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Benghazi. Following a heavy night attack by 24 Wellingtons on the landing ground at Magrun, 48 miles south of Benghazi, day bombers, on the 22nd, destroyed at least six aircraft, including Ju. 52 transports, and damaged many others; Tomahawks attacked aircraft which were taking off and landing and destroyed nine and damaged seven, without loss. On the following day they destroyed a further eight on the ground. At Nofilia, further west, Beaufighters destroyed two aircraft on the ground and damaged many others, besides inflicting casualties on ground personnel.
Forty-two Wellingtons operated against Benghazi on the night of the 18th/19th; five dropped bombs in the harbour area as a diversion from others, which were engaged in minelaying. Berca aerodrome and M.T. concentrations were also attacked. On the following night ten Wellingtons started many fires among dispersed aircraft on Binina aerodrome.
64. Enemy bombers were not much in evidence during the week, although they made a heavy attack on Tobruk on the night of the 19th/20th, causing little damage. One of our forward landing grounds was unsuccessfully attacked.
65.
At five of the enemy landing-grounds occupied or raided by our ground forces a total of 174 enemy aircraft were captured or destroyed. In addition, 100 damaged aircraft were found at Binina, some of which were probably relics of our previous advance.
Tripolitania.
66. Blenheims from Malta made a successful daylight attack on Zuara, where goods sheds were hit and trucks destroyed. A large schooner in the harbour was attacked later in the week, and probably hit, by three Blenheims, one of which crashed after striking the mast. On the 22nd eleven Blenheims bombed westbound M.T. carrying troops and stores between Sirte and Misurata. At least 12 vehicles were destroyed, and bombs also fell in a closely-packed M.T. park and on two A.A. positions.
67. Tripoli (L) was the principal target for our night bombers, and was raided on five nights of the week. Two of the attacks were on Castel Benito aerodrome, where hangars and administrative buildings were hit and at least seven aircraft were destroyed. On the night of the 23rd/24th four aircraft maintained a 10-hour nuisance raid over the town. On the following night nine Wellingtons attacked the Spanish quay, scoring many hits and causing fires and a large explosion. Naval aircraft also took part in these attacks and laid mines outside the harbour.
68. M.T. parks and air personnel barracks at Misurata were bombed by seven Wellingtons; many bombs, including three of 4,000 lbs., fell in the target area, and on an ordnance depot and buildings, where four fires broke out.
69. On the night of the 18th/19th naval torpedo bombers scored hits on two. 8,000-ton merchant ships north of Homs (L).
Malta.
70. Wellingtons and Blenheims flew many sweeps in search of enemy shipping and in co-operation with our naval forces. Weather conditions were often bad and no successful attacks were made.
71. Enemy activity against the Island was on an increased scale, both by day and by night. The Grand Harbour was twice attacked in daylight by four Ju. 88s, escorted by about 20 fighters, and a merchant ship was hit. Other daylight attacks caused slight damage to barracks and civilian property. Five enemy aircraft were destroyed, one at least by A.A. fire; we lost five Hurricanes.
72. Attacks were also made nightly by up to 12 aircraft. The most serious damage was done at Luqa Aerodrome, where a Wellington was destroyed and two others damaged, while four craters in the main runway grounded 14 Wellingtons which were waiting to take off. It is probable that sea mines. were dropped on one or two nights.
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