malta between 18 March and 28 April 1941 to inspect and evaluate the RDF Units present at that time and to consider the siting options of additional RDF Units for all-round coverage of the Island. Amongst other sites considered Kawra (Qawra) Point adjacent to Qawra Tower, Survey Map Ref. 393.5, 334 situated at 30 feet above sea level. Height could be measured from 310 degrees, through 360
degrees, to 120 degrees, with two lines of shoot at 350 and 080- degrees. A flat field, which was big enough for use by the Unit, existed behind Qawra Tower. A decent road led to the site, and two telephone lines were already available. Accommodation for 20 men was readily available at Qawra Tower and there was room for further buildings. No mains power was available but water supply was only a few hundred yards away. The site was at that time occupied by an Army searchlight and an observation post, which would not need to be moved.
In another Report that F/O John W. Findlay compiled during another visit between 20 January and 1 February 1942 he commented about No. 314 which at the time was under the command of F/Lt Walker of the R.C.A.F. as follows: “This station is now operational, with MB2/RF7 equipment and a 3-stack array antenna. The height calibration was done during the visit, and the results were observed. As a result of the low angle at which the resulting curve became ambiguous, about 6.5 degrees, it was decided to lower the ‘R’ aerial to the mean height of the ‘T’ array, thus altering the ratio of the top and bottom arrays. Calculations suggests that this will allow of height measurements up to angles of 8 degrees. The results obtained are good enough to show that the station will be a
most valuable addition of height cover around the Island. Technically the transmitting array is not yet completely satisfactory, but ranges of 90 miles are often recorded”. This Report was signed by F/O Findlay on 5 February 1942.
The site where it was located is shown below from a google earth image which interestingly shows clearly a number of circles engraved in the rocks with the North clearly marked. In another document there is a mention of a small underground site, which today is only a small pit which could well be the small black square-shaped marks shown on the mentioned google image.
In another document it was recorded that the same Towers of No. 314 were used for Y-Service eaves-dropping by a WRAF who was posted from Middle East HQ, Cairo purposely to monitor Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground Radio Telephony (R/T) conversations between aircrew of enemy aircraft over Sicily on their way for bombing Malta and with their Bases. These R/T messages in the Italian and German languages were immediately translated into English and forwarded to the War Rooms in Valletta as ‘Intelligence’. Hope that in the future I will cover this interesting topic too.
A.M.E.S. No. 14027 – Tas-Silch (Tas-Silg)
With all the A.M.E.S. Systems mentioned already, Malta Early Warning System and Fighter Control were pretty well served and giving satisfactory results. The British were adamant to still improve on these systems, especially in view of the imminent ‘Operation Husky’ – The Invasion of Sicily and the possibility that enemy bombers will start operating at very low level and attack the shipping concentrated around Malta. Thus, they wanted to improve surface radar coverage and they planned two Naval version Chain Low Systems, using NT277 radars. One system was A.M.E.S. No. 14027 and was located few hundred meters east of A.M.E.S. No 501 at tas-Silg, Zejtun at that time, now is in the limits of Marsaxlokk., and the other System was A.M.E.S. No. 14028 located just on the outside of Fort Campell at tal-Blata, St Paul’s Bay.
On 30th May 1943, F/O H.A. Schwartz, Sgt J.S. Whale and LAC P. Sanger-Davies (RDF mechanic) arrived by air from Gibraltar to proceed with the formation of these two Units. Sheds for the diesel generators were already under construction.
Today we cover the history of No. 14027, Tas-Silch.
On 8th June, Cpl Rawlings, ACs Aggett, Basterfield, Blake, Eldridge and Robins, all RDF Operators, arrived at No. 14027 and were accommodated under tents erected alongside of No. 501. On 25th June, the Type NT277 equipment arrived in a Brookhouse trailers at tas-Silg; Sgt Whale and LAC Sanger-Davies commenced its installation, while F/O Schwartz drove the second trailer to Tal-Blata. The Cabin at tas-Silg arrived open, but there were no signs of forced entry or missing parts.
On 3 June, a 3-cylinder Mobile Diesel Generator arrived during the afternoon from A.M.E.S. No. 242. It was immediately run up on test until 2230hrs when it failed due to dirt in the fuel system.
On 28 June at 0055hrs No. 14027 reported Operational to the Filter Room at No. 8 Sector Operations Room, (S.O.R.) Malta. Range was reduced to 80 miles but this was increased later in the day to full range of 150 miles. At mid-day Sqd/Ldr Fahie, Chief Radar Officer and Sqd/Ldr Cohen , Chief Filter Room Offi8cer, visited the Unit. LAC Sanger-Davies was appointed Acting Corporal (Paid).
A Test Flight was held on the 29th which proved satisfactory, as aircraft was plotted out to over 60 miles with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) detection. Shipping track was plotted on 1 July as far as 132 miles in a South-Eastern direction. On 4th July LAC Ireland and Cpl Bates arrived from the UK with the keys of the two Units, No. 14028 had the doors still locked without any keys available on its arrival.
During July, the Axis activities increased considerable and No. 14027 was instrumental in plotting these activities as it was giving coverage up to 140 miles.
Air Commodore G. Harcourt Smith, Senior Air staff Officer, Group Captain J. Miller, the Chief Controller and Wing Commanders Goodman and Evans visited the Unit on 30th July, 1943.
Owing to the invasion of Sicily, surface and aircraft activity during July was at its peak and plotting was consistently heavy with ranges up to the limit of the Receiver, apart from some technical problems which were experienced between the 21 and 24 July.
On 5 August a shipping track was plotted from North to South over a distance of 220miles, which took 18 hours observation. The Admiralty congratulated the Unit on 13 August for the accuracy of information passed on an operation off the toe of Italy.
At 2250hrs on 31 August 1943, A.M.E.S. No. 14027 reported to the Filter Officer that they were going “Off the Air” onto “Care and Maintenance” in accordance with instructions previously received. During the short period of time in operation, No. 14027 performed very well and gave the intended results it was setup for. On 17 October news were received that the Unit was shortly to be moved and between the 18th and 23rd considerable time was spent to dismantle all equipment and collect all the barrack stores to load them on three 15-cwt vehicles and one 3-ton Dodge truck readily to move.
At 1100 hrs on 5 November, the Unit’s Vehicles embarked on LST 165 and at 1700 hrs all personnel were on board ready to sail, but together with No. 14028, it left the Grand Harbour at 2130hrs on the 8th on its way to Italy.
Thus, the presence of these two NT277 Units on Malta came to its end after less than six months, but both have served their purpose in the most critical circumstances, those of ‘Operation Husky”, the Invasion of Sicily, which liberated Malta from the frequent heavy bombing experienced during the previous two years.
For the records, LST 165 arrived at Taranto, southern Italy, at 1600hrs on 10th November where No. 14027 continued to give its service on Italian territory moving Northerly as the Allies were advancing.
With all the A.M.E.S. Systems mentioned already, Malta Early Warning System and Fighter Control were pretty well served and giving satisfactory results. The British were adamant to still improve on these systems, especially in view of the imminent ‘Operation Husky’ – The Invasion of Sicily and the possibility that enemy bombers will start operating at very low level and attack the shipping concentrated around Malta. Thus, they wanted to improve surface radar coverage and they planned two Naval version Chain Low Systems, using NT277 radars. One system was A.M.E.S. No. 14027 and was located few hundred meters east of A.M.E.S. No 501 at tas-Silg, Zejtun at that time, now is in the limits of Marsaxlokk., and the other System was A.M.E.S. No. 14028 located just on the outside of Fort Campell at tal-Blata, St Paul’s Bay.
On 30th May 1943, F/O H.A. Schwartz, Sgt J.S. Whale and LAC P. Sanger-Davies (RDF mechanic) arrived by air from Gibraltar to proceed with the formation of these two Units. Sheds for the diesel generators were already under construction.
Today we cover the history of No. 14027, Tas-Silch.
On 8th June, Cpl Rawlings, ACs Aggett, Basterfield, Blake, Eldridge and Robins, all RDF Operators, arrived at No. 14027 and were accommodated under tents erected alongside of No. 501. On 25th June, the Type NT277 equipment arrived in a Brookhouse trailers at tas-Silg; Sgt Whale and LAC Sanger-Davies commenced its installation, while F/O Schwartz drove the second trailer to Tal-Blata. The Cabin at tas-Silg arrived open, but there were no signs of forced entry or missing parts.
On 3 June, a 3-cylinder Mobile Diesel Generator arrived during the afternoon from A.M.E.S. No. 242. It was immediately run up on test until 2230hrs when it failed due to dirt in the fuel system.
On 28 June at 0055hrs No. 14027 reported Operational to the Filter Room at No. 8 Sector Operations Room, (S.O.R.) Malta. Range was reduced to 80 miles but this was increased later in the day to full range of 150 miles. At mid-day Sqd/Ldr Fahie, Chief Radar Officer and Sqd/Ldr Cohen , Chief Filter Room Offi8cer, visited the Unit. LAC Sanger-Davies was appointed Acting Corporal (Paid).
A Test Flight was held on the 29th which proved satisfactory, as aircraft was plotted out to over 60 miles with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) detection. Shipping track was plotted on 1 July as far as 132 miles in a South-Eastern direction. On 4th July LAC Ireland and Cpl Bates arrived from the UK with the keys of the two Units, No. 14028 had the doors still locked without any keys available on its arrival.
During July, the Axis activities increased considerable and No. 14027 was instrumental in plotting these activities as it was giving coverage up to 140 miles.
Air Commodore G. Harcourt Smith, Senior Air staff Officer, Group Captain J. Miller, the Chief Controller and Wing Commanders Goodman and Evans visited the Unit on 30th July, 1943.
Owing to the invasion of Sicily, surface and aircraft activity during July was at its peak and plotting was consistently heavy with ranges up to the limit of the Receiver, apart from some technical problems which were experienced between the 21 and 24 July.
On 5 August a shipping track was plotted from North to South over a distance of 220miles, which took 18 hours observation. The Admiralty congratulated the Unit on 13 August for the accuracy of information passed on an operation off the toe of Italy.
At 2250hrs on 31 August 1943, A.M.E.S. No. 14027 reported to the Filter Officer that they were going “Off the Air” onto “Care and Maintenance” in accordance with instructions previously received. During the short period of time in operation, No. 14027 performed very well and gave the intended results it was setup for. On 17 October news were received that the Unit was shortly to be moved and between the 18th and 23rd considerable time was spent to dismantle all equipment and collect all the barrack stores to load them on three 15-cwt vehicles and one 3-ton Dodge truck readily to move.
At 1100 hrs on 5 November, the Unit’s Vehicles embarked on LST 165 and at 1700 hrs all personnel were on board ready to sail, but together with No. 14028, it left the Grand Harbour at 2130hrs on the 8th on its way to Italy.
Thus, the presence of these two NT277 Units on Malta came to its end after less than six months, but both have served their purpose in the most critical circumstances, those of ‘Operation Husky”, the Invasion of Sicily, which liberated Malta from the frequent heavy bombing experienced during the previous two years.
For the records, LST 165 arrived at Taranto, southern Italy, at 1600hrs on 10th November where No. 14027 continued to give its service on Italian territory moving Northerly as the Allies were advancing.
A.M.E.S. No. 14028 – Tal-Blata, St Paul’s Bay
A.M.E.S. No. 14028 was the twin Unit of A.M.E.S. No. 14027 and both were under the command of F/O H.A. Schwartz. No 14028 was located just outside the perimeter of Fort Campell at tal-Blata. The purpose of these two Units was to guard both Marsaxlokk and St. Pauls Bay harbours against both zero-level enemy aircraft, submarine activities and also to plot shipping within their area of coverage.
Both systems used a NT277 equipment which was originally a Naval set, adapted by the Air Ministry to work on the normal 50 Hz supply, with a simple transmitter design using CV76, a magnetron which was discharged by a mercury thyratron through a 4:1 step-up pulse transformer.
No. 14028 had a strong football team which challenged other RAF Units and Stations.
On 4th July the keys for the trailer were brought by Cpl Bates who arrived from the UK and the Unit installation and setting up commenced immediately. On 9th July, F/Lt Gutridge from the C.R.O’s office visited No. 14028 and brought the Mask for the Plan polar Indicator (PPI) console (Radar Display) and the Unit was brought into operation. The performance of the system was much improved by adjustments made to the aerial switching.
On 13th July one 20KVaLister Diesel Generator arrived on the Unit and was put into service immediately while a second set to be used as standby was received on the 15th.
On 31st July 1943, late in the evening, a single raider in the immediate vicinity of Tal-Blata, which was engaged with heavy Anti-Aircraft fire, but it still succeeded in dropping several canisters of anti-personnel bombs before it was driven off. The line of flight was directly across the Unit’s site which suffered damage from exploding bombs. This was not a very good start for No. 14028 which was the only A.M.E.S. system in Malta which was under direct enemy attacks throughout the War. The telephone and power cables were severely damaged, the operational trailer was punctured in many places by shrapnel from the bombs, an Operator sustained a slight wound, and the Dodge 15-cwt truck was severely damaged.
The Unit’s personnel rose to the occasion and immediately set to work to bring the Unit back on the air. This was achieved within two hours . A signal from S/Ldr Fahie, Chief Radio Officer, congratulated the crew for their swift restoration of operations after this attack.
The Bomb Disposal personnel neutralised and cleared all the unexploded bombs and a canister, containing nine bombs which was found some sixty yards away from the Unit. One should mention that the crew were working hard in total darkness to restore the Unit while they were fully aware of the danger from such unexploded bombs.
On 19th August, the Unit was visited by W/Cmdr Coote, Organisation Wing, who expressed his dissatisfaction at the messing facilities provided for the RAF personnel at Fort Campell. Negotiations were immediately put in hand to establish an RAF field kitchen at Tal-Blata. These arrangements were cancelled as information from HQ informed F/O Schwartz that both NT277 Units were placed on ‘care and maintenance’ basis only, with effect from 2359hrs on 31st August, and personnel of No. 14028 were to be moved to No. 502 at Madalena, pending further instructions.
As we have seen last Sunday, No. 14028 together with No. 14027, left Malta on the 8th of November at 2130hrs on LST 165 for Italy, after they gave an impeccable and important service during the few months it was operational, mainly in connection with “Operation Husky” to continue their service on Italian territory.
A.M.E.S. No. 14028 was the twin Unit of A.M.E.S. No. 14027 and both were under the command of F/O H.A. Schwartz. No 14028 was located just outside the perimeter of Fort Campell at tal-Blata. The purpose of these two Units was to guard both Marsaxlokk and St. Pauls Bay harbours against both zero-level enemy aircraft, submarine activities and also to plot shipping within their area of coverage.
Both systems used a NT277 equipment which was originally a Naval set, adapted by the Air Ministry to work on the normal 50 Hz supply, with a simple transmitter design using CV76, a magnetron which was discharged by a mercury thyratron through a 4:1 step-up pulse transformer.
No. 14028 had a strong football team which challenged other RAF Units and Stations.
On 4th July the keys for the trailer were brought by Cpl Bates who arrived from the UK and the Unit installation and setting up commenced immediately. On 9th July, F/Lt Gutridge from the C.R.O’s office visited No. 14028 and brought the Mask for the Plan polar Indicator (PPI) console (Radar Display) and the Unit was brought into operation. The performance of the system was much improved by adjustments made to the aerial switching.
On 13th July one 20KVaLister Diesel Generator arrived on the Unit and was put into service immediately while a second set to be used as standby was received on the 15th.
On 31st July 1943, late in the evening, a single raider in the immediate vicinity of Tal-Blata, which was engaged with heavy Anti-Aircraft fire, but it still succeeded in dropping several canisters of anti-personnel bombs before it was driven off. The line of flight was directly across the Unit’s site which suffered damage from exploding bombs. This was not a very good start for No. 14028 which was the only A.M.E.S. system in Malta which was under direct enemy attacks throughout the War. The telephone and power cables were severely damaged, the operational trailer was punctured in many places by shrapnel from the bombs, an Operator sustained a slight wound, and the Dodge 15-cwt truck was severely damaged.
The Unit’s personnel rose to the occasion and immediately set to work to bring the Unit back on the air. This was achieved within two hours . A signal from S/Ldr Fahie, Chief Radio Officer, congratulated the crew for their swift restoration of operations after this attack.
The Bomb Disposal personnel neutralised and cleared all the unexploded bombs and a canister, containing nine bombs which was found some sixty yards away from the Unit. One should mention that the crew were working hard in total darkness to restore the Unit while they were fully aware of the danger from such unexploded bombs.
On 19th August, the Unit was visited by W/Cmdr Coote, Organisation Wing, who expressed his dissatisfaction at the messing facilities provided for the RAF personnel at Fort Campell. Negotiations were immediately put in hand to establish an RAF field kitchen at Tal-Blata. These arrangements were cancelled as information from HQ informed F/O Schwartz that both NT277 Units were placed on ‘care and maintenance’ basis only, with effect from 2359hrs on 31st August, and personnel of No. 14028 were to be moved to No. 502 at Madalena, pending further instructions.
As we have seen last Sunday, No. 14028 together with No. 14027, left Malta on the 8th of November at 2130hrs on LST 165 for Italy, after they gave an impeccable and important service during the few months it was operational, mainly in connection with “Operation Husky” to continue their service on Italian territory.
A.M.E.S. N0. 283 – Marfa Point
A.M.E.S. No. 283 was formed on 14 April 1943 under the administration of RAF Ta’ Qali. It operated from Marfa Point until November of the same year, when it moved to Peninsula Della Maddalena in Sicily. It was disbanded in October 1944 in Italy.
The Unit under the Commanding Officer, Pilot officer Morgan was posted to Malta from the Middle East Command, complete with all the equipment and personnel. P/O Morgan must have got his promotion to F/Lt on his arrival in Malta as he signed the April 1943 Monthly Report as F/Lt O.C. No. 283 A.M.E.S.
The rest of the Unit’s personnel were 5 RDF Mechanics, 11 RDF Operators, 2 Wireless Operators, 1 Driver M.T., 1 Clerk General Duties and 3 General Duties airmen. A couple of RAF Policemen in the group were posted at other Units in Malta on their arrival.
Initially they had living and messing problems and temporary tents were used until they arranged for proper buildings. There was no fresh water supply and the cooking facilities consisted only of primus stoves. Temporary latrines were provided by RAF Ta’ Qali. During the first month they elected a committee to deal with P.S.I. and Sports.
The Technical site was situated about 500 yards from the Domestic Site. It consisted of transportable RDF Equipment and two Lister diesel generators of the fixed type. The setting up of the Unit was taken in hand immediately on arrival on site. As the delivery of the equipment was not made in one lot, it took just over one week to complete the installation and setting up. On the 19th, 1169687 LAC A.T. Jolly, an RDF mechanic was admitted to hospital with a badly burnt hand and 1055067 LAC A. Kent, also an RDF Mechanic was hospitalised for a badly lacerated hand as a result of having it trapped in the fan of the diesel generator. The Unit became operational on 30 April 1943.
On 1st May adverse weather caused the postponement of the programmed Flight Calibration which was rearranged for the following day. In fact it took place a day later, i.e. 3rd May, and coverage between 080 and 350 degrees at 5,000 feet and 10,000 feet was proved to be very good. On the 4th, Sq/Ldrs Faye and Minice visited the Unit and expressed their satisfaction at its performance.
On the 11th, Mr Vella, owner of Jack’s Home, one of the buildings near the Unit and WO Coates of RAF Ta’ Qali visited the Unit to make arrangements for the furniture in the living room and one outhouse, to be moved on the 15 May to a garage in Mellieha for storage. Mr Vella handed the living room but the outhouse was still occupied. On the 14th F/Lt Foster A.M.W.D. visited the Unit with reference to the dining hall, canteen and alterations to other buildings to be used as technical workshops and offices. Work was taken in hand immediately and all electrical lighting in the billets was taken in hand by the Unit’s personnel.
Two ME210s circled the Unit at about 1830hrs on the 19th but did not attack. The Unit went off the air for abnormal maintenance from 0800hrs on the 2 June until 1000hrs on the 4th, for investigation and correction of a recurrent error experienced on the lower DF Array. This was corrected together with overall maintenance to the Transmitter and Receiver. A new ‘B’ Height System was fitted on the 10th and on the 22nd, a Mark III IFF Transmitter and Receiver were fitted by F/O Kolb and F/O Auket.
The personnel of No. 887 A.M.E.S., a Unit in abeyance for the ‘Husky Operation’ were attached to the Unit on 16 June, their technical vehicles being expected to arrive on the 21st. They ceased to be attached to the Unit on the 9th July, as ‘Husky’ began on the night of 9–10 July 1943, and ended on 17 August.
During June a number of football matches were played against No. 314 A.M.E.S., while Whist drives and swimming continued to be enjoyed by all personnel.
On 30 July, the A.O.C., AVM Park, made a surprise visit and inspected the Unit. He congratulated its personnel on their performance during the Sicilian campaign. The Unit’s performance was satisfactory plotting up to 140 Nmiles.
Group Captain Tyrell, OC RAF Ta’ Qali attended the Unit’s Dance on 18th July which proved very successful and was enjoyed by all. A football match was played against R.A.S.C., losing 2-1. August was a good month as it brought a number of promotions to the boys: LACs Leggett, Read and Phillips were all elevated to the ranks of Temporary Corporals, while Corporal Lazenby was commended for a Commission. During September Cpl D.C. Stewart, RDF Mechanic was promoted to Temporary Sergeant and LAC K.F. Smith, RDF Operator to Temporary Corporal. Ten airmen represented the Unit at a Battle of Britain Church Service held at RAF Luqa on 26 September.
During October a mine was washed ashore and exploded near the Technical Site, damaging all doors and windows, but doing little damage otherwise.
The Unit ceased its operations in Malta at 0930hrs on 5th November 1944 and proceeded to dismantle for the move to Sicily. Work was completed on the 13th and the Unit stood by for moving instructions. It embarked from Malta on 20th November 1944 and arrived in Syracuse the following day and proceeded to a pre-arranged site at Peninsula Della Maddalena. Thus, the 7-month history of A.M.E.S. No. 283 in Malta came to its end.
A.M.E.S. No. 283 was formed on 14 April 1943 under the administration of RAF Ta’ Qali. It operated from Marfa Point until November of the same year, when it moved to Peninsula Della Maddalena in Sicily. It was disbanded in October 1944 in Italy.
The Unit under the Commanding Officer, Pilot officer Morgan was posted to Malta from the Middle East Command, complete with all the equipment and personnel. P/O Morgan must have got his promotion to F/Lt on his arrival in Malta as he signed the April 1943 Monthly Report as F/Lt O.C. No. 283 A.M.E.S.
The rest of the Unit’s personnel were 5 RDF Mechanics, 11 RDF Operators, 2 Wireless Operators, 1 Driver M.T., 1 Clerk General Duties and 3 General Duties airmen. A couple of RAF Policemen in the group were posted at other Units in Malta on their arrival.
Initially they had living and messing problems and temporary tents were used until they arranged for proper buildings. There was no fresh water supply and the cooking facilities consisted only of primus stoves. Temporary latrines were provided by RAF Ta’ Qali. During the first month they elected a committee to deal with P.S.I. and Sports.
The Technical site was situated about 500 yards from the Domestic Site. It consisted of transportable RDF Equipment and two Lister diesel generators of the fixed type. The setting up of the Unit was taken in hand immediately on arrival on site. As the delivery of the equipment was not made in one lot, it took just over one week to complete the installation and setting up. On the 19th, 1169687 LAC A.T. Jolly, an RDF mechanic was admitted to hospital with a badly burnt hand and 1055067 LAC A. Kent, also an RDF Mechanic was hospitalised for a badly lacerated hand as a result of having it trapped in the fan of the diesel generator. The Unit became operational on 30 April 1943.
On 1st May adverse weather caused the postponement of the programmed Flight Calibration which was rearranged for the following day. In fact it took place a day later, i.e. 3rd May, and coverage between 080 and 350 degrees at 5,000 feet and 10,000 feet was proved to be very good. On the 4th, Sq/Ldrs Faye and Minice visited the Unit and expressed their satisfaction at its performance.
On the 11th, Mr Vella, owner of Jack’s Home, one of the buildings near the Unit and WO Coates of RAF Ta’ Qali visited the Unit to make arrangements for the furniture in the living room and one outhouse, to be moved on the 15 May to a garage in Mellieha for storage. Mr Vella handed the living room but the outhouse was still occupied. On the 14th F/Lt Foster A.M.W.D. visited the Unit with reference to the dining hall, canteen and alterations to other buildings to be used as technical workshops and offices. Work was taken in hand immediately and all electrical lighting in the billets was taken in hand by the Unit’s personnel.
Two ME210s circled the Unit at about 1830hrs on the 19th but did not attack. The Unit went off the air for abnormal maintenance from 0800hrs on the 2 June until 1000hrs on the 4th, for investigation and correction of a recurrent error experienced on the lower DF Array. This was corrected together with overall maintenance to the Transmitter and Receiver. A new ‘B’ Height System was fitted on the 10th and on the 22nd, a Mark III IFF Transmitter and Receiver were fitted by F/O Kolb and F/O Auket.
The personnel of No. 887 A.M.E.S., a Unit in abeyance for the ‘Husky Operation’ were attached to the Unit on 16 June, their technical vehicles being expected to arrive on the 21st. They ceased to be attached to the Unit on the 9th July, as ‘Husky’ began on the night of 9–10 July 1943, and ended on 17 August.
During June a number of football matches were played against No. 314 A.M.E.S., while Whist drives and swimming continued to be enjoyed by all personnel.
On 30 July, the A.O.C., AVM Park, made a surprise visit and inspected the Unit. He congratulated its personnel on their performance during the Sicilian campaign. The Unit’s performance was satisfactory plotting up to 140 Nmiles.
Group Captain Tyrell, OC RAF Ta’ Qali attended the Unit’s Dance on 18th July which proved very successful and was enjoyed by all. A football match was played against R.A.S.C., losing 2-1. August was a good month as it brought a number of promotions to the boys: LACs Leggett, Read and Phillips were all elevated to the ranks of Temporary Corporals, while Corporal Lazenby was commended for a Commission. During September Cpl D.C. Stewart, RDF Mechanic was promoted to Temporary Sergeant and LAC K.F. Smith, RDF Operator to Temporary Corporal. Ten airmen represented the Unit at a Battle of Britain Church Service held at RAF Luqa on 26 September.
During October a mine was washed ashore and exploded near the Technical Site, damaging all doors and windows, but doing little damage otherwise.
The Unit ceased its operations in Malta at 0930hrs on 5th November 1944 and proceeded to dismantle for the move to Sicily. Work was completed on the 13th and the Unit stood by for moving instructions. It embarked from Malta on 20th November 1944 and arrived in Syracuse the following day and proceeded to a pre-arranged site at Peninsula Della Maddalena. Thus, the 7-month history of A.M.E.S. No. 283 in Malta came to its end.
M.E.S. No. 844 at Tal-Mirakli, Lija.
A.M.E.S. No. 844 was another Ground Control Interceptor (GCI) System which arrived in Malta some time in April 1943 after it was disbanded at Mombasa, East Africa and shipped to Malta on 28 February 1943. On arrival the shipment was held for few days at No. 841 A.M.E.S. at Wardija, Burmarrad to be inspected and tested.
On 1 May 1943 the system was sited at Tal-Mirakli, Lija. Initially the aerial trailer did not arrive with the consignment as it was short-shipped at Alexandria. It eventually arrived on site on 5th May, also in a much dilapidated state and as the aerial cables were not supplied they had to be constructed on site. The exact position was in an empty field 30 yards West of the windmill in the vicinity of Tal-Mirakli Chapel. Originally the Unit was to be located at Marsa Racecourse, but after the site was surveyed by F/Lt Tempero it was found that it was not suitable. He recommended the Tal-Mirakli site after he made a survey of the site on 2 March.
F/Lt Bautere who was the Commanding OIfficer for No. 841 took care of the No. 844 equipment and had a crew of six operators who came with the Unit from Mombasa. Three mechanics were drawn from No. 841 to erect the system on site. The apparatus was found to have been in a very bad condition owing to the fact that the vehicles were brought over as deck cargo. There was much work to be done to renew all external electrical connections, while the vehicles themselves were in urgent need of repair.
Personnel had to be accommodated under canvas and while meals were served at Torri Cumbo about a mile away, where crew from Ta’ Qali Eastern Dispersal Unit were messed.
F/Lt Munday, a Fighter Controller from No. 841 was appointed as C.O and Senior Fighter Controller. F/Lt Hedgecock from AHQ was allotted the responsibilities of the technical aspects of the Unit. It was decided that the Unit would operate simultaneously with No. 841 and not as its Standby.
The Unit became operational on 18 May 1943, but was awaiting Flight Calibration. A practice interception was carried out by No. 841 and watched by No. 844 and the results were promising as the aircraft was clearly visible by No. 844 while No. 841 was experiencing difficulties to maintain constant surveillance of the aircraft.
After a raid on Ta’ QaIi on 21 May an immediate Calibration Flight was requested. Two flights were carried out on the same day and considerable data was obtained. Permanent Echoes (Sicily highlands) were visible at 95 miles. More calibration flights were carried out the following day and provisional height charts were compiled.
On 15 June, AVM Sir Keith Park, Malta AOC, visited the Unit and expressed his satisfaction with the work accomplished so far.
June 20th brought the first successful mission of No. 844 as a GCI Unit. At 1830hrs an enemy raid approached the Island at about 25,000 ft. Fighters were scrambled and vectored by No. 844 towards the raid, which turned back to their base when it was 20 miles North of the Grand Harbour. The fighters reported ‘Tally Ho’ and continued to chase the raiders over Sicily. A combat ensued in which a ME109 was destroyed and one of the Spitfires was shot down.
On the 9th of July, 1943 the invasion of Sicily commenced and contrary to expectations the night was completely uneventful. The Operations Record Book of No. 844 gives detailed description of a number of successful interceptions by the local fighters during July. During the first week of August the situation was more calm as all Sicily territory was already occupied by the Allies.
On September 7th, at 2200hrs, F/Lt Bradwell of 108 Sqd with callsign Yama 15, was airborne to carry out practice interception with another fighter of the squadron, callsign Thermal 26, when a warning was received from Sector Control of a hostile aircraft approaching the Island from South East at 15,000ft. Thermal 26 was positioned by No. 844 to intercept the hostile. Thermal 26 obtained contact at 2,000ft 15 miles East of the Grand Harbour and it was identified as JU88 and was shot down in flames, falling into the sea with an explosion which was audible from the Unit. Visibility was so good that the burst of cannon fire from Thermal 26 was seen from the ground at No. 844. A message of congratulations was received from the AOC immediately after this interception.
A Type 11 Mobile GCI/CHL Unit had been placed on No. 844 site on 16 September, and work was in progress to make it operational with a view to using it as a possible alternative for GCI in the event of hostile jamming of No. 844 system, as the Type 11 works on a much higher frequency.
Unfortunately, the records found did not give more details about this Unit and thus the date when it was closed down cannot be verified.
DJR N.B. - One photograph showed the interior of a typical AMES unit. Unfortunately it is marked 'Alamy Stock Photo'. Alamy is very strict about copyright, and paying for it's use, so I have not been able to include it.
A.M.E.S. No. 844 was another Ground Control Interceptor (GCI) System which arrived in Malta some time in April 1943 after it was disbanded at Mombasa, East Africa and shipped to Malta on 28 February 1943. On arrival the shipment was held for few days at No. 841 A.M.E.S. at Wardija, Burmarrad to be inspected and tested.
On 1 May 1943 the system was sited at Tal-Mirakli, Lija. Initially the aerial trailer did not arrive with the consignment as it was short-shipped at Alexandria. It eventually arrived on site on 5th May, also in a much dilapidated state and as the aerial cables were not supplied they had to be constructed on site. The exact position was in an empty field 30 yards West of the windmill in the vicinity of Tal-Mirakli Chapel. Originally the Unit was to be located at Marsa Racecourse, but after the site was surveyed by F/Lt Tempero it was found that it was not suitable. He recommended the Tal-Mirakli site after he made a survey of the site on 2 March.
F/Lt Bautere who was the Commanding OIfficer for No. 841 took care of the No. 844 equipment and had a crew of six operators who came with the Unit from Mombasa. Three mechanics were drawn from No. 841 to erect the system on site. The apparatus was found to have been in a very bad condition owing to the fact that the vehicles were brought over as deck cargo. There was much work to be done to renew all external electrical connections, while the vehicles themselves were in urgent need of repair.
Personnel had to be accommodated under canvas and while meals were served at Torri Cumbo about a mile away, where crew from Ta’ Qali Eastern Dispersal Unit were messed.
F/Lt Munday, a Fighter Controller from No. 841 was appointed as C.O and Senior Fighter Controller. F/Lt Hedgecock from AHQ was allotted the responsibilities of the technical aspects of the Unit. It was decided that the Unit would operate simultaneously with No. 841 and not as its Standby.
The Unit became operational on 18 May 1943, but was awaiting Flight Calibration. A practice interception was carried out by No. 841 and watched by No. 844 and the results were promising as the aircraft was clearly visible by No. 844 while No. 841 was experiencing difficulties to maintain constant surveillance of the aircraft.
After a raid on Ta’ QaIi on 21 May an immediate Calibration Flight was requested. Two flights were carried out on the same day and considerable data was obtained. Permanent Echoes (Sicily highlands) were visible at 95 miles. More calibration flights were carried out the following day and provisional height charts were compiled.
On 15 June, AVM Sir Keith Park, Malta AOC, visited the Unit and expressed his satisfaction with the work accomplished so far.
June 20th brought the first successful mission of No. 844 as a GCI Unit. At 1830hrs an enemy raid approached the Island at about 25,000 ft. Fighters were scrambled and vectored by No. 844 towards the raid, which turned back to their base when it was 20 miles North of the Grand Harbour. The fighters reported ‘Tally Ho’ and continued to chase the raiders over Sicily. A combat ensued in which a ME109 was destroyed and one of the Spitfires was shot down.
On the 9th of July, 1943 the invasion of Sicily commenced and contrary to expectations the night was completely uneventful. The Operations Record Book of No. 844 gives detailed description of a number of successful interceptions by the local fighters during July. During the first week of August the situation was more calm as all Sicily territory was already occupied by the Allies.
On September 7th, at 2200hrs, F/Lt Bradwell of 108 Sqd with callsign Yama 15, was airborne to carry out practice interception with another fighter of the squadron, callsign Thermal 26, when a warning was received from Sector Control of a hostile aircraft approaching the Island from South East at 15,000ft. Thermal 26 was positioned by No. 844 to intercept the hostile. Thermal 26 obtained contact at 2,000ft 15 miles East of the Grand Harbour and it was identified as JU88 and was shot down in flames, falling into the sea with an explosion which was audible from the Unit. Visibility was so good that the burst of cannon fire from Thermal 26 was seen from the ground at No. 844. A message of congratulations was received from the AOC immediately after this interception.
A Type 11 Mobile GCI/CHL Unit had been placed on No. 844 site on 16 September, and work was in progress to make it operational with a view to using it as a possible alternative for GCI in the event of hostile jamming of No. 844 system, as the Type 11 works on a much higher frequency.
Unfortunately, the records found did not give more details about this Unit and thus the date when it was closed down cannot be verified.
DJR N.B. - One photograph showed the interior of a typical AMES unit. Unfortunately it is marked 'Alamy Stock Photo'. Alamy is very strict about copyright, and paying for it's use, so I have not been able to include it.