RAF Gambut

RAF Gambut (or RAF Kambut) is a complex of six abandoned military airfields in Libya, located about 5 km north-northeast of the village of Kambut, and 50 km east-southeast of Tobruk.

During World War II, the complex was an important facility, used by the Royal Air Force. A large number of RAF squadrons were based there for a time.

Axis forces captured Gambut on the 17th 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 the 25 November.

The USAAF Ninth Air Force 376th Bombardment Group used the airfield between 3 January and 22 February 1943.

Today the remains of the airfields – deteriorating under the desert sands – are visible on aerial photographs.