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 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, 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
Gambut
;Units
Gambut
;Units
Gambut West
;Units
; United States Army Air Forces