GAZALA (SOUTH) LANDING GROUND — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: High level bombing Gazala (South) Landing Ground.
Committed: 9 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 0912 hrs
Returned: 1235 hrs
From: L.G. 021
Map: Tobruk 1:500,000 and Target map G./8
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: –

The usual sea route was taken by the 9 Marylands, and the coast was crossed just East of MERSA-EL-GAZALA. The three flights came in at 16000 ft., 16500 ft., 17000ft., and attacked from the North. The South West corner, and Eastern boundary were hit by all bombs from Nos. 1 and 2 Flights. The 3rd. Flight undershot somewhat but part of one stick arrived across the Northern boundary of the Landing Ground. A large fire was started at N 144, and a column of black smoke was still visible when our aircraft were 40 miles away. Photographs show particularly good results on the Eastern boundary, one, and possibly two aircraft being completely enveloped by the bursts, and others obviously within the target area. A number of beer bottles (empty) were dropped on the Target, for sound effects. Three fighters were seen to take off from this Landing Ground, as our formation approached, and a few minutes later, a Fighter approached to within about a mile of the 3rd. Flight, and then turned away. A convoy of 30 M.T. was seen on the Tobruk road, proceeding East, and a large came was seen about 5 miles East of the target, near a Wadi North of the main road.