DERNA LANDING GROUND — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: High level bombing Derna Landing Ground.
Committed: 9 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 0516 hrs
Returned: 0922 hrs
From: L.G. 021
Map: Tobruk 1:500,000
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: Was moderate and inaccurate, most of the bursts seen being well behind. While over the L.G., two Gunners reported a large number of bursts, almost amounting to a barrage, at 12000 ft., and behind.

The 9 Marylands took off at 0716 hours, and taking the sea route, turned in to fly over Derna at 0910 hours. The target was reached two minutes later, and large gaps in the clouds allowed the leaders to run in, from the North West and North. Observation was difficult due to the fast moving clouds, but the Observers claim that their sticks fell across the Northern corner of West Satellite, near the hangar, and on the Satellite just East of the South East corner of the Landing ground. About 25 well dispersed aircraft were seen on the L.G. and the Eastern Satellite, and one burst was reported between three aircraft on the L.G. Photographs show very little owing to cloud. While over Derna Harbour, what appeared to be three Ships were seen and reported. On examination of photos taken makes it almost certain that these reports are of wrecks. On the return trip, over the desert, a single engine plane, with no tail, was reported on the ground at 393315. Fighters were seen to take off from Gobi 434323.