Another Convoy - 7-8/09/1942 - Help Please

[FromSeatoSea]

Hi all,

After the recent success in identifying a convoy on my other thread, I thought I would try my luck again. If any kind member could help me I would be very grateful. Not only does it help me personally, it also helps fill in the gaps of my ancestors rather short life, him losing it at 22 years of age.

Attached below is the Operations Record Book for the attack - It states it took place North of Derna:-

Thanks in advance for any help offered!

 

[jwsleser]

This could have been a convoy that sailed on 6 Sep at 0230 from Brindisi/Taranto to Bengasi/Tobruk. It was two groups of ships that linked up and sailed together, then separated again. The Tobruk bound ships were:

Mn. German Ankara

Ct Fuciliere
Ct Bombardiere
Ct Lampo
Ct Geniere
Tp Partenope.

This group was repeatedly attack by bombers during the night, with the Fuciliere being damaged by near misses at ~0214. Fuciliere, with Bombardiere as an escort, separate and sail to Crete while the remaining ships arrive at Tobruk on 8 Sep. at 1400.

Pista! Jeff

 

[FromSeatoSea]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks so much for the information. I have a couple of questions if I may?

- What source are you using for your information?
- Does the source offer any more information regarding the cargo being carried?

Thanks!

 

[jwsleser]

The main source for any Italian convoy information are the Italian official histories. The Naval series is La Marina nella seconda guerra mondiale, 22 numbered volumes but volume XX doesn't exist. There are four volumes covering convoys, La difesa del traffico con l'Africa settentrionale (volumes VI, VII, VIII and includes Tunisia), and La difesa del traffico con l'Albania, la Grecia e l'Egeo (volume IX).

Pista! Jeff