Operation

118 6 [handwritten] 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. OPERATIONAL REPORT NO. 22 COPY NO..... (O. O. Nos. 261 Wing Operation order No. "A" 221 and Squadron Operation order No. 22). DATE: 5.11.41. MAP REF: Target map B./2 DATE OF OPERATION. 5th. November 1941. NUMBER AND TYPE OF AIRCRAFT: 6 Marylands. DUTY. Benghazi: High level bombing, stores, hangars and dumps, North West corner Berka Aerodrome. NARRATIVE. After refuelling at L. G. 75, 6 Marylands set out for Benghazi. The route followed was somewhat South of the usual one, and the coast was crossed 60 miles South of the Harbour. On the approach, owing to a thick cloud cover, it was necessary to come down to 15000 ft. In spite of intense A/A, the presence of enemy Fighters, and iced up windows, a perfect run up was made. Practically every bomb fell in the target area, and the apparent results included two large explosions, and two fires; After studying the photos in relation to the information supplied, there can be little doubt that very great damage must have been inflicted. Immediately on leaving the target, 2 C.R. 42s attacked. These two Fighters flying side of the formation, had been in attendance since the Marylands first crossed the sea. A running fight ensued for about fifteen miles, enemy being reinforced by another C.R. 42 and three 109s. Various types of attack were delivered, but the favourite was from the beam, and dead astern. The tactics appeared to be, for one, or two 42s to draw fire from the rear Gunners, and then for a 109 to make a quick beam or quarter attack. Repeated attacks were made, over a period of some six or seven minutes. The Gunners all gave a very good account of themselves, and all three 42s were seen to be hit repeatedly. One, which presented a non deflection shot, was undoubtedly shot down - last seen spinning near the ground. It is highly probable that another was sent down, but with other attacks developing, continuous observation was impossible. "Spare guns" were used to good effect and all the Pilots got blasting bursts with their front armament. One Gunner reports seeing a blazing aircraft on the ground, when some distance away. During the scrap, one of our Marylands fell away, and was seen to be on fire - port engine and rear Gunners cockpit. It went down apparently under control, in an easy glide. Two black objects were seen to leave, but no parachutes were observed. The five Marylands were all hit by A/A, and/or bullets and cannon shells. Four returned to their base, and the fifth more seriously damaged, landed at L. G. 75. WEATHER. Very heavy over target area. TIMES. Airborne 0755 hours Landed L. G. 75 0937 hours Airborne 1140 hours Time over target 1410 hours Landed L. G. 21 1640 hours PHOTOGRAPHY. Excellent results. DISTRIBUTION. Same as Report No. 21 [handwritten signature] L Saunders Lt. SQUADRON INTELLIGENCE OFFICER.