BENGHASI DOCKS AND SHIPPING — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: High level bombing Benghasi docks and shipping
Committed: 9 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 0714 hrs
Returned: 1625 hrs
From: L.G. 021
Map: Target Map B./2
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: –
Results: 6 hits Guiliana Docks area 16 Marshalling yards 6 - 26 16 Unobserved 8 Jettisoned in desert. 48 - 12000 lbs.

The 9 Marylands took off at 0914 hours and flew to L.G. 075 for refuelling. The rough going at this L.G. caused 3 burst tail wheels, and inadequate refuelling conditions resulted in a late start by the six machines, which got away at 1300 hours. Considerable cloud made ground recognition impossible, and the target was reached on dead reckoning. The two Flights of three attacked separately, one aiming at the Giuliana docks, and the other at the docks on the Eastern side of the harbour. No. 1 Flight appears to have scored heavily on the Giuliana point, several good bursts being observed in the vicinity of 16 and 14 (target map B./2), and two big columns of black smoke were seen as the aircraft turned away. The other Flight reported bursts in the Harbour, and amongst buildings between 6 and 26. These results are corroborated by the photos taken. There was about 5/10 cloud at the time, and only fleeting glimpses of the Harbour were to be had. No shipping was reported but several flying boats (or non planes) were seen. A/A was fairly heavy, as the aircraft were leaving, but not accurate, and no Fighters were seen. After the attack, Flights swung out to sea and recrossed at Ras Taimnes and set off for home on the reciprocal course. Two aircraft were able to get right home, but the others needed fuel, and landings were made on various L.G.s. One aircraft in attempting to reach Matruh, made a forced landing close to the Siwa road, 30 miles from Matruh, without injury. All the aircraft returned the following day.