SUCCESSFUL ATTACKS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 252, 6 August 1941, Page 5

SUCCESSFUL ATTACKS.

AIR OPERATIONS IN CYRENAICA. SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT BOMBED.’ (Rec. 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 5. A Royal Air Force Middle East communique states: “Royal Air Force bombers carried out a number of successful operations in Cvrenaica during Sunday night. One formation attacked the port of Derna, causing considerable damage and starting a number of fires. Two buildings at the base of the mole were destroyed. Bombs were also dropped on the landing ground and one battery, which was silenced. “Other aircraft attacked the landing ground and dispersal area at Gazala, causing a series of explosions aiid several fires. Huts and a camp in the vicinity were machine-gunned from a few'' hundred feet. About 25 tents caught fire. The Martuba landing ground was also bombed, fires and explosions being observed among the dispersed aircraft. An attack was delivered on enemy shipping off the coast near Appollonia. Hits were made on one ship and possibly on another. Enemy merchant vessels were again attacked in the same area yesterday, and two are believed to have been'hit.

“Royal Air Force bombers carried out a successful attack on shipping in the harbour of Tripoli on Sunday. A merchant vessel of about 8000 tons Avas hit by a heavy bomb and violent explosion, followed, throwing a great quantity of wreckage info the air. Two direct hits were obtained on military buildings, Avhich Avere also machinegunned. “A reconnaissance of Reggio slioAved that in the attack reported in yesterday’s communique 10 Macchi 200’s and a'Breda 20 Avere destroyed, while about 20 more Macchis Avere damaged, several very badly. “From the above operations all our aircraft returned safely.”—British Official Wireless.