El Daba Airfield Complex

Mumin Busak Airfield On 2-3 July, 1942, the first Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica squadrons arrived at Mumin Busak Airfield. It composed of a natural desert surface landing ground with 4 level and graded landing strips. On 2 July, 1942, the I. Gruppe of Jadgeschwader 27 arrived, and flew multiple combat missions in support of the Axis-led Battle of El Alamein. The squadron included fighter ace Günter Steinhausen, who claimed multiple Allied aircraft during missions flown from the airfield. Jagdgeschwader 27 had also based its headquarters at Mumin Busak Airfield, with a total of 4 Bf 109 fighters out of the 92 assigned to the headquarters. Throughout the first half of July 1942, the airfield operated as a forward fighter base by the Luftwaffe. However, immediately after occupation, daily attacks were launched by Allied bombers and fighter-bombers beginning on 4 July. On 5 July, an Allied low-level attack destroyed one Bf 109 F-4 of the III./JG 27, and one C.202 fighter from the 6° Gruppo CT, both of which were on the ground. On 6 July, it was bombed and strafed by Kittyhawks, destroying one Bf 109 F-4 and one C.202 on the ground. On 13 July, the airfield was bombed again, rendering one Bf 109 F-4 unserviceable. On 4-5 November, 1942, El Daba Airfield Complex was re-captured by advancing British and Commonwealth troops. El Daba Süd El Daba Süd, designated as LG-24, operated as a satellite landing ground. It consisted of a natural hard sand and clay surfaced landing ground measuring 1145 x 730 meters, which would become unserviceable after rain. Fuel and ammunition were brought in from the main airfield when needed and there were dispersal space for aircraft. El Daba West El Daba West, designated as LG-22, operated as a satellite landing ground. == Facilities ==