Northern Front

The end of September is marked by the gradual arrival and deployment of Major-General Lewis Heath’s 5th Indian Division in Sudan. This event leads to transfers within the No.1 (SAAF) Squadron. Thus, a first detachment of two Gladiator Gladiators (including Lieutenant Robin Pare) is sent to Atbara (midway along the road from Port Sudan to Khartoum), while four other aircraft under the command of Captain Brian J.L. Boyle join Port Sudan to support K (RAF) Flight. The rest of the squadron remains deployed in Khartoum. The presence at Port Sudan is short-lived as Captain Brian J. L. Boyle is moved with six Gladiator Gladiators to the advanced ground of Azaza near the border. According to crews, the living conditions are difficult: food (water, fuel) is provided by a single Ford truck rented to a local. Ground personnel are kept to a minimum, pilots must hand-fill ammunition strips by hand, while the cook’s job is performed by a mechanic.[1]

Second Lieutenant Lieutenant Andrew Duncan, Captain Brian J.L. Boyle and Lieutenant Servaas de Kock Viljoen (L – R) in front of a Gloster Gladiator of No.1 (SAAF) Squadron at Azaza. Collection : Brendan Boyle via Tinus le Roux.

The ferry on the Nile connecting Atbara to Khartoum. Collection : Brendan Boyle via Tinus le Roux.

Atbara. Collection : Brendan Boyle via Tinus le Roux.

Captain Brian J.L. Boyle at Atbara. We note the parachute hanging on the left. Collection : Brendan Boyle via Tinus le Roux.

Captain Brian J.L. Boyle enjoying a break at Atbara. Collection : Brendan Boyle via Tinus le Roux.

Same for Lieutenant Robin Pare. Collection : Brendan Boyle via Tinus le Roux.

At the same time, Regia Aeronautica is carrying out a series of attacks against infrastructure in Sudan. Thus, two Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 are reported above Port Sudan at 12h45. The bombs do not cause significant damage, and two Gloster Gladiator of the K (RAF) Flight, including the K6135 (Pilot Officer Geoffrey B. Smither), take off to intercept them, without result. [2]

If the Italians try to intervene, with several raids by Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 during the day and Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 at night, these sporadic bombings, limited to two or three planes, have only a minor impact on the maritime convoys and the disembarkation of the troops. According to the Generale di Squadra Aerea Giuseppe Santoro :

« Powerful attacks would have seemed particularly opportune against Port Sudan… where enormous quantities of supplies had been observed at the docks and at the station… forceful attacks would have been able to inflict serious material damage and shake the morale of the tremendous influx of troop. But…»[3]

Despite the new Bristol Blenheims, the Vickers Wellesley continue to be used by No.14 (RAF) Squadron and three of them are sent to the airfield of Mai Edaga at night (between 23h30 and 01h10) where two Fiat CR.42 are claimed destroyed and three bombers damaged by the K7725 (Pilot Officer Thomas Rhodes).[4] They are joined by three other aircraft of No.223 (RAF) Squadron. In addition to the results mentioned, many damages are caused on the airfield where several fire starts are reported, particularly on the ammunition depot. The crew reports indicate a bombardment with “extraordinary success”.[5] Note that many Vickers Wellesley are employed during the day to patrol the harbor.

Illustration of a bombing by Vickers Wellesley of the No.223 (RAF) Squadron, in this case on the Eritrean airfield of Mai Edaga. For lack of a precise date, it could be the mission of 22 September 1940. Collection : Imperial War Museum.

Southern Front

Despite the attempt ofthe previous day, the No.11 (SAAF) Squadron is able to resume its attacks by sending three Fairey Battles to Shashamane airfield. If one of the planes is forced to return to base due to an engine problem, the other two can bomb the target where they drop their bombs on a concentration of Savoia-Marchetti SM.79. If the crews are unable to observe the results, photo reconnaissance confirms the destruction of two Italian bombers. On the return flight, the crews reported the discovery of advanced terrain at Dalle with at least two aircraft on the ground, as well as a hangar.[6]