RAF Gambut (or RAF Kambut) is a complex of six abandoned military airfields in Libya, located about north-northeast of the village of Kambut, and east-south-east of Tobruk. During World War II, the complex was an important facility, used by the Royal Air Force and many RAF squadrons were temporarily based there.

History Gambut was an airfield of Regia Aeronautica. Axis forces re-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 in the Siege of Tobruk. The airfield saw use by the 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 no longer 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).

+ RAF Designation No. Designation Location Gambut Main (No.1) LG-139 Gambut No. 2 LG-142 Gambut No. 3 LG-143 Gambut Comms No. 4 LG-156 Gambut No. 5 LG-159 Gambut No. 6 LG-158

Major units assigned

Commonwealth air forces (RAF except where stated.) Gambut Main (No.1) Units Squadrons 6, 11, 14, 33, 38, 45, 46, 47 55, 73, 80, 84 108, 112, 113, 145, 148, 162, 203, 208, 227, 229, 237, 238, 250, 252, 274, 294, 450 (RAAF), 454 (RAAF) HQ, 239 Wing (1 Mar – 17 Jun 1942, 14–15 Nov 1942) HQ, 243 Wing (May – 20 Jun 1942) HQ, 233 Wing (14–18 Nov 1942) HO, 223 Wing (SAAF) Gambut (No.2) Units Squadrons 73, 112, 250, 274, 450 (RAAF) HQ, 233 Wing (22 May – 28 Jun 1942) Gambut (No.3) Units Squadrons 14, 73, 117, 250, 294, 454 (RAAF), 459 (RAAF), 603 HQ, 235 Wing (3 Dec 1942 – 29 Feb 1944) Gambut West Units Squadrons 73, 92, 145, 208, 213, 238, 601 HQ, 285 Wing (14–20 Nov 1942)

United States Army Air Forces 12th Bombardment Group (North American B-25 Mitchell) 434th Bombardment Squadron 17 December 1942 – 16 February 1943 93d Bombardment Group 16–25 February 1943 (Consolidated B-24 Liberator) 409th Bombardment Squadron 16 Dec 1942 – 25 February 1943 376th Bombardment Group 10–25 February 1943 (B-24 Liberator) 57th Fighter Group 13–20 November 1942 (Curtiss P-40 Warhawk)

See also List of North African airfields during World War II

References Citations

Bibliography

External links

http://www.rafweb.org/Stations/Stations-G.htm German map of Gambut