DUMPS "L" AND "M" — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: High level bombing attack on Dumps "L" and "M"
Committed: 6 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 1045 hrs
Returned: 1435 hrs
From: L.G. 021
Map: Tobruk 1: 100,000 and Target Map No. 1/415 (Gazala Box)
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: –

Aircraft took off from L.G. 21 at 1245 hours, and approached the Inlet on a course of a 021 deg. The targets were attacked on a course of 100 deg. No 1 Flight instructed to bomb Dump "L". Observed fairly neatly parked M.T. and likely dumps, about 800 yards long, and extending for nearly the entire distance between the N. and S. roads. 5500 lbs. were dropped in this area and explosions and more than ten small fires were started, mostly in a circle around individual bomb bursts. Fair amount of movement and fresh tracks were seen. A fair size tented camp is pitched half way between L.G. No. 2 and "L" immediately North of main road. About 15 aircraft were parked along the Northern boundary of L.G. No. 2 and some were seen dispersed on either side of the road house near the road. No. 2 Flight who were to bomb "M", experienced difficulty in locating their objective and they dropped their bombs (6000 lbs.) within the area immediately South of the bend in the main road, and started a fire, which appeared to be in the centre of bomb bursts. Bombing height 14000 ft. for both Flights. At the time of the run up to target, a C.R. 42, and a J.U. 87 approached from the starboard side, but turned off when 1000 yards away and flew South West. Numerous tracks were observed to converge at a point approximately 32 deg. 06 min N. and 23 deg. 15 min E. Only small amount of traffic seen on roads. Dump "N" appeared well filled and M.T. movement was observed in and around.