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Operation No. 70

, AIRCRAFT ON BENINA L.G

Thursday, 18 December 1941

Over target: 0745 hrs 4 aircraft 16 aircrew

Operational Record

Duty
High level bombing, aircraft on Benina L.G.
Committed
4 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne
0535 hrs
Returned
0940 hrs
From
L.G. 76
Map
Target map B./3 (1) and Benghasi 1 : 500000
Day / night
Day
Casualties
–
Air defences
–
Results
32 x 250 lbs. = 8000 lbs.
This raid on Benina L.G., was again carried out communally by 21 and 12 Squadrons. Four aircraft from each Squadron took part, with 12 Squadron leading. The attack was launched from the South, along the Northern line of hangars and beyond. Several aircraft were parked close to these hangars, and large numbers were poorly dispersed in the North Satellite, mostly in line with the hangars. On this area, which was well plastered, there were probably at least 50 aircraft. Once more, visible results as show in the excellent photos, can only be described as spectacular. Three hangars and a large building received direct hits, and at least 2 aircraft in front of the hangars burned fiercely. Another aircraft further on also burned, and at least 3 other aircraft must have become "write offs". It is impossible to estimate the damage caused by fragmentation - but it must have been considerable. Photos taken on the same afternoon clearly show the destruction of the hangars, and some of the aircraft.

Aircraft and crews