Operation Hurry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Operation Hurry
Part of Club Run of the Battle of the Mediterranean
HMS Argus in the late 1920s
Date 31 July – 4 August 1940 Location Action in Cagliari, Kingdom of Italy Result British victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom	Kingdom of Italy
Commanders and leaders
James Somerville Andrew Cunningham	Unknown
Units involved
Force H	Regia Aeronautica

Operation Hurry was a secret British mission during World War II in August 1940. Its main goal was to deliver twelve Hawker Hurricane fighter planes to the island of Malta. These planes were desperately needed to help defend Malta from constant attacks.

This operation was the first of many similar missions, later called "Club Runs." These missions helped keep Malta supplied and defended throughout the war.

Why Was Operation Hurry Needed?

The Siege of Malta Begins

In June 1940, Italy started attacking Malta. This was part of their plan to take control of the Mediterranean Sea. They wanted to bomb or starve Malta into giving up.

Italian forces attacked Malta's ports, towns, and cities. They also targeted ships that were bringing supplies to the island.

Malta's Supplies Run Low

After more than a month of attacks, Malta was running low on many things. This included important supplies and even aircraft to fight back. Some people wondered if Malta was worth all the effort and supplies it needed.

However, the decision was made to send more help. It was vital to strengthen Malta's air defenses.

How Was Operation Hurry Planned?

Sending Planes to Malta

The main part of the plan involved the aircraft carrier Argus. It carried 12 Hurricane fighter planes. The Argus would sail close enough to Malta for the planes to fly off.

Two Blackburn Skua planes would guide the Hurricanes. Two Short Sunderland flying boats from Malta would also meet them to help with navigation.

Protecting the Mission

The Argus and its planes needed protection. The battleships Valiant and Resolution were part of its escort. The cruiser Arethusa and six destroyers also protected the carrier.

Distracting the Enemy

To make the mission safer, the British planned a distraction. This was called Operation Crush and Operation Spark.

• Operation Crush: This involved an air attack on Cagliari in Italy. Fairey Swordfish planes from the carrier Ark Royal would carry out this attack. The battlecruiser Hood and four destroyers would protect the Ark Royal.
• Operation Spark: This was a radio trick. The cruiser Enterprise would pretend to spot a suspicious boat near Menorca. This was meant to confuse the Italians.

All these ships and plans together formed a strong group called Force H. Vice-Admiral James Somerville led this entire operation from the Hood.

What Happened During the Operation?

Setting Sail

On July 31, 1940, Force H left Gibraltar. Their destination was Malta.

Enemy Attacks

On August 1, while on their way, Force H faced attacks from enemy aircraft. These attacks happened near the Gulf of Bougie. However, the British ships successfully fought off the attackers.

Later that day, the ships split into groups. Ark Royal and its escorts, along with Enterprise, headed towards Sardinia. Enterprise then went off alone for its decoy mission. Meanwhile, Argus and its escorts continued towards Malta.

The Attack on Cagliari

On August 2, early in the morning, Swordfish planes took off from the Ark Royal. Some carried bombs, and others carried mines. One plane crashed due to bad weather, and its crew was lost.

The pilots had to wait for daylight and better weather to continue. When they attacked Cagliari, they faced heavy anti-aircraft fire. Still, they managed to hit four hangars and damage several aircraft. They also laid three mines around the harbor. Most of the planes returned safely, with only one pilot captured after an emergency landing.

Hurricanes Reach Malta

Later on August 2, the 12 Hurricanes took off from the Argus. They flew in two groups of six, each guided by a Skua plane. They didn't meet the Sunderland guide planes, but they still found their way to Malta. One Hurricane crashed upon landing, but the rest arrived safely.

Operation Spark, the decoy mission, was also successful.

What Happened After Operation Hurry?

Operation Hurry was a success. It was the first of many missions to send planes to Malta. Over the next two years, about 28 "Club Run" missions delivered more than 700 aircraft to the island. These planes were crucial for Malta's defense.

After Operation Hurry, many ships from Force H, including Hood, Valiant, Ark Royal, and Resolution, left to take part in the Battle of Dakar.