Benina and Berka (Libya), June 1943

[fabriziogttf]

According to some USAAF accounts, the raid carried out by Italian parachutists on June, 20th, 1943 on Benina (North) airport (Benghazi, Libya) brought to the destruction of 2 B24 of 98th BG. The same night, according to the same sources, 8 RAF Vickers Wellington were destroyed by the same (or another) party on Berka airport ( in the area of Benghazi at least 40 Italian parachutists had been dropped in the night 13th-14th June). Berka is approximately 19 km far from Benina North.
Is there any detail on this event (RAF unit involved - maybe the 148 Squadron ? - real damages, casualties, etc.) ?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance

Fabrizio

[Leendert]

Fabrizio,

Could it well be that the raid was in the night of 17/18 June 1943 and not on 20 June 1943?
One of the B-24s destroyed was named "Arkansas Traveller" (41-23781)

Just two Italian commandos were involved (they surrendered).

In the online book "Italian Navy and Air Force Elite Units and Special Forces 1940-45"
by Piero Crociani it is written that the two "Arditi" destroyed and/or damaged 2 x B-24 and 2 x Wellingtons.

Regards,

Leendert

[fabriziogttf]

Dear Leendert,
thanks for the reply.
The attack on Benina airports was part of a larger operation interesting several allied airbases in North Africa; fourteen squads of “arditi” (the Italian equivalent of British commandos) were planned to be dropped, four of 10. Reggimento Arditi of the Royal Italian Army and ten of Battaglione ADRA (Arditi Distruttori Regia Aeronautica) of the Royal Italian Air Force. Benina 1 and 2 were the target for three team of ADRA and one Team of 10. Arditi. Eight teams from ADRA and three from 10. Arditi were dropped on the night 13th/14th. It seems that only two ADRAs succeeded to enter Benina North during the night between 18th and 19th (not 20th, I was wrong): they were captured on June, 20th, after a short clash where one of them was wounded. They claimed to have mined 20-25 airplanes.
According to reports from AFHRA archives (Maxwell AFB) two B24 of 98th BG were destroyed (one of them was "Arkansas Traveller") and two US airmen were KIA: the date is indicated either on 20th or 23rd (the latter is probably a mistake). The interesting fact (also partly mentioned in the book of Prof. Crociani) is that 8 Wellington on Berca (19 km from Benina North) were destroyed during the same night. I'm trying to understand the circumstances and, as a first step, the squadron of which they were part.
Thanks in advance, Fabrizio.