AIR ARM STRIKES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 93, 19 April 1940, Page 7

AIR ARM STRIKES.

SUSTAINED VIGOUR.

Harassing Operations On Norwegian Coast. HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL WORK. United Prese Association.— Copyright. (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, April 18. An official statement says the R.A.F. last night made two attacks on Stavanger aerodrome and several points of the Norwegian coast. Direct hits were observed on runways in the first raid on Stavanger and bombs were seen to burst among transport 'planes lying on the south-west side of the aerodrome. The attack lasted an hour.

In addition to 'planes destroyed on the ground, two twin-engined aircraft are believed to have been shot down. Further damage ie reported in a second attack.

A low-level bombing attack was made against a submarine and one hit was observed. A eupply ship was aleo attacked. Three of the "planee failed to return.

The Admiralty communique says that during the last two days highly sueceseful operations were carried out by aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm. Enemy shipping was attacked off Bergen on Tuesday and one transport was sunk. In addition, a submarine on the surface was attacked and one hit was obtained.

The communique adds: "Our aircraft on Wednesday repeatedly engaged enemy aircraft endeavouring to attack ehipe returning from the bombardment of Stavanger aerodrome. One Heinkel and one Dornier flying boat were shot down, while two more Heinkels and another Dornier were damaged. All our aircraft returned safelv."

The cruiser announced yesterday to have been damaged by air attack after the ibombardment of an aerodrome has now reached its base.