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Operation No. 23

BENGHASI: HIGH LEVEL BOMBING DUMP "B" ON BENGHASI - ZUARA ROAD - NEAR GOAFIA

Thursday, 6 November 1941

Over target: 0945 hrs Time: 06:50 hrs

Operational Report (Form 541)

Date
6. 11. 41
Aircraft
6 Marylands
Duty
Benghazi: High level bombing Dump "B" on Benghazi - Tocra road - near Coefia
Map reference
Benghazi 1:100000
6 [handwritten]21 SQUADRON S. A. A. F. OPERATIONAL REPORT NO. 23. COPY NO....(O. O. Orders: 261 Wing Operation order No. "A" 227 andSquadron Operation order No. 23) DATE: 6. 11. 41.MAP REF: Benghazi 1:100000DATE OF OPERATION:NUMBER AND TYPE OF AIRCRAFT: 6 MarylandsDUTY. Benghazi: High level bombing Dump "B" on Benghazi - Tocraroad - near Coefia.NARRATIVE. After the usual refuelling at L. G. 75, the six Marylandsset off for the vicinity of Benghazi. The route on thisoccasion was from South of Madalena to the Coast 25 milesNorth of Benghazi. The correct approach was difficult,owing to 8/10 cloud, and variable wind currents, and theattack, made on a bearing of 210 deg. was not particu-larly accurate; The majority of the bombs fell justWest of the target, between the road and the edge of thedump, about 200 yards West of the most important targetarea. Three bombs appeared from the photographs, to haveentered the target.A report was made of a tarred road leading 5 miles SouthEast of El Abia, and terminating in a series of tracks,leading to what appeared to be a new dump area.Approximately 50 aircraft were seen on Benina L. G.A/A (Heavy calibre) was moderate and inaccurate.TIMES. Airborne 0650 hours.Landed L. G. 75 0735 hours.Airborne 0905 hours.Time over target 1145 hours.Landed base. 1400 hours.Total hours flown 35 hours 12 min.DISTRIBUTION.
S.I.O. H. Q. R.A.F. M.E.
Intelligence A.H.Q.W.D.
Operations do
S.I.O. 261 Wing
War Diary
do
do
do
File[handwritten signature] L Saunders Lt.SQUADRON INTELLIGENCE OFFICER.

Transcriber's Notes

L. G. 75
Landing Ground 75. A forward refueling strip essential for extending the operational radius of the Marylands for deep strikes into Libya.
A/A
Anti-Aircraft fire.

21 SQUADRON S. A. A. F.: No. 21 Squadron, South African Air Force. During this phase of the North African campaign, the squadron operated the Martin Maryland, an American-built twin-engine medium bomber utilized by the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) for high-altitude daylight interdiction.

S.I.O. H. Q. R.A.F. M.E.: Squadron Intelligence Officer, Headquarters, Royal Air Force Middle East. Operational Context Operational Report No. 23, dated 6 November 1941, records a deep-penetration daylight strike against Axis logistical infrastructure in the Benghazi sector. Strategically, Benghazi was the primary port for Rommel's Panzergruppe Afrika; its neutralization was a paramount Allied objective during the interdiction phase preceding Operation Crusader (launched 18 November 1941). Targeting Dump "B" near Coefia on the Benghazi-Tocra road specifically aimed to degrade Axis sustainment and storage capabilities along the vital coastal supply route. The sighting of 50 aircraft at Benina L. G. provided critical intelligence regarding Axis air force dispersal and reinforcement levels intended to oppose the upcoming Allied winter offensive. Execution Constraints The mission profile illustrates the tactical and navigational friction inherent in unescorted medium bomber sorties over the Western Desert.