RAID ON PALERMO
DAMAGE CAUSED TO SHIPPING.
ATTACKS ALSO IN SYRIA.
EXPLOSIVE FIRES AT ALEPPO.|
(United Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, July 7.
A Royal Air Force Middle East communique issued to-day states: “Bomber aircraft of the R.A.F. raided enemy shipping in the harbour at Palermo (Sicily) yesterday. The attack was particularly successful, heavy damage being inflicted on a number of vessels. Two bombs hit a ship of 8000 tons. Hits were also made on ships of 0000 and 2000 tons respectively. A ship of 1000 tons, which was set on fire by three bombs, emitted clouds of black smoke, accompanied by an explosion. Another 0000-ton ship was hit by incendiaries. “Pilots and roar-gunners of our aircraft heavily machine-gunned cruisers in the harbour. The attack caused great confusion and alarm, and the occupants of small craft were soon leaping into the water. When the raiders wer<» four miles away from the target explosions were still taking place near the dry dock. “Royal Air Force bomber and fighter aircraft continued actively to support the operations of our ground forces. “The aerodrome at Aleppo (Syria) was successfully attacked last night. Bombs fell on the runways and hangars, causing several fires and explosions. The same aerodrome was attacked several times during the previous night. Three aircraft were set on fire on the ground and a number of others damaged or destroyed by incendiary bombs and machine-gun fire. . “The harbour at Beirut was attacked last night, bombs being seen to fall near the barracks and railway sidings. Several targets in the neighbourhood of Damour were also attacked. Bombs straddled a. bridge and a gun battery. “Our fighters again attacked Vichy shipping in the harbour at Ruacl. “In Cyreuaica (Libya) during Saturday night heavy raids were made on the docks and shipping at Benghazi. Bombs fell on the moles, among railway sidings and an artillery park, and a number of fires were caused. British Official Wireless.
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Bibliographic details
Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 228, 9 July 1941, Page 3
Word Count
319RAID ON PALERMO Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 228, 9 July 1941, Page 3
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