Mystery attack on Banghazi Port 31-10-41

[AndreasB]

All

Any views on who this could have been?

http://rommelsriposte.com/2020/04/30...-october-1941/

Many thanks!

Andreas

[Darius]

Hi Andy,

KTB Seetra-Zweigstelle/Seetra Bengasi für 31.10.1941:

20.30 bis 21.58 nach 2 Tagen Pause Luftangriffe, ca. 60 Sprengbomben und viele Brandbomben. Durch Brandbomben Munilager leichter militärischer Schaden. Volltreffer Unterkunft Baukompanie: 23 Tote, 20 Verletzte. Zwei Abschüsse wahrscheinlich.

Maybe "Wunschdenken"?

No specific data in Admirality War Diary.

Regards


Darius

[Stig Jarlevik]

Andreas

I notice that the next night, 1/2 Nov, 148Sq took a heavy beating after what at least seems to have been a heavy raid against Benghazi.

All RAF losses are listed as due to fog in their landing areas, but any damage received over target would probably be very conveniently forgotten. Since the aircraft lost never flew again, any such damage could easily have been destroyed in the actual crash landings.

One night difference....could have been worse....
Of course no proof, but I rather believe one of the reports to be "one day off" than believe the Germans were waisting ammo into thin air....

Cheers
Stig

[AndreasB]

Thanks both! I am still missing 38 Sqdn ORB, but will download that this week. I tend to agree that this was wishful thinking.


Stig, while the losses of 148 for the next night are heavy, given that there are two German documents placing the incident on 31 October, as well as the 5a Squadra war diary, which claims two shot down and one probable, I would go with that.


All the best


Andreas