Operating the Mosquito in Malta.
In a message dated 27.04.43 from Air Headquarters Malta to HQ R.A.F., M.E. some of the problems of operating the Mosquitos from Malta were highlighted.
Mosquitos Intruders now operating continuously under maximum coolant limitations. Not sound to accept temperature exceeding 110 degrees C for continuous cruising average air temperature 55 to 66 degrees at operational height of 2000 ft. Any increase in air temperature produces corresponding increase in coolant temperature. Temperatures exceeding 110 degrees C are frequently encountered during combat and single engine flying. Following aircraft is now non-operational DZ238. Suggest it be flown to the United Kingdom in exchange for tropicalised aircraft. Further 5 are within 50 hours of 240 hours inspection and will shortly have to follow this aircraft. Present cockpit cooling system also requires considerable improvement. Assume this has been thought of in the tropical version.
Not up to standard.
Perhaps it was the pressures of war time, but not all of the Mosquitos delivered had the required equipment, or the required equipment for operations form Malta.
The following message, dated 26.07.43, refers to the four Mosquitos with serial beginning HJ.
Aircraft were missing Amplifier type A1134, Receiver type R115 A, Transmitter type T1154B, Indicator visual type 2. Aerial internal loop type H660A or type 4. This equipment was deemed essential for operations in the mediterranean theatre.
It was hoped that the following equipment would be shipped by air immediately - Amplifier type A1134, loop type H660A, Indicator visual type 2, and steps taken to ensure that future reinforcement aircraft would arrive already so equipped.