יום ד' 21 ינואר, משימת ים התיכון, נפגשים ב-TS בשעה 21:15

Even though we dealt the enemy a severe blow last mission I wouldn't expect them to be short of aircraft just yet. I imagine that they will stick with their usual tactic of sending the fighters out first: to draw off our defences and find suitable targets for their bombers.
They will still be on the lookout for our ships, but again we don't have any on the map. They may well suspect this but even so will not want to take a chance. Both edges of the map will be be thoroughly recconnoitred by them.
It won't be long before they realise that the ships aren't there, thus their bombers will go for secondary targets - our airfields. I expect raids on both Malta and Libya.
Our restricted fighter numbers means that we can't put up a solid defence over either area for the whole two hours. I ask the fighter leaders to be as prudent as possible - avoid engaging enemy fighters and avoid taking off almost until the siren sounds. Our fighters are low-level specialists - keep out of the way of the 109s at altitude and deal with the bombers sneaking along the deck. Dive-bombers are an entirely different problem of course. Check the Axis planelist and plan accordingly.
Our bombers in this mission will be continuing on from last time, attempting to both recce the enemy's airfields and destroy anything and everything that they find.

Here we are:

IAF: Malta

3x Sea Hurricanes
2x A-20 Bostons
1 x PBY Catalina

102nd: El Adem

4x Tomahawk IIA
3x B-24 Liberators

242 Sqn: Sidi Rezegh

2x Beaufighters
3x Blenheim IV

IAF

The Bostons are to head west towards the narrows to search and destroy the suspected DDs that you reported last mission. If not found, or after they have been attacked, recce the Tunisian coast airfields from TUNISI to as far as TRIPOLI if possible. Be prepared to return to the defence of Malta if called in by the Hurricanes.

Hurricanes are to defend Malta from attack. To this end, given the Axis tactics, it may be prudent to stay on the ground as long as possible. Even then, perhaps, have only one fighter in the air until an attack materialises. Try to avoid contact with enemy fighters; the bombers are more important. Don't hesitate to call in the Bostons to augment the island's defences.

The Catalina is to recce the rest of the west coast of Italy - make sure that there are no nasty surprises waiting for us there. Just in case you find a tempting target you do have bombs on this.

102nd

The Liberators will complete the aborted attack on Misurata. High or low it's up to you. One thing to note: if you are short of pilots then don't take the lead plane. He has a set target of fuel tanks in Misurata. Apart from leading you there he should hit them; the AI are quite clinical.

Tomahawks are to defend Libya. The same conditions apply as to the Malta Hurricanes. Try and be in the air when the bombers arrive. Don't waste your fuel fruitlessly flying about when there is no activity.

242 Sqn

The Beaufighters will investigate and attack the suspected patrol boats between Libya and Greece, then carry on to Zakynthos. Along with the Blenheims they are to recce the southern Greek airfields. We will be bringing a convoy in from Alexandria soon, the more information we know about what they will face the better.

ALL
Any bombers coming across ships of DD class or larger, or merchant shipping, are to attack them so hold onto your bombs until you have a worthwhile target. Enemy aircraft and ships are our priorities. Infrastructure such as fuel and factories are to be taken out if no other target is found.