German 1800kg ‘Satan’ Bomb (NWMA Malta)
Mass bombing returns to Malta today as the enemy responds to the recent success of Spitfires against their raiders. The city of Valletta became a specific target for the first time this year. The Luftwaffe chose the heaviest bomb carried by Junkers aircraft for their mission: the two-ton ‘Satan’. In five raids on the capital, German bombers dropped over 15000 kg of high explosive bombs on the streets, killing twelve civilians and one serviceman on leave.
Observers report that the number of aircraft in each raid has risen significantly. Fighter escorts have increased in size, to outnumber the Island’s modest Spitfire force and overcome their recent success rate.