ATTACK FROM 20000 FT. ON SHIPPING IN BENGHASI HARBOUR. SHIPPING LIKELY TO BE ANCHORED IN… — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: Bombing attack from 20000 ft. on shipping in Benghasi Harbour. Shipping likely to be anchored in area between Halo Giuliana and Central Mole.
Committed: 9 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 0510 hrs
Returned: 1300 hrs
From: L.G. 021
Map: Target Map B./2 and Benghasi 1:500,000
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: –

The Squadron took off from L.G. 075 at 1015 hours, after information received by the Squadron Intelligence Officer from Intelligence 261 Wing, had been imparted to the crews. The Squadron ran into 10/10 cloud at 1154 hours. The Leader saw what appeared to be the coast line ahead and turned to starboard to approach the target, but approximately 20 minutes later unfamiliar landmarks were observed along the coast that now became visible. Formation leader turned to port in an endeavour to locate target. At this stage a collision occurred between the leader and No. 3 of the last vic. Both damaged aircraft fell away from the formation. No. 3 in a very steep glide. Two of the crew were seen to bale out and the diving aircraft was seen lost in cloud and haze. The leader of the formation on receiving this information and also that 3 enemy fighters were seen about a mile away but below, decided to turn to port and enable No. 3 to link up. At this stage a camp of about 200 tents and buildings were seen. It had the appearance of a permanent camp. Five to ten miles to the South West of this camp were some white buildings and what appeared like two small forts. The white buildings were bombed and two sticks are reported to have scored direct hits. One other stick was dropped on a row of hutments, with unobserved results. The rest of the bombs were jettisoned and seven aircraft returned to base, at 1500 hours. Half an hour later the leader of the third vic landed. His aircraft was badly damaged, and to enable him to keep height, guns and ammunition were jettisoned. The aircraft maintained a height of 4000 ft., and the line was crossed at Halfaya Pass, where evasive tactics were employed to avoid Breda fire from five or six batteries. The aircraft landed at base at 1539 hours. It was airborne for 5 hours 30min., and had 60 gallons of petrol left. Seven of the eight bombs were not jettisoned, as the electrical system failed, due to the collision. Note: Approximate position where bombs were dropped and collision took place: Between El Abiar and Barce. 2000 pamphlets (of No. 4) were dropped over the area where the bombs were dropped. No. of damaged machine "D" 1661. No of missing machine "B" 1672