RAIDS IN DESERT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 51, 10 December 1940, Page 5

RAIDS IN DESERT.

SEVERAL BRITISH ATTACKS.

DAMAGE AT AERODROMES.

(Received This Day, 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, December 9.

A ■communique issued by Royal Ad’ Force Headquarters in the Middle East says: “In the Western Desert, bomber aircraft of the Royal Air Force attacked Benina aerodrome on Sunday night. One hangar was burnt out and three other fires were started. Incendiary and high-explosive bombs also fell among aircraft dispersed north of the hangars. A large number are believed to have been damaged. One enemy aircraft was set on fire. i

. .“Aircraft of the Rhodesian Squadron carried out' a bombing attack on Adardeb, in Italian East Africa, a direct hit being registered on a ma-chine-gun post and a .number of fires started. Bombs also fell among stores and dumps. A. second machine-gun post was silenced by machine-gun fire from . our aircraft.

“During the raid on Asmara on Saturday a fire was caused and. aerodrome and hangars were hit. At Burria, in Italian East,, Afncfti.a. bomb burst among sheds, starting a large petrol fire. Enemy fighters were intercepted during--the. raid and one of our aircraft was down, tlie crew being seen es-, caping by. parachute,”—rßritish Official Wireless.

BRITISH TAKE 500 PRISONERS.

PATROLS AND ARTILLERY.

(Received This Bay, 10,10 a.m.) LONDON, December 9

A communique-issued at Cairo today states: “In the western desert advanced elements, of our forces are snow in contact with the enemy on a. broad .front. In an engagement south of Sidi Barrani we ' captured 500 prisoners. Last night our patrols continued extensive activities' in the Gallabat area of the Sudan, while our artillery again successfully engaged enemy targets. There is nothing to report from other fronts.”—British Official ’Wireless.