AIRCRAFT ON DERNA L.G. ALTERNATIVE TARGET. MARTUBA L.G — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: High level bombing attack aircraft on Derna L.G. alternative target. Martuba L.G.
Committed: 9 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 0900 hrs
Returned: 1159 hrs
From: L.G. 76
Map: Target map D./4 and Derna 1:500,000
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: Moderate, not accurate.
Results: 56 x 250 lbs. = 14000 lbs.

Nine Marylands, of which two had to return immediately with engine trouble, took off at 1110 hours. Taking the sea route, the formation of seven crossed the coast East of Derna and approached the Landing Ground from the North. Following instructions, they began releasing between the escarpment and the hangar; On seeing the large number of aircraft lined up in front of the hangar, all those who could got their sights on, released there. Results can only be described as spectacular - and photographs show much greater damage than was initially reported. North of the hangar, four fires were started, one beginning with a bright flash, and two developing into tremendous blazes, with volumes of black smoke. This area has been suspected of containing much fuel and ammunition. Several bombs fell on and amongst the twelve aircraft in front of the hangar, and the photos show eight of these on fire. Others must have been damaged. In addition one aircraft was set on fire near the Southern boundary of the L.G. During the operation it was estimated that about ninety aircraft (mostly J.U. 72s) were on the L.G. and Satellite. They were not at all well dispersed. The majority were on the North and East sides of the L.G. and on the Satellite. Passing over Martuba West, 45 aircraft (mostly small) were seen closely parked in groups on the perimeter. At Derna, a ship about 120 ft. long, with two smaller ones alongside, was seen at the point of the mole. On the return flight, 65 M.T. and tanks were seen between El-Gubi and Bir Hacheim, moving West, and about 30 M.T. moving North West along the Trigh claimed? in square 3939. Positions? photos were taken.