History
In early 1941, Arco Philanorum Airfield primarily operated as an advanced landing ground, and was also referred to as Marble Arch Airfield due to the location of the nearby Arch of the Philaeni. In March 1941, the airfield was used as for forward reconnaissance operations by the Luftwaffe, and a temporary station command was stationed. On 17 March, 1941, 10,000 liters of German N4 fuel were ordered and was trucked to the airfield for use by tactical reconnaissance aircraft from 2.(H)/Aufkl.Gr. 14. From December 1941 until January 1942, Arco Philanorum Airfield was used heavily used by Regia Aeronautica and the Luftwaffe during Operation Crusader, functioning as an air-superiority and bomber-escort base. The airfield was used as a command base for Fliegerführer Afrika, and also as a forward ground-attack base, launching dive-bomber operations against Allied formations due to its coastal location. Arco Philanorum Airfield was equipped with a firm and leveled, sand-surfaced landing ground measuring 1372 meters long and 1190 meters wide. There was no permanent infrastructure, however stocks of fuel were usually on hand. [1] On 28 January, 1942, Arco Philanorum Airfield was equipped with lights for night landings by aircraft operating from Greece and Crete, and was also defended by 3 light Flak positions. On 31 May, 1942, an airfield detachment was withdrawn and the airfield ceased use as an intermediate landing ground with emergency use only. [2] [3]
On 1 October, 1942, Arco Philanorum Airfield was reactivated and serviceable during the Axis retreat after El Alamein. On 15 November, 1942, a large scale airlift of fuel began from Brindisi and Lecce in southern Italy to Arco, utilizing Junkers Ju 52, Heinkel He 111, Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor, and Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 aircraft. During this time, Arco Philanorum played a role of rear-guard fighter defence and evacuation support for the airlift. On 8 December, 1942, one Bf 109 G-2 from 2./JG 77 was blown up to prevent capture, and the airfield was abandoned by the Germans. [2] [3] On 17 December, 1942, the 2nd New Zealand Division captured Arco Philanorum Airfield. [4]
RAF station
Following capture, the Royal Air Force (RAF) began using Arco Philanorum Airfield, and RAF Marble Arch was established. On 19 December, 1942, the Advance Party of the No. 211 Group arrived to prepare the airfield for RAF usage. On 21 December, 1942, the No. 40 Air Stores Park arrived, which handled logistical supplies for the airfield including ammunition and equipment. On 22 December , 1942, a communication unit for the Rear HQ arrived, which handled signals and reporting. On 23 December, 1942, the main party of the No. 211 Group RAF and the headquarters of the No. 285 Wing RAF arrived. RAF Marble Arch was likely serviceable by 18 December, 1942, and operational units began arriving. As the airfield was hastily constructed, one Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk of No. 450 Squadron RAAF was blown up and personnel were either wounded or killed from mines left behind by retreating Axis forces. On 1 August, 1945, the Marble Arch Station Headquarters (SHQ) was established from No. 16 Staging Post. On 31 October, 1945, the SHQ was disbanded and was reformed as RAF Unit, Marble Arch, and administrative functions of the station was transferred to C & M, AHQ Eastern Mediterranean. In April 1946, RAF Marble Arch was abandoned. [6]
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