RAF Gambut


RAF Gambut 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

Gambiut was an airfield of Regia Aeronautica.
Axis forces re-captured Gambut on 17 June 1941, after the Battle of [Tobruk (1941)|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 4th [Infantry Brigade (New Zealand)|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, this being the main airfield, Gambut 2, Gambut 3, Gambut West/Gambut 4, Gambut 5 and Gambut 6.
RAF DesignationNo. DesignationLocation
Gambut Main LG-139
Gambut No. 2LG-142
Gambut No. 3LG-143
Gambut Comms No. 4LG-156
Gambut No. 5LG-159
Gambut No. 6LG-158

Major units assigned

; Commonwealth air forces
Gambut Main
;Units
  • Squadrons
  • HQ, 239 Wing
  • HQ, 243 Wing
  • HQ, 233 Wing
  • HO, 223 Wing
Gambut
;Units
  • Squadrons
  • HQ, 233 Wing
Gambut
;Units
  • Squadrons
  • HQ, 235 Wing
Gambut West
;Units
  • Squadrons
  • HQ, 285 Wing
; United States Army Air Forces