B-25 Mitchell of the 81st BS 12th BG over africa desert
The 12th Bomb Group (BG) played a crucial role in the North African Campaign during World War II, particularly in the battles leading up to and including the pivotal Battle of El Alamein. The group made its combat debut on 31 August 1942 during the Battle of Alam Haifa, which was a key part of the broader struggle to repel Erwin Rommel’s forces from Egypt.
The Battle of Alam Haifa and Initial Operations
Rommel, desperate to break through the British defenses at El Alamein and seize the Alam Haifa Ridge, encountered significant challenges, including a lack of fuel and supplies, which hampered the effectiveness of his armored divisions. The 12th BG’s B-25 bombers participated in a series of air attacks against the German forces, contributing to the intense bombardment that Rommel himself described as a “bomb carpet.” These air assaults played a critical role in stalling the German advance and ultimately forcing a retreat. The effectiveness of the 12th BG’s bombing runs was acknowledged by Air Vice-Marshal Coningham, who praised the group’s contribution to what was considered a record day of bombing.
Following their success in daytime raids, the 12th BG was tasked with night bombing missions, targeting key locations such as Matruh and Axis airfields at Daba and Fuka. However, these night operations were fraught with challenges, particularly due to the poor flame-damping of the B-25’s Wright R-2600 engines, which made the aircraft highly visible to enemy groundfire. Despite this, the group adapted by varying their bombing altitudes and employing precise timing tactics to minimize losses during these perilous night operations.
The Battle of El Alamein
As part of the build-up to the Second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942, the 12th BG was relocated to Landing Ground 88 (LG 88), closer to their intended targets. Their efforts were part of a larger strategy to weaken Rommel’s forces by targeting Axis aircraft on the ground and disrupting supply lines. Despite the harsh conditions, including a severe sandstorm that hampered their operations, the 12th BG continued to execute their missions effectively.
During the battle itself, which began on 23 October 1942, the 12th BG’s B-25s were heavily involved in the Allied air offensive. Operating from LG 88, they conducted a relentless bombing campaign, flying multiple missions daily to target Rommel’s tanks, trucks, and artillery. On 24 October, the group set a record by flying seven missions in a single day, dropping over 96,000 pounds of bombs, aiming to cripple the Axis forces’ offensive capabilities.
Post-El Alamein Operations and the Tunisian Campaign
After the Battle of El Alamein, as Rommel’s forces retreated across North Africa, the 12th BG continued to play a vital role in disrupting Axis supply lines and communications. Their B-25s, often operating under challenging conditions, including a shortage of ground transport, were forced to carry their own bombs to the frontlines. The group also participated in bombing missions in Crete and contributed to the final phases of the Libyan campaign, which concluded with the Axis defeat in January 1943.
The successful operations of the 12th BG during this period helped turn the tide in North Africa, paving the way for the eventual Allied victory in the region and setting the stage for the subsequent Tunisian Campaign.