DUMPS "A" & "B" BARDIA AREA — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: High level bombing of Dumps "A" & "B" Bardia area and photography.
Committed: 9 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 0420 hrs
Returned: 0650 hrs
From: L.G. 021
Map: Tobruk 1:500,000
Day / night: Day
Casualties: Nil
Air defences: Several rear Gunners reported fairly accurate bursts, but the crews generally did not seem to be worried much. A Battery firing was located at G18 on Bardia Target Map "8"/5
Results: On Target "A" 30 On Roadside 16 North of Target 20 Unobserved 12 Total 58 17,000 Lbs.

9 Marylands took off at 0620 hours, flying in 6 box, 3 Vic formation, they crossed the coast North of Bardia at 22,000 ft., some 20 hits on Dump "A" were claimed and bright flashes and flame suggested ammunition being hit. The majority of bombs appeared to have been released too soon, or too late. None of the latter fell amongst tents on the roadside. Some 20 M.V. were reported heading West on the Bardia road, near Target. On the return flight one Observer reported 150 dispersed M.T. at 923363, South of Hell Fire Pass. Shipping. On the outward run, a small ship was seen off Fuka, 4 warships off Ras El Niken, and 3 smaller ships North West of Bardia (approximately) 550420. All these ships were taking violent evasive action against bombing seen at 0717 hours. Later a medium sized ship was seen in a bay just North of Bardia. Aircraft. 5 small machines seen over the 4 Warships. One twin engine aircraft low down near the 3 ships.