Operational Order No. 34

Tuesday, 18 November 1941

1941-11-18

COPY NO... 5 ... 21 SQUADRON OPERATIONAL ORDER NO. 34. (Ref. 3 Wing (S.A.) Operation Order No. "A" 250). DATE: 18.11.41. MAP REF: Target Map B./1 LIST OF APPENDICES. "A" INFORMATION. Barce is 50 miles North East of Benghazi, to which it is connected by rail, and by a good road. The Aerodrome is a large one, situated North of the town, and is used as a refuelling base for fighter sea patrols, and also by bombers. It has not been attacked recently, and it is not possible to state exactly the whereabouts of the present principal dispersal area. When last photographed, fighters were dispersed just North of Pin Points 1 and 3, with bombers on the perimeter. Recognition features explained, with target map and photos. Briefing by O. C. and S.I.O. INTENTION. High level attack on buildings and dispersed aircraft. Alternative target: Mechili L. G. EXECUTION. (a) List of aircraft and crews see appendix "A" (b) o/c "A" Flight will provide 1 aircraft to go as far as L. G. 76 o/c "B" Flight will provide 6 aircraft. (c) Time of starting up 0620 hours. (d) Time of take off 0630 hours. (e) Time over target 1200 hours. (f) Course out: L. G. 76 (refuel) 20 miles South of Madalena - Baltit - Bu Gied - Railway 10 miles South East of Barce - Target. (g) Flying instructions: As briefed by O. C. (h) Attack: Approach parallel to Railway, at 19000 ft. spread out to cover target, one aircraft if possible to attack along North edge of drome. Mickey Mouse 592 ft. Observers aim independently. (i) Photography: 4 cameras. (j) Landing order: Order of take off. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS. (a) All aircraft must carry full capacity Fuel & Oil (b) All magazines and pans to be fully loaded. (c) Each aircraft to carry full bomb load, i.e. 8 X 250 lbs. Fused 43 DEF. (d) All necessary desert equipment. INTER COMMUNICATION W/T Officer DISTRIBUTION. * Intelligence A.H.Q.W.D. * Operations do * S. I. O. 3 Wing (S.A.) * War Diary * do * do * do * File [Signature] L Lounds. Lt. For O. C. 21 SQUADRON.

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Original page(s): 140

Transcriber's Notes

Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes") Glossary of Terms: * 3 Wing (S.A.): 3 Wing (South African), the administrative and tactical wing overseeing 21 Squadron SAAF. * Barce: An Italian colonial town and significant Axis railhead in Cyrenaica, North Africa. * O. C.: Officer Commanding, the squadron leader responsible for tactical briefing. * S.I.O.: Senior Intelligence Officer, responsible for target identification and reconnaissance data. * Mechili L. G.: Mechili Landing Ground, a strategic desert outpost and airfield used as a secondary target. * L. G. 76: Landing Ground 76, a forward refueling point for Allied aircraft. * ft.: Feet, the standard unit for altitude. * Mickey Mouse: The colloquial SAAF/RAF term for the bomb release intervalometer, set here to 592 feet to determine the spacing between bomb impacts. * 8 X 250 lbs. Fused 43 DEF.: The standard bomb load of eight 250-pound general-purpose bombs, fitted with Type 43 "Delayed-Action" or "Direct-Action" fuses. * W/T Officer: Wireless Telegraphy Officer, responsible for radio communication protocols. * A.H.Q.W.D.: Air Headquarters Western Desert. Operational Context: The date of this order, 18 November 1941, is of paramount historical significance as it marks the official commencement of Operation Crusader. This major Allied offensive was launched by the Eighth Army to relieve the besieged garrison at Tobruk and drive the Axis forces out of Cyrenaica. The tactical choice of Barce as a target reflects the Allied strategy of neutralizing Axis air support and disrupting supply lines at the very onset of the offensive. Barce served as a critical node where the railway from Benghazi met the road network, and its aerodrome housed fighters that could intercept Allied bomber formations or strafe Eighth Army ground units. By targeting "buildings and dispersed aircraft" from high level (19,000 ft), the SAAF aimed to ground the Regia Aeronautica and Luftwaffe assets before they could participate in the unfolding battle. The use of L. G. 76 for refueling emphasizes the logistical strain of operating twin-engine Marylands at the edge of their combat radius to reach targets deep in enemy-held territory. 154 Phase 1: Verification & Extraction Identity Check: While the specific date is not explicitly typed on this page (Sheet 141), the preceding operational order (Operational Order No. 34, Sheet 140) and the accompanying report place this crew list as Appendix "A" for the mission scheduled on 18.11.41.