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Operation No. 41

AN ENEMY ARMOURED DIVISION, AROUND BIR-EL-GUBI

Tuesday, 18 November 1941

Over target: 1442 hrs 3 aircraft 12 aircrew

Operational Record

Duty
Bombing an enemy Armoured Division, around Bir-El-Gubi.
Committed
3 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne
1400 hrs
Returned
1530 hrs
From
L.G. 76
Map
Salum - Tobruk 1: 250,000
Day / night
Day
Casualties
–
Air defences
–
Three Marylands set off at very short notice to attack an armoured Division. They crossed the wire at Kasferson?, and followed a well defined track running North West around Bir-el-Gubi. A fire attracted their attention, and this proved to be a vehicle on fire. The target came into view – a large concentration M.T, S.F.W., and Radio? After turning slightly to port, all bombs were released on the Leader's signal, and fell well amongst the vehicles, the formation which had been flying at 3000ft., then turned immediately into cloud, and set course for home. Owing to darkness approaching, a landing was made at L.G. 110, and the aircraft returned to L.G. 76 the next morning. While over the target, a good deal of light A/A was encountered, bursting behind the formation. The was engaged by rear Gunners. Bombs release: 24 x 250 lbs.

3,000ft.

Aircraft and crews