In the afternoon of September 2, the Italian Stukas – nicknamed Picchiatello in Italian service- went through their baptism of fire in the Mediterranean when they attacked a naval formation just outside Maltese waters (OPERATION HATS).
Airmen’s mess songs are famous in the Royal Air Force, more so in wartime where the mess was the only place where the young crews could release the pressure of operations with beer, song and frolic
N° 1435 Flight was born in Malta from a night fighter unit during 1942 to assist in the air defence of the island. Half a century later is now in charge of another island, far, far down in the Atlantic, and in a less genial weather, but the role is still the same.
From a rebel to a legend, “Screwball” unmatched bravery and skill made him the top-scoring fighter pilot on the island during WWII. Despite his unconventional approach, he became a symbol of valor and resilience.
One of the major operations for the squadron and one of the most important targets in the Mediterranean theatre was when they were detailed to attack the headquarters of Field Marshal Albert von Kesselring, the Supreme Commander in Italy.
The legacy of the He.115, its clandestine operations, and the challenges faced by its crews, remain a historical narrative intertwined with the complexities of World War II.
“West coast of Italy straggling off to the left and Corsica and Sardinia laid out clear like a map. Great panorama, unforgettable. We pushed over at the Western tip of Sicily to arrive over the runway at Hal Far at under 300 ft and going like the clappers. Straight wing clappers, that is.”
The Maghtab sound locator emerged unscathed from the World War II and remains structurally intact, nearly as pristine as its initial construction. Situated in Malta, this installation stands as the sole surviving complete locator of its kind, serving as a significant and well-preserved historic air defense artifact.