27 Septembre 1940
Northern Front
Although a first Squadron of No.45 (RAF) detachment has already arrived from Egypt at the end of July to support Vickers Wellesley, its participation in air operations is very reduced. However, the decision to deploy the entire squadron to Sudan is take on early September and effectiv on 25 September. The first mission was launched on 27 September when two or three Bristol Blenheims were sent to Gura and Assab airfields.[1]
At the same time, Regia Aeronautica makes several transfers during this day. Thus, three Fiat CR42 of 413a Squadriglia CT are sent to Bahar Dar, while two Fiat CR.32 of 411a Squadriglia CT leave for Shashamane and two others of 410a Squadriglia CT for Dire Dawa. They are joined by a Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 of the 62a Squadriglia BT (29bis Gruppo BT).[2]
Southern Front
An attack is reported on Buna, by three Caproni Ca.133 of 31bis Gruppo BT around 05h45. Two Hawker Fury of No.2 (SAAF) Squadron take off from Garissa to intercept them, but without success. If the Italians have time to drop their bombs, they do not cause any damage.[3]
[1] No.45 (RAF) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541). Kew : TNA, AIR 27 / 455 ; SHORES C., RICCI C. « East Africa ». In : Dust Clouds in the Middle East – The Air War for East Africa, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madagascar, 1940 – 1942. London : Grub Street, 2010. p.63 ; SUTHERLAND J., CANWELL D. Air War East Africa 1940 – 1941. The RAF versus the Italian Air Force. Barnsley : Pen & Sword, 2009. p.68.
[2] DUNNING C. Courage Alone, The Italian Air Force 1940 – 1943. Aldershot : Hikoki Publications, 1998. 320 p. ; SHORES C., RICCI C. « East Africa ». In : Dust Clouds in the Middle East – The Air War for East Africa, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madagascar, 1940 – 1942. London : Grub Street, 2010. p.63.
[3] September – Narrative Norther Operations SAAF. Kew : TNA, AIR/54/8 ; No.2 (SAAF) Squadron : War Diary. Kew : TNA, AIR/54/1.
