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Hal Far
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World War Two
When World War Two started the fighter defence of the islands was almost non-existent despite having two airfields, with Hal Far being the one allocated to the Fleet Air Arm. Initially Malta was defended by biplane Gloster Sea Gladiators.
767 squadron Swordfish operated from Hal Far against enemy ships and bases.
In August 1940 HMS Argus flew off 12 Hurricane fighters from a position near Sardinia, so that the island had some modern fighter cover at last. Modern and sufficient fighter aircraft were essential for the defence of convoys and the islands as the severity and quantity of the Axis air attacks increased.
Throughout early 1941 Fairey Fulmars operated from Hal Far, losing two to enemy action but succesfully shooting down a Ju 87 Stuka which crashed near the married quarters.
More Hurricanes arrived with Fulmars from HMS Formidable and were soon dogfighting with Me 109's and Macchi 200's. In October 1941 a squadron of Albacores arrived at Hal Far making 17 sorties with the Swordfish aircraft attacking Italian-held railway junctions, airfields, and harbours.
In February 1942 the Swordfish of 830 squadron of the Fleet Air Arm carried out 13 sorties, despite Hal Far being heavily cratered by bombs.
From July 1942 there was a build up of bomber squadrons which needed fighter escort. Marauders, Mitchells, and Flying Fortresses were escorted on missions to enemy held territory.
In March 1945 HMSs Venerable and Vengeance disembarked a large group of Fleet Air Arm squadrons. 1850 and 1851 with Corsairs, and 736B with Seafires. 1831 squadron briefly operated from the airfield having disembarked from HMS Glory. Sea otters were needed for mine spotting sorties, 765 FAA squadron operated Wellingtons, fitted with bench seats for personnel going back to the UK.
Airbases on Malta
