September 19
Western Mediterranean
RMI submarine operations in the eastern basin are having a significant impact. The French Admiralty orders convoys to stay as close to the coast as possible to minimse submarine risk.
Benghazi
A convoy consisting of the liners Esperia and Marco Polo, Oceania and Neptunia arrives in port after an uneventful voyage. They have been escorted the last 150 miles by Brivonsi’s four destroyers and the armoured cruiser San Giorgio. They bring with them troops, tanks, parts, ammunition and drummed fuel. 15 Wellingtons bombed the port. Esperia was hit by a bomb, causing upperdeck damage. A lighter and some warehouses were also lost. The beached Bartolomeo Colleoni put up heavy AA fire, shooting one Wellington down.
Cyprus
The remaining ships from the semi-successful invasion of the Dodecanese arrive at Cypriot ports. Cunningham’s fleet arrives back in Alexandria. Although the Italians do not know it, they lack ammunition for offensive operations. The MN is even worse off.
September 20
England
More than 150 Polish fighter pilots are serving in the RAF. Some are already fighting in the English squadrons. The decision is formally announced that the Polish Air Force is to be revived, under its own national colours, by formation of a full wing within Fighter Command composed of three Polish Squadrons.
This news is encouraging for the hundreds of Czech pilots already participating in the ranks of the RAF.
As for the Belgians, 400 of their airmen are in England, training. Some are already involved in combat. They will eventually form six Belgian squadrons constituting, like the Poles, an autonomous expeditionary force of their national air force. In Belgium’s case, this will be a fighter and bomber wing, each with three Squadrons. Like the Poles, they will wear national markings.
Benghazi
18 RAF Wellingtons bombed Benghazi, damaging warehouses and two freighters.
Paris
Culture is not immune to political upheavals. The writer Robert Brasillach creates the Council of French Artists and Intellectuals for the New Order.
Belgian Congo
Force Public Belgian must be deployed in southern Sudan in the area of Malakal on the White Nile, which opens a huge hole in Allied lines. With it is about two weeks since the Belgian reporter Jo Gerard.
... ... ...
Between Leopoldville and Stanleyville, September 20
"Arrived in Matadi September 15th, I went immediately to Leopoldville to submit my certification to the Chief of Staff of the Public Force, Col. Janssens. They murmured in Leopoldville animated feelings Germanophiles he wanted to convince the authorities to proclaim the neutrality of the Congo beginning in June It was not really excited to see me, but like everything was in order ... And here I am wrapped in a Junkers 52 of Sabena, ready to join the staff of Troops Northeast in Stanleyville. I gotta Gilliaert find the Colonel, who is preparing to march with his troops to Sudan. I'll be there just in time for the great start! " (in Jo Gerard War reporter, Op. cit.)
September 21
London
The Manchester Guardian which in 1938 was the most major British newspapers, published an interview with Churchill carried the day by his boss, William Crozier. If the Prime Minister does not fail to welcome the successes in the Mediterranean and celebrate the cohesion of the people of Albion and his empire behind the king, he advanced a proposal that would immediately raise questions and stir. He suggested that France and the United Kingdom to demonstrate the strength of their alliance, should not exchange ambassadors but high commissioners: "The example of our Commonwealth shows that the people of the same family do not need to talk with ambassadors interposed. They use high commissioners - that is to messengers rather than diplomats. ", Churchill added: "The ambassadors only when there are foreign to one another. "[1]
Approached with discretion by the 10 Downing Street, the central newsroom of Reuters, BBC and the London office of Havas Free disseminates widely in the interview. AP and UPI are following suit.
East Africa (Sudan)
The Italian offensive to Port Sudan and Khartoum begins to falter. Allied resistance has been essentially broken, but the logistical situation of the Italians in Sudan has deteriorated badly. Men lack ammunition, airplanes, tired from three weeks of intense fighting, lack of spare parts and fuel. But resupply is difficult because of climate and poor roads. The flow of supplies in each night from Libya is tiny, and only goes to Addis Ababa.
While the RAI has established an air bridge between the Sudan and Addis Ababa with about 50 aircraft, again the tonnage that can be moved is small. Even retaining (with Rome’s permission) three of the big SM.84 does not help much.
September 22
London
The German raids on England continue. Following (it seems) an error of navigation, London is bombed and nine killed. In retaliation, Bomber Command is ordered to bomb Berlin that night.
Bardia
The gunboat HMS Ladybird bombards the fort during the night. The defences are unable to reply as she is under their guns.
September 23
Benghazi
26 Blenheims raid the port, hitting barracks and wharves. Several large fires are started and a motor transport pool is hit.
Berlin
A furious Hitler stigmatized the British bombing and ordered the Luftwaffe not to spare the residential areas of the English capital. This shift is already planned once the Battle of the Core (the RAF bases in the arc to the east and south of London) are neutralized.
Western Mediterranean
The submarine MN Calypso (L.V. J.-M. Petit), the 13th DSM, won what is today the most successful of French submarines. It torpedo and sank in the south-east of the island of Ischia, the steam Maria Eugenia (4 702 GRT) which was in convoy from Naples to Palermo. The Italians, worried about Sicily, have decided to risk the sea to be strengthened.
East Africa (Sudan front)
The Italians managed a new air refueling operation their troops engaged in Sudan, this time with eight SM.73.
September 24
Libya
Destroyers Hyperion, Juno, Hereward and Mohawk attack a concentration of motor transport between Bardia and Tobruk. The bombardment is successful, but the force is intercepted by Admiral Brivonesi’s 1st Destroyer Squadron (Turbine which flies Brivonesi’s own flag, Nembo, Euro, and a temporary reinforcement, Borea). Brivonesi attacks the British destroyers and drives them off. The British disengage behind smoke, having been surprised and knowing that even slight damage will leave them at the mercy of the RAI at dawn.
Algiers
Les leading personalities of the French government informed in detail of the state of the busy metropolis, decide a future clarification of the unique constitutional position which succeeded the Grand Moving.
Belgian Congo
Faradje (Belgian Congo), September 24
"That's it, we're en route to Sudan! I visited the day before yesterday the "elephant camp" as we call recruits in Stanleyville. I could admire the ingenuity with which all our Belgian troops are preparing for the expedition, by offsetting their ingenuity to all sorts of logistical deficiencies. I realized then Watsa the "camp of the pangolin, which I was shocked by the precarious health conditions of these facilities located in the marshes. Hopefully that will soon command the action. Nevertheless, morale is excellent. Our colonial eager to do battle with the Italians and thus demonstrate to our allies that the Belgians can do better than the extras.
Before our departure, we conducted large debate to choose our motto, that of the first major Belgian unit to accept the challenge since the Nazi invasion. Finally, after a flurry of proposals over flag-waving to each other, the captain suggests Herbiet "As it should be". And this simple statement that flies in the heart of soldiers and officers. The Belgian is not a war of conquest by taste, by plume or revenge. It solves it only when cornered, he must defend his home, property and honor. But then he performs his duty to the end, with the sole desire to return to its peaceful business. (...)
After 30 minutes, we pass the border of Sudan, marked by a large panel "KEEP LEFT" on the road." (Jo Gerard, op. Cit.)
September 25
Libyan Coast
Admiral Brivonesi’s 1st Destroyer Squadron (Turbine which flies Brivonesi’s own flag, Nembo, Euro, and a temporary reinforcement, Borea) attack Mersa Matruh. After a 20 minute bombardment which starts fires ashore among dumps and a motor pool, Nembo, on patrol, sights several vessels. This is the trawler HMS Stella Sirius (550grt, Lt Cdr A N. Benson RNVR detached from of 7th Anti Submarine Group) and gunboat Ladybird, escorting six schooners loaded with drummed petrol. Nembo reports the little convoy and attacks, exchanging fire with the trawler and with Ladybird. HMS Stella Sirius is quickly overwhelmed by Nembo (Temporary S/Lt K. F. W. Wilcox RNVR, and eleven ratings being killed) and she sinks. Although undamaged, ladybird was forced to disengage when Brivonesi’s other three destroyers arrived. The six schooners were sunk.
Paris
A new decree-law prepared this time under the leadership of Pierre Laval himself, for the establishment of advocacy groups Provisional Government, which will be directed by Eugene and Joseph Darnand Deloncle, assisted by Filliol, they know long date. The must PGDG "Collaborating with the police in gathering information on subversive movements and factions and organizing security officials GPEF. "
Soon Darnand Deloncle and manage to escape the PGDG the authority of the Ministry of Interior. With the support of Laval, who hopes to use as his personal guard, they will be administratively attached to the Department of Defense (ie Laval), a bit like the Force.
Eastern Africa
Juba (Sudan), September 25
"We arrived at 3 am in Juba in our rugged trucks General Motors, where on earth were delivered the last battles of the Public Force against the Arab slavers in the last century. After the coolness of the night, the intense heat and wind lashing us stunned, his face burning and drying the lips and throat. The temperature rises to 45 degrees in the shade. Juba is fortunately a fairly modern city and the troops there are all amenities for refreshment. Three cases of smallpox have been reported, everyone is vaccinated again as a precaution. We find the vanguard of the XIth battalion arrived five weeks ago, and I met a nice Flemish lieutenant named Carlo Blomme, deputy commander of the 3rd company. He taught me some basics nicely military vocabulary and begins to fill gaps in my knowledge of the decidedly strange habits of our subjects Congolese. The governor of the city gave a reception this evening in our honor and in honor of our airmen of the Air Force, which began to unfold on the airfield a few days ago. " (Jo Gerard, op.cit.)
Front of South Sudan
New supplies of Italian troops from the air, this time with twelve Ca.133. The operation was uneventful.
Pacific Ocean off Mexico
The auxiliary cruiser Canadian Prince Robert intercepts and captured German freighter Weser. The support ship had to refuel privateers Komet and Orion an atoll in the Marshall Islands. This event will disrupt the German plans.
September 26th
Algiers
The interview of Churchill's 21 is raised during the Council of Ministers. Immediately, the government is divided into two camps of equal importance. Some behind Mandel, Zay and Margerie align themselves fully to the proposal, which they distinguish a powerful symbol of union - best lie of the tradition of "splendid isolation" British. The other, Daladier and Dautry in mind, consider instead that France, if she consented to the exchange of high commissioners, would in fact be reduced to the status of dominion and, as such, subject to the supervision of London. As usual, Albert Lebrun merely mediate the discussions.
To the surprise of many, Reynaud, De Gaulle did not comment much. Without doubt they have not forgotten how Paris has been suffered in the wake of London throughout the 30s, with dramatic disadvantages that have resulted, and they weigh the risk of loss of independence ... But perhaps they also imagine the benefits of a closer union with Britain.
London
A memorandum to the Cabinet of Sir Alexander Cadogan KCMG, Permanent under-secretary Foreign Office[5], Critical words muffled the idea of Prime Minister. He argues that both countries have exchanged high commissioners may have small disagreements -- "Like in a family feuds"[6] - But have renounced ipso factoTo serious objections. "But only the Almighty, Sir Alexander adds a touch of humor, could not forget to list of objections, despite the war between us and I am sure we still separated from the France In saecula saeculorum. I therefore advise against anything that could one day alienate our freedom of action and, in particular the appointment of high commissioners. "
Anthony Eden forwarded the memo, according to good rules, the Prime Minister and all his colleagues in the War Cabinet. However, he noted in the margin, and even said: "I am in absolute disagreement with Sir Alexander".
Paris
Pierre Laval was asked to meet General Otto von Stülpnagel, commander of German forces in France. As Minister of Defense GPEF, he offers support of French authorities for the maintenance of airfields from which planes of the Luftwaffe who will bombard England. Without departing from his serious Stülpnagel agrees to forward the proposal to the General Staff of the Luftwaffe. This much less keep his cool: "Ridiculous" and "Dangerous" are the words most kind used by German airmen to qualify the proposal for Laval.
However, political heads prevail. With Laval’s regime operating administration and police functions throughout France, it is noted that the population is generally quiescent and also that German forces already fall in very small part under French jurisdiction, at least in serious criminal matters. On top of this, the GPEF already has about 250,000 troops in its Army, and more pouring in. Even if only lightly armed, these troops are a useful adjunct to coastal defences and such. As a result, the decision is taken to accept Laval’s offer
Eastern Africa
The Germans deign to notice the existence of the Belgian forces in Africa. A commentator of the Stuttgart Radio informs his audience that "Good source, we learned that a detachment of Belgian colonial troops just across the border of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. It is poorly equipped and lack of ammunition. "
September 27
Great Britain
During Ju-87 attacks in the Channel, the destroyer HMS Codrington is destroyed in the port of Dover, while at sea, the Wren is sunk and the Walpole and Montrose damaged while trying to protect convoys.
Light cruiser Kenya is completed and is sent to Scapa Flow (arriving on the 29th) for working up and assignment with the 10th Cruiser Squadron. Anti-aircraft cruiser Phoebe is also completed, she is scheduled to depart the Clyde on 2 October to work up at Scapa Flow arriving there on 4 October to work up and be assigned to the 15th Cruiser Squadron.
Berlin
Representatives of three countries sign the Tripartite Pact, which formally establishes the alliance between Germany, Italy and Japan as the Axis opposed the British, French and their allies (Belgians, Dutchmen, Norwegians and Poles) even if Japan is not at war with them. The Covenant appears first as a warning to neutrals including the United States. It reinforces the Rome-Berlin Axis declared between Germany and Italy in 1936 and the Anti-Comintern Pact signed that year between Germany and Japan.
However, German and Italian diplomats had to work to convince the Japanese to sign. The maintenance of France in the war in effect gave additional arguments to those who, in Tokyo, were opposed to so closely tie Japan to Germany and Italy.
Count Ciano, the Italian foreign minister, took the opportunity to go and ask Hitler to lend a hand to Italy, citing the threat to Libya and Rhodes. This meets some success, mostly due to the extreme interest the Japanese have taken with Italian use of submarines and MAS to derange the Dodecanese invasion and save Rhodes – at least in the interim. In turn, this has sparked Hitler’s interest, as he has been following reports of the Balbo Mission.
Hitler agrees to consider the question personally and to Mussolini meet at Brenner Pass – on 4 October.
Upon learning of this Mussolini is delighted. He has been worried that the need to cancel movement of an air expeditionary force to Belgium might have been taken badly. He now begins his systematic relaase of information regarding development of relations between Rome and Tokyo.
Paris
The head of the "New French government, Pierre Laval, was met confidentially Colonel François de la Rocque, President of the French Social Party, and five prominent members of the PSF: Christmas Ottavi (Vice President), Charles Vallin, Georges Riche Peter and Paul Lepine Creyssel and Jacques Ybarnegaray, Minister of Veterans Affairs Government Laval. For half an hour, the head of NEF extols the benefits of collaboration and perspective "Historical" who offered to French politicians "Responsible and realistic": Building a New France! In this light, it offers additional arguments to convince De la Rocque and his companions get closer to him and to formally approve the line by integrating the PSF to the future French Revival Party. Ybarnegaray contends, but with some reserve. Finally, Laval exclaims, with a tremolo: "But sir, you you realize that by remaining silent, you store it, at least tacitly, alongside those who rejected the Marshal Petain, even those (he lowers his voice and sinister:) who killed him! "
This argument, which was expected (the Marshal died just three weeks earlier), however, seems to touch the colonel, who remains silent, thoughtful ... Laval is launching a glance at Creyssel, which takes up the cudgels for him recalling that in July, the head of the PSF has already refused to go to Algiers. In turn, Ybarnegaray appears suddenly virulent cons "Those of Algiers" (who thanked him in June after the failed takeover by Petain). Three others remain silent, but for Charles Vallin, this is too much. He can not stand how Laval and his cronies themselves as heirs to the Marshal, so silent since the beginning of the interview, he responds: "Colonel, you remember what you said at the Congress of Marseilles, three years ago? The takeover should go through the election! Admittedly, the situation is precarious and what was done to the Marshal Petain is outrageous, but you're surely not deny you! "
Furious, Laval response: "What would you deny it, Colonel, this would cause the dissolution of your party and ban your newspaper! What would the members of the PSF, that readers would think of Petit Journal and his team! What would think all the heroes who have found hope with the movement of Cross Fire! You owe it to them! "
De la Rocque mark the spot. This call to his responsibilities as head of the party affected. Vallin Then, in a voice barely audible, because he knows that the subject is terribly painful, "Jacques would think ... ... What would have thought John ... "
The Colonel looks at him through clenched teeth, flashed across his eyes. Jean-Francois de la Rocque died in aerial combat May 13 at age 23. And Jacques-Francois de la Rocque, 21, also a pilot, continues to fight over there, with "Those of Algiers"!
Their father then rises to meet in Laval: "It is true that I did not want to exile. I said and I maintain that France does not carry on the soles of his shoes. But the status and future composition of the Party of Renewal French are far too blurry and I see myself obliged to decline the participation of the movement that I represent this organization. "
- In this case, our conversation has no reason to continue Laval grumbled.
- Thank you all the same esteem that you have for me, as evidenced by this long conversation at a time very late. I wish you all the success your business deserves the service of France. Good evening, Mr. Senator ....
On this Parthian shot, De la Rocque fate, followed by Lepine and Rich, visibly uneasy, and Vallin and Ottavi, who can not help but smile with big teeth.
The next day, Doriot and Darnand, alerted by Laval, greedily undertake to develop a list of political cleansing that will include its first release nearly 900 names of officials and supporters of the Social and former French-Cross of Feu.
Eastern Africa
Kodok, September 27
"We turn off Fashoda. My mind plays a historian to be scared by imagining what would have happened if French and British had failed to resolve their disputes Colonial. " (Jo Gerard, op.cit.)
... ... ...
Front of South Sudan
Alerted by observers of the RAI running an airlift to resupply the Italian forces engaged in Sudan, the Allies set up an ambush with 4 Potez 631 Potez 63.11 rigged as fighters. Operating, for once in their intended role of long range fighter, they position themselves on the route RAI transports must take. What they do not account for is that the RAI knows that the Potez is in the area, that they know it is a long range fighter, and that the Italians are not stupid. For days, the most vulnerable leg has been escorted with MC.200 operating from a forward base. The result is a massacre. The Potez find a formation of twelve Ca.133. As they move to attack it, they are bounced by five MC.200. caught completely by surprise, all four are shot down for the loss of one MC.200.
September 28
German destroyers Lody, Galster, Ihn, and Steinbrinck departed Brest escorted by destroyers Eckholdt and Riedel to lay mines in Falmouth Bay. These destroyers, which had been transferred to Brest earlier in September, laid the minefield without interference and returned to Brest on the 29th. Five ships for 2,026grt were lost on this minefield.
Armed yacht Sappho (387grt, Cdr W. Ireland RNR) and minesweeping trawler COMET (301grt, Second Hand R. G. Smith RNR) were lost on this minefield on the 30th off Falmouth, 50-04-30N, 04-57-30W. Temporary Lt R. W. Bristow RNVR, Temporary Lt M. G. Cockshott RNVR, Temporary Lt W. A Pain RNVR, Temporary Lt (E) W. A Gow RNR, and twenty four ratings were lost on the yacht. Fifteen ratings were lost in the COMET. There were two survivors.
Dutch tug Lauwerzee (262grt) was towing British cable ship Lady Of The Isles (166grt) when both ships were lost on this minefield three miles east of St Anthony Point in 50-10N, 4-24W on 3 October. Twelve crew were lost on the tug and sixteen crew were lost on the cable ship. British steamer Jersey Queen (910grt) was lost on 6 October, one and a half miles 160° from St Anthony Point. Two crew were lost on the British steamer.
London
Studios of the BBC in London, is distributed the first issue of Radio-Canada, submitted by Victor French and Flemish Laveleye by Fernand Geersens. Victor Laveleye personality is a well known liberal, former party chairman, who was justice minister in 1937. Geersens Fernand, who worked at the National Institute of Broadcasting, took the pseudonym "Jan Moedwill" (rough translation: John the Malicious). After the first, the two partners agree to switch their broadcasts in French on even days and odd days Flemish. The Belgians take early habit of following these emissions Laveleye that invariably ends with a ringing "They will have, the Germans! "What Geersens very freely translated by the rhyme "Wij doen ons best, zonder er op te boffen / Toch krijgen we ze wel, de Moffen! " (We do our best not to boast / But they will, the Germans!).
September 29
Mediterranean
The accumulation of successes against the Italians gave the Allies (including the French) a feeling of superiority over these opponents very similar to that of Germans felt they had over the French. If they acknowledged their defensive capabilities, they did not fear Italian offensive operations. Vice-Admiral Aimone di Savoia-Aosta, who commanded the Regia Marina in the Tyrrhenian Sea, had submitted an idea to take advantage of the Franco-British perception that the Italians were stupid and cowardly.
The interpersonal skills of a cousin of King Victor Emmanuel III allows him to obtain Supermarina authorisation and, following that the agreement of the Regio Esercito and Regia Aeronautica. Ultimately, the Regia Marina in the company calls a naval force composed of two forces, the fast sloop Diana with 200 marines 9and the Folgore class destroyers Baleno and Folgore, loaded with mines) and the second group with Saetta and Strale as minelayers, Maestrale class destroyers, Libeccio and Scirocco and two Spica class torpedo boats Vega and Sirio. The unsuccessful experimental MAS Stefano Türr and MAS-530 and 531 (14th Flotilla). The destroyers and torpedo boats boarded a total assault force of 428 men: 120 infantry and as many of the Blackshirts 5th Infantry Division Cosseria and 188 Marines of the regiment San Marco, provided by the battalion Grado. The men were not chosen at random: they belong to two units involved and experienced in the operations of the Alpes-Maritimes. They had combat experience and a few scores to settle with the French. On Sunday, September 29, the day of St. Michael was chosen as D-Day because the moon is at its 28th day and the night will be dark.
The target’s garrisons are small, 80 Legionnaires of II / 4e REI, the same unit that seized the undefended island. They now have two 75mm field guns and some mortars. On the larger island, there are 150 men of the same unit.
According to their plan, the Italian ships act as escorts for a coastal convoy,a nd as a defensive minelaying group. When off the south coast of Sicily, they race at high speed for their targets.
Diana at Linosa
This operation was almost ridiculously simple. A Decima MAS scouting group had been inserted several days earlier. They had identified that the small garrison was complacent, and keeping only a minimum watch. There was only one small watch post overlooking the landing site, and the Decima MAS men cut their wires and then their throats. Diana landed her men without incident and the French garrison was captured before the alarm could spread They were quickly rousted out of their billets and loaded aboard Diana, which was landing supplies ammunition and equipment. As soon as she signaled success, Airones began to take off to deliver more men and supplies before dawn.
Lampedusa
Lampedusa was a very different story. The Italians arrived at 0200 and the minelayers went to work. The Stefano Türr and the two MAS, sailed openly into the port, heading for the wharf, which they reached without a shot being fired. The storming parties got ashore without a problem, although four legionaries at the port caught on and opened fire. They were killed immediately but the defences started to wake up. Stefano Turr had additional light armament for just this occasion, and while the MAS escaped, she engaged the defences to cover them. The French had occupied the coast defences on the harbour’s southern promontory, and these disabled the large MAS before the assault teams arrived and silenced them. While Stefano Turr sank, the torpedo boats started to enter the port and come alongside, rapidly landing their troops. The larger destroyers landed theirs from just offshore their draft requiring them to stay out of port.
At 0239, the two destroyers sighted the small French auxiliary Elise Joseph, a trawler. She was fired on, a number of hits wrecking her upperworks. Stationary, she was captured by Libeccio, her 14 man crew mostly dead or injured.
At 0242, the Vega enters the port, turns her searchlight on and spotted two small French vessels. These were quickly knocked out. At 0247, the first rifle Blackshirts and began to disembark and go without delay to the attack. By this stage the legion troops were fightly hard, but their resistance was disjointed. The superior Italian numbers quickly told in the streets of Lampedusa township itself.
Indeed the ground fighting (or rather the succession of skirmishes), occurred under the illumination of the Italian ships, and turned to the advantage of attacking troops, who were experienced and supported by the artillery of the warships. The clash was the deadliest place around the barracks: Four Blackshirts and eight French legionnaires died. The defenders were not able to retreat as Italians had blocked the roads behind them. The Italian soldiers recovered some materials, including two 102 mm guns stored on the quay.
0400 AM Everything is complete and again the first Airone are heading in carrying reinforcements and equipment. The wounded and French prisoners are aboard the ships, which head north.
Effective jamming and the rapid success of the coup de main meant that the Allies did not know about the fall of Lampedusa or Linosa for a day. This enabled the Italians to reinforce and resupply their forces there with both aircraft and a destroyer run to each island..
In total, the Italians have lost an experimental MAS, Stefano Türr. Their casualties amounted to 14 killed and 21 wounded in fighting on land (Regio Esercito and marines), plus six dead and one wounded on the boats of the Regia Marina. The French losses were much heavier. The Navy lost four small auxiliaries (trawlers) of which three were recovered by the Italians, 22 killed, 7 wounded and 14 prisoners. As for the infantrymen, 19 were killed, 24 wounded and the rest captured.
The Beffa (the trick) at Lampedusa and Linosa is widely celebrated by Italian propaganda. In truth, the Italians have quite cleverly turned the prejudices of the Allies against them. It will not be the last time.
Algiers
The Admiralty decided a new modification of the order of battle of the submarine set July 2. Indeed, because of losses, the British requested sending submarines to operate on the coasts of Norway and Denmark. The 6e DSM (Ajax, Archimedes, Perseus, Poncelet) Win the first waters of the North Sea, but other units may join, released by the favorable turn of events in the Mediterranean.
The support of the 6e DSM will be delivered by tanker auxiliary Ipanema. As the tanker specialist Jules Verne was sent to Dakar to support the 1era and 4e DSM, the Admiralty must see that it could face immediately to a distant third deployment to alleviate the unavailability of one or other of these two vessels. Decision is taken to provide the submarine with a third tanker in transforming it to a civilian building requisitioned. The choice ends on the freighter Cap des Palmes (3 082 GRT), the Company Fraissinet. Indeed, this banana has from the outset to hold refrigerator capable of storing food and means of handling torque (horns and derricks). There remains, so to speak, to adopt the eigenspaces of ammunition stores (torpedoes, shells, mines) and specialized workshops light (charging batteries, mechanical, electrical, torpedoes, etc.. ), not to mention the arrangements for the refueling and can accommodate 50 crew bunks. It should also be armed for defense[15]. In short, the Cape Palmas should be available for his new job in early April 1941.
September 30
Channel
In the night, the monitor HMS Erebus fired 17 shells into the port of Calais, where aerial reconnaissance reported a large number of small buildings that could serve as an amphibious operation on the English coast. This action - like that conducted September 14 by four destroyers in Cherbourg - complete air raids carried out by including Blenheim against the French and Belgian ports.
Eastern Africa
Front of South Sudan
After the bloody failure of the Allied effort to interdict the air supply route, the Italians steady their front. The Duke of Aosta, who fought Rome hard for the MC.200, is fully vindicated. The arrival of the Saettas has changed the nature of the conflict as the Allies have nothing to match them in quality or numbers.
Eastern Basin
The Mediterranean Fleet departed Alexandria on Malta convoy escort operation MB.5. Battleship Valiant, aircraft carrier Illustrious, cruisers York, Orion and Sydney departed Alexandria.
The ships joined destroyers Hyperion, Hereward, Hero, Ilex, Imperial, Jervis, Juno, Janus, Nubian, Mohawk, and Stuart which departed Alexandria late on the 28th to sweep for submarines.
Light cruisers Liverpool and Gloucester departed Alexandria on the 29th carrying 1200 troops for Malta. The cruisers joined the Main Force before daylight.
An Italian submarine reported the Mediterranean Fleet north of Sidi Barrani escorting the Malta convoy.
A Fulmar from the carrier was forced landed on the 29th and its crew was picked up by destroyer Stuart. That evening battleship Valiant was straddled by bombing and three crew were wounded. Two Fulmar aircraft failed to return to the aircraft carrier that evening, but Stuart rescued S/Lt I. L. F. Lowe and his naval airman from a Fulmar of 806 Squadron which had been shot down in the area.
Light cruisers Gloucester and Liverpool were detached to Malta at 1450/30th. Heavy cruiser York and destroyer Mohawk were stationed twenty miles 350° and forty miles 340° from the Main Fleet. Destroyer Voyager departed Malta at 0001 on 1 October and light cruisers Gloucester and Liverpool at 0230 to rejoin the Main Fleet.
Destroyer Voyager joined the Main Fleet at 1245. Anti-aircraft ship Calcutta formerly supporting convoy AN.4, joined at 1545. The destroyers of AN.4, Havock and Hasty, were returning independently to Alexandria. light cruisers Liverpool and Gloucester rejoined at 1745.
In response to the Mediterranean Fleet being at sea, Italian battleships Littorio, Veneto, Cesare, , heavy cruisers Pola, Zara, Gorizia, Trieste, Trento, and Bolzano, light cruisers Abruzzi, Garibaldi, Eugenio, and Aosta, and twenty three destroyers put to sea from Taranto and Messina.
On 1 October, Italian reconnaissance sighted the Mediterranean Fleet returning to Alexandria and returned to port.
