Operational Report (Form 541)
- Date
- 5.11.41
- Aircraft
- 6 Marylands
- Duty
- Benghazi: High level bombing, stores, hangars and dumps, North West corner Berka Aerodrome
- Map reference
- Target map B./2
118 6 [handwritten]21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. OPERATIONAL REPORT NO. 22 COPY NO.....(O. O. Nos. 261 Wing Operation order No. "A" 221and Squadron Operation order No. 22). DATE: 5.11.41.MAP REF: Target map B./2DATE 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 forBenghazi. The route followed was somewhat South of theusual one, and the coast was crossed 60 miles South ofthe Harbour. On the approach, owing to a thick cloudcover, 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 theapparent results included two large explosions, and twofires; After studying the photos in relation to theinformation supplied, there can be little doubt thatvery great damage must have been inflicted. Immediatelyon leaving the target, 2 C.R. 42s attacked. These twoFighters flying side of the formation, had been inattendance since the Marylands first crossed the sea.A running fight ensued for about fifteen miles, enemybeing reinforced by another C.R. 42 and three 109s.Various types of attack were delivered, but the favouritewas from the beam, and dead astern. The tactics appearedto be, for one, or two 42s to draw fire from the rearGunners, and then for a 109 to make a quick beam orquarter attack. Repeated attacks were made, over aperiod of some six or seven minutes. The Gunners allgave a very good account of themselves, and all three42s were seen to be hit repeatedly. One, which presenteda non deflection shot, was undoubtedly shot down -last seen spinning near the ground. It is highlyprobable that another was sent down, but with otherattacks developing, continuous observation was impossible."Spare guns" were used to good effect and all the Pilotsgot blasting bursts with their front armament.One Gunner reports seeing a blazing aircraft on theground, when some distance away.During the scrap, one of our Marylands fell away, andwas seen to be on fire - port engine and rear Gunnerscockpit. It went down apparently under control, in aneasy glide. Two black objects were seen to leave, butno parachutes were observed.The five Marylands were all hit by A/A, and/or bulletsand cannon shells.Four returned to their base, and the fifth more seriouslydamaged, landed at L. G. 75.WEATHER. Very heavy over target area.TIMES. Airborne 0755 hoursLanded L. G. 75 0937 hoursAirborne 1140 hoursTime over target 1410 hoursLanded L. G. 21 1640 hoursPHOTOGRAPHY. Excellent results.DISTRIBUTION. Same as Report No. 21[handwritten signature] L Saunders Lt.SQUADRON INTELLIGENCE OFFICER.
Transcriber's Notes
- 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F
- No. 21 Squadron, South African Air Force. During late 1941, the unit operated the Martin Maryland, an American-built twin-engine medium bomber utilized by the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) for unescorted daylight interdiction.
- L. G. 75
- Landing Ground 75. A forward refueling strip used to extend the operational radius of the Marylands for deep strikes into Cyrenaica.
- A/A
- Anti-Aircraft fire (Flak).