. M.T. ON BOTH ROADS EAST FROM EL-ADEM, AND BETWEEN THEM — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: Medium level bombing. M.T. on both roads East from El-Adem, and between them.
Committed: 8 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 0950 hrs
Returned: 1227 hrs
From: L.G. 76
Map: Salum - Tobruk 1: 250,000
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: Nil

The eight Marylands were sent off at 1155 hours to bomb M.T. in the area between the tarred and secondary roads leading East from El-Adem. A bombing line was given at 435, three miles East of Belhamed. The Squadron picked up their Fighter escort at Madelena, and flew direct to El-Adem, circling from West to East, and then coming in to attack at 6700 ft., along the target area from West to East. The target proved somewhat disappointing, there being little M.T. on either of the roads, and less than was expected between them. Bombs were dropped whenever a suitable concentration of vehicles and a few tents, came into sights. Two direct hits on M.T. and two sticks across small groups of M.T. and tents were claimed. While approaching the target, West of El-Adem, a large number of M.T. was seen around 400410, especially in the wadis and near the lake. Similar vehicles were seen East of the target area, around 430408. Twenty small Aircraft were seen on Bir-el-Chaleta L.G. – possibly our own. Much dust, possibly of a tank engagement was seen to the South of the target area.