The Mysterious Air Attack on Tripoli, May 3, 1941

[sergey]

I carefully reread the Admiralty War Diaries again and found the following entry from May 4: 3 Swordfish 830 Sqdn. F.A.A, despatched lay Cucumbers in Tripoli
harbour approaches. Arrived while airraid in progress b y Wellingtons from Mid East. First aircraft dropped flares. Other 2 dropped Cucumbers in channel between harbour entrance and 5 or 6 M/V’s.
stopped apparently awaiting raiders passed. Operation hindered by smoke screen laid 50 yards outside h a rbour and heavy smoke
from damage by Wellington bombs. A.A. fire heavy and accurate at least 12 search lights operating. 1 terrific flash and explosion
on or near refuelling Mole and several fires 1 edge of harbour. All aircraft returned safely.
So, there were Wellingtons in Tripoli, but it's unclear from which squadrons. Not 38, not 37, not 148, not 40, not 70. ???????????