CONCENTRATION TANKS, M.T. AND TROOPS WITHIN TARGET TRIANGLE, PINPOINTS 422408, 427413,… — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: High level bombing on concentration tanks, M.T. and troops within target triangle, pinpoints 422408, 427413, 427405, surrounding El Duda.
Committed: 9 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 1055 hrs
Returned: 1335 hrs
From: L.G. 76
Map: Salum - Tobruk 1: 250,000
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: –

An urgent call came in to bomb an enemy force at Belhamed, but just before the aircraft took off, this target was cancelled and another given some three miles to the West. With 12 Squadron leading, both squadrons set off soon after 1330 hours, and after collecting their escort, Tomahawks, set course for the target. On approaching from the east, smoke signals and ground strips were observed, indicating our own troops’ positions. A dummy run across the target area was made, followed by a right hand circuit, and an attack on 160 deg., with 12 Squadron attacking on our left. The particular target selected was a dispersed group of about 25 tanks and lorries, and this was well straddled, one direct hit and several near misses being claimed.