In use 1941–1944 | ||
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Battles/wars World War IIWestern Desert Campaign Controlled by Luftwaffe (1941–1942), Royal Air Force (1942–1944), Ninth Air Force (1942–1943) | ||
RAF Gambut (or RAF Kambut) is a complex of six abandoned military airfields in Libya, located about 5 kilometres (3 mi) north-northeast of the village of Kambut, and 50 kilometres (31 mi) east-south-east of Tobruk. During World War II, the complex was an important facility, used by the Royal Air Force and a large number of RAF squadrons were based there for a time.
Contents
History
Axis forces captured Gambut on 17 June 1941, after the Battle of Tobruk. This was a significant blow to the Allies as the airfield had been used to provide air-support to the Allied forces besieged at Tobruk. The airfield saw use by the German Luftwaffe until its recapture by the New Zealand 4th Infantry Brigade on 25 November.
Today the remains of the airfields – deteriorating under the desert sands – are visible on aerial photographs.
Airfields at Gambut
This station consisted of six airfields known as Gambut 1 (LG139), this being the main airfield, Gambut 2 (LG142), Gambut 3 (LG143), Gambut West/Gambut 4 (LG156), Gambut 5 (LG159) and Gambut 6 (LG158). [1]
Major units assigned
Gambut Main (No.1)
Gambut (No.2)
Gambut (No.3)
Gambut West