Northern Front

In anticipation of the forthcoming battle of Agordat (Eritrea), No.237 (Rhodesia) Squadron dispatches a Hawker Hardy (K5917) (Flying Officer Robinson; Sergeant Thomas) to patrol the sector from 09:00. Two Gloster Gladiators (Lieutenant Johan J. Coetzee; Lieutenant P. H. Smith) of No.1 (SAAF) Squadron provide the escort. Over the target, two Fiat CR.42s are reported and, while the Hawker Hardy dives away, a combat develops between the fighters. One Fiat CR.42 is claimed destroyed; the Italians, for their part, report one opponent shot down (and two others damaged). In the event, no confirmed losses are recorded by either side.[1]

Southern Front

As since the start of the month, the three Avro Ansons of No.60 (SAAF) Squadron operate intensively on photographic reconnaissance. In this context, Avro Anson no. 1127 (ex-N9976) takes off for the Liboi (Kenya)—Afmadow (Italian Somaliland) sector at 08:10. The South African crew encounters an Italian formation of three Caproni Ca.133s of 8 Squadriglia, escorted by several fighters.

According to the interrogation of an Italian airman dated 9 February 1941, while the Italian bombers are flying about 0.2 miles east of Afmadow (Italian Somaliland), an Avro Anson dives through the formation and opens fire. The Italian gunners return fire and mortally wound Lieutenant Edward A. Gebhardt, at the controls of the South African aircraft. Despite the attempt by the second pilot, Lieutenant Patrick J. J. Monahan, to take over, the Avro Anson crashes, killing the other crew members (Air Sergeant John N. van Huyssteen and Air Corporal Richard D. Hothersall).[2]

According to Sottotenente Mainetto (8 Squadriglia):

‘At the end of an offensive reconnaissance we arrive over Afmadow (Italian Somaliland) at 11:05 and descend to about 1,600 ft to drop a message. My aircraft is attacked from above by an enemy aircraft of the Fairey Battle type. As it circles, the enemy machine is hit by fire from Maccioni, my dorsal gunner. The enemy aircraft crashes in flames on the ground, about 5 miles west of Afmadow (Italian Somaliland).’[3]

 

Another Italian report, however, attributes the loss of the Avro Anson to the escorting fighters.[4] In any case, the wreck and the airmen’s temporary graves are found by the South Africans on 20 February 1941.

It is also noted that a bombing by three Caproni Ca.133s is reported on Dif (Kenya): about sixteen bombs are dropped, with no significant damage.[5]