DISPERSED AIRCRAFT BERCA L.G — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: High level bombing dispersed Aircraft Berca L.G.
Committed: 6 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 0430 hrs
Returned: 1215 hrs
From: L.G. 021
Map: Target map B./1
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: –

Six Marylands took off at 0630 hours, and after refuelling at L.G. 76, set off for their target, following at first the usual route 20 miles South of Madelena. A course was set to out the Railway mid-way between Benghasi and Barce. The Railway was then followed North East, to the target. The actual run was made on a bearing of 70 deg. Unfortunately a large cloud obscured the L.G. for a few seconds, and the 2nd Flight bombed across the corner of the town, on a line parallel to the Southern edgo of the L.G. These sticks caused a fire on a building. Two sticks were well across the Northern portion of the L.G. and half of the sixth was across the centre, remaining bombs overshooting. About 12 aircraft only were reported on the target, and it is unlikely that any of these were damaged. Good photos were taken (3 cameras) both of the bombing and of points of interest seen on the route. Information brought back: 1) What may be a dump of stores seen at 485276, with a well used track leading away South East. 2) A very well used wide track running North and South was crossed at B.T. 1670 (Benghasi sheet) 3) Tents and objects which might be camouflaged vehicles in Wadi at 393338.