Operational Order No. 14

Tuesday, 21 October 1941

1941-10-21

S E C R E T. 21 SQUADRON OPERATIONAL ORDER NO. 14. COPY NO...5.... ( Ref: 261 Wing Operation order No. "A" 141 ) DATE: 21.10.41. MAP REF: Target Map B./2, Benghazi and Tobruk 1:500000. LIST OF APPENDICES "A" INFORMATION. Benghazi Docks. The particular target is on the Giuliana Point and consists of a [strike-through] petrol [/strike-through] petrol store at "14", and small dumps of fuel in barrels between "14" and "32". Shipping is almost certain to be observed, and good photos will be of value. BERCA AERODROME. The West side and the South West corner usually have dispersed aircraft, and others will be seen on the Satellite. Briefing by C. O. and S. I. O. INTENTION. High level bombing Giuliana dumps. Alternative target Berca Aerodrome. EXECUTION. (a) Course out: 021 L. G. to 075 L. G. 075 L. G. to 20 miles South of Fort Maddalena. Fort Maddalena to Marshes. Marshes to Benghazi. (b) List of aircraft and crews see appendix "A" (c) o/c "A" Flight will provide 2 aircraft o/c "B" Flight will provide 7 aircraft o/c "A" Flight will provide 1 spare aircraft with crew, mechanics and spares, to go as far as L.G.075. (d) Time of starting up 0620 hours (e) Time of take off 0635 hours (f) Land at L. G. 075, fill up, and take off at 1030 hrs. (g) Flights in Squadron Vic. (h) Approach and Attack: Climb to 10000 ft. in rich, then cruise at 1725 r.p.m. at 26" boost. When 100 miles from the target climb to 22000 ft. and go into Flights line astern. When 10 - 15 miles away No. 1 Flight will dive to 19000 ft. and bomb, aiming left of road on Giuliana. No. 2 Flight will follow and dive to 19500 ft. and aim to right of road. No. 3 Flight to dive to 20000 ft. and bomb to left of road. (i) If Fighters are seen, stay in line astern and bomb. (j) After release: Evasive action. Oblique photos to be taken. Turn left, rear Flights immediately dive into position. Lose height at a good speed to 12000 ft., and cruise in lean at 1750 r.p.m. at 25" boost. (k) Refuel if necessary, at L. G. 075. (l) Photography: 4 cameras. (m) Mickey Mouse 366 ft. (n) Landing order: Order of take off. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS. (a) All aircraft must carry full capacity fuel and oil. (b) All magazines and pans to be fully loaded. (c) Each aircraft will carry full bomb load i.e. 8 X 250 lbs. Fuse 43, tail live. Screamers to be fitted. (d) All necessary desert equipment. INTER COMMUNICATION. W/T officer. [handwritten signature] L Saunders. Lt. For O. C. 21 SQUADRON.

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Original page(s): 87

Transcriber's Notes

Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes") Glossary of Terms * 21 SQUADRON SAAF: No. 21 Squadron, South African Air Force. In October 1941, this unit was based at Landing Ground 21 (LG 21) in Egypt, operating as a medium bomber component of the Desert Air Force (DAF). * 261 WING: The higher tactical command (Royal Air Force Wing) to which 21 Squadron was attached for coordination and operational orders. * 021 L. G. / 075 L. G.: Landing Ground 21 (squadron home base) and Landing Ground 75 (forward refueling point). LG 075 was essential for extending the operational radius of the Martin Maryland for deep-penetration strikes. * B./2 (TARGET MAP): The specific 1:500000 tactical map of Benghazi used for identifying dockyard infrastructure, specifically the Giuliana Point. * C. O. / S. I. O.: Commanding Officer and Squadron Intelligence Officer. * FUSE 43: A standard British/Commonwealth tail fuse used for General Purpose (GP) bombs. The order specifies "tail live," indicating the ordnance was fuzed for detonation upon impact with the ground or structures. * MICKEY MOUSE: In the context of SAAF/RAF bombing operations, this likely refers to the intervalometer setting or a specific technical nickname for the bomb-release mechanism timing, set here to 366 ft. * R.P.M. / BOOST: Revolutions Per Minute and manifold pressure (inches of mercury). These define the engine management settings for the Maryland's Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines. * SCREAMERS: Metal whistles attached to the fins of bombs to create a psychological effect on ground personnel during the descent of the ordnance. * VIC / LINE ASTERN: "Vic" is a standard three-aircraft "V" formation; "Line Astern" is a vertical or horizontal column used for the final bombing run and defensive maneuvering. * W/T: Wireless Telegraphy, the aircraft's radio communications equipment managed by the Operator Gunner. Operational Context Operational Order No. 14, dated 21 October 1941, tasks 21 Squadron with a daylight strike against the Benghazi Docks, specifically the Giuliana Point fuel and petrol stores. Strategically, Benghazi was the most vital port in Cyrenaica, sustaining Rommel's Panzergruppe Afrika. This raid was part of a sustained interdiction campaign designed to destroy mobile fuel reserves ("small dumps of fuel in barrels") and logistical infrastructure prior to the launch of Operation Crusader. The inclusion of Berca Aerodrome as an alternative target highlights the MAAF's dual focus on degrading both maritime logistics and Axis air superiority, as Berca housed dispersed fighters and satellites critical for frontier air defense. Execution Constraints The mission profile reflects the technical limitations of operating at the extreme end of the Maryland’s range. Execution necessitated a mid-mission landing at L. G. 075 for refueling, with a spare aircraft provided to ferry "crew, mechanics and spares" to ensure the formation remained airworthy for the second leg. The attack involved a complex high-altitude approach at 22,000 ft to minimize detection. A specific three-flight staggered bombing run was planned between 19,000 and 20,000 ft, with Flights targeting different sides of the Giuliana road to ensure maximum saturation of the fuel dumps. A significant execution rule was the mandatory use of "Screamers" on the 250 lb bombs, intended to disrupt Axis ground crews during the raid. Evasive action post-release involved a tactical turn to allow for oblique photography, followed by a high-speed dive to 12,000 ft for egress. The order, signed by Lt. L. Saunders, emphasizes fuel conservation ("cruise in lean") and defensive discipline ("stay in line astern") if intercepted, reflecting the high risks associated with unescorted daylight operations against the "formidable" defenses of Benghazi. 89 Phase 1: Verification & Extraction Identity Check: 21st. October 1941.