Operational Order No. 21

Tuesday, 4 November 1941

1941-11-04

115 [handwritten] 21 SQUADRON OPERATIONAL ORDER NO. 21. COPY NO.....7 (Ref; 261 Wing Operation order No. "A" 216). DATE: 4.11.41 MAP REF: Tobruk 1:100000 and Target Map No. 1/415 (Gazala Box) LIST OF APPENDICES. "A" INFORMATION. Two dumps "L" and "M" are situated some 6 miles from Gazala South Landing Ground, South of the Tobruk road. Sketch explained. "L" consists of M.T. parked in lines, previously considered unserviceable, but now likely to contain good vehicles. Dump "M" is suspected to consist of ammunition and petrol, partially buried or covered, with dispersed M.T. in vicinity. Briefing by C.O. and S.I.O. INTENTION. High level bombing Dumps "L" and "M" near Gazala. Alternative target: Tmimi Landing Ground. EXECUTION. (a) List of aircraft and crews see appendix "A" (b) o/c "A" Flight will provide 3 aircraft. o/c "B" Flight will provide 3 aircraft. (c) Time of starting up 1230 hours. (d) Time of take off 1240 hours. (e) Route: 20 miles South of Maddalena. (f) Flying instructions. As briefed by C.O. At 50 miles from target climb to 15000 ft. (g) Approach: From South West towards Gazala North, along Tobruk road, over Gazala South, diving to 15000 ft. (h) Attack: No. 1 Flight attack "L". No. 2 Flight attack "M". Individual aiming, Mickey Mouse 300 ft. "L" and 366 ft. "M". (i) Return: sea route. (j) Photography: 4 cameras. Verticals to start over Gazala South. (k) Landing order: Order of take off. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS. (a) All aircraft must carry full xxxx 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 N.D.T. (d) All necessary desert equipment. INTER COMMUNICATION. W/T Officer. DISTRIBUTION. * Intelligence A.H.Q.W.D. * Operations do * S.I.O. 261 Wing. 4.5.6.7. War Diary * File [handwritten signature] L Saunders Lt. For O.C. 21 Squadron.

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Original page(s): 115

Transcriber's Notes

Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes") Glossary of Terms * 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F.: No. 21 Squadron, South African Air Force. During November 1941, the unit operated Martin Maryland medium bombers as part of the Desert Air Force (DAF). * 261 WING / A.H.Q.W.D.: 261 Wing, Air Headquarters Western Desert. These higher tactical commands coordinated Allied air operations in the Western Desert. * C.O. / S.I.O.: Commanding Officer (Lt. Col. Jan Pretorius) and Squadron Intelligence Officer (Lt. L. Saunders). * GAZALA SOUTH LANDING GROUND / TMIMI LANDING GROUND: These airfields in Cyrenaica were vital logistical and staging hubs for the Afrikakorps. * MICKEY MOUSE: The bomb intervalometer used by the observer to set the physical distance (300 ft. or 366 ft.) between bombs in a stick. * M.T.: Motor Transport. * N.D.T.: Nose Delay Tail fuzing. This fuzing configuration ensured the 250 lb. General Purpose (GP) bombs penetrated logistical stores or fuel containers before detonating to maximize blast effect. * W/T: Wireless Telegraphy (radio communication). Operational Context Operational Order No. 21, dated 4 November 1941, tasks 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. with a high-level strike against Axis logistical depots near Gazala, Libya. Strategically, the Gazala sector served as a primary supply and maintenance hub for German and Italian forces besieging Tobruk. This mission occurred during the final intensive interdiction phase of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) preceding Operation Crusader (commencing 18 November 1941). The intelligence provided indicates a specific Allied interest in neutralizing Axis sustainment capabilities, specifically Dump "L" (Motor Transport) and Dump "M" (ammunition and petrol). By targeting these dumps, the MAAF aimed to starve the Afrikakorps of the fuel and mobility required to defend against the upcoming Allied winter offensive. Execution Constraints The mission profile highlights the tactical risks inherent in unescorted medium bomber sorties. * Formation and Approach: The squadron provided six Martin Maryland aircraft, split between "A" and "B" Flights. To achieve tactical surprise, the formation was ordered to follow a deep desert route 20 miles south of Maddalena before approaching from the southwest toward Gazala. * Vertical Performance: To evade Axis anti-aircraft (A/A) fire and interceptors, the aircraft were required to climb to 15,000 ft. 50 miles from the target. The order specifies a dive from the South West directly onto the target areas to maximize airspeed and bombing accuracy. * Technical Precision: Each aircraft carried eight 250 lb. bombs. The use of specific "Mickey Mouse" settings for individual aiming confirms a high-fidelity requirement to straddle the dispersed vehicle and supply dumps. * Documentation: Four cameras were utilized to record vertical photography starting over Gazala South, providing the necessary data for Battle Damage Assessment (BDA). The order, signed by Lt. L. Saunders, represents a methodical effort to degrade the Axis logistical pivot point in Eastern Libya. 129 Phase 1: Verification & Extraction Identity Check: 4.11.41.