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Operation No. 75

AIRCRAFT AT MARBLE ARCH L.G

Tuesday, 23 December 1941

Over target: 0945 hrs 2 aircraft 8 aircrew

Operational Record

Duty
High level bombing of aircraft at Marble Arch L.G.
Committed
2 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne
0730 hrs
Returned
1214 hrs
From
L.G. 76
Map
Benghasi - Agheila 1:1000000
Day / night
Day
Casualties
–
Air defences
–
Results
–
Two of our aircraft accompanied by three of 12 Squadron's aircraft, took off at 0924 hours for Marble Arch L.G. led by 21 Squadron. They encountered 10/10 cloud on the way out which petered out as they approached the target. They attacked on a course of 330 deg. at 1145 hours and about 30 large aircraft were seen on the L.G. 15 aircraft poorly dispersed on the Southern edge and 15 well dispersed on the Western side. The first few bombs undershot and the rest fell amongst the poorly dispersed aircraft, and two fires were observed, and two direct hits, and much damage must have been caused by fragmentation. Returned from target on a course of 160 deg. for 25 miles, then A/c to 120 deg. for 60 miles then set course for Machili 160 deg. and at pp. B X 3605 two Enemy aircraft (1 109F and 1 109E) attacked from astern at 3000 ft and 1224 hours. The attack lasted for 12 minutes. Two of 12 Squadron's aircraft were shot down and seen to hit the deck and columns of black smoke emitted from them. The leader then had starboard engine trouble, and as soon as the attack ceased, he broke off and landed at Tmimi. The other two aircraft then proceeded home and landed at 1414 hours. Two Enemy Aircraft were seen to take off at Marble Arch L.G. when the bombing had ceased.

3,000ft.

Aircraft and crews