NO RESPITE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 310, 31 December 1940, Page 8

NO RESPITE.

R.A.F/S GOOD WORK. Raids On Albania And Africa. (Revd. 2 p.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 30. The Royal Air Force is giving Italy no respite in the Mediterranean theatres of Avar. Valona Avas attacked for the 21st and 22nd time by British bombers, states a Royal Air Foree Middle East communique. It adde tfliait during the first raid 'bonubs were seen to explode among a ■transport and troops jnovinjg on the road near the jetty, and a large warethouse wa* set on fire. Heavy antiaircraft fire was experienced and enemy ..fightere intercepted, resulting in jan engagement 'lasting fifteen minutes. One British, plane .was s'hqit down and two Miemibera of the crew were seen to make 'parachute descents. The second raid was carried out in l)ad weather, ibut direct hits were registered on the road leading to the North jetty. Buildings were hit and a number of bombs were observed to burst (between motor transport parks and milirtary stores. Two cargo boats, a merchantman ami a cruiser were macthineigunned. On the return flight a formation of enemy bomlbers wae seen and fired at, .but' the enemy escaped in cloud cover before the results were observed. In itlh© Western Desert enemy landing grounds at. Tmimd, Derna and Gamla ■were raided by R.A.P. bombers yesterday. Fires were started at Tmwni, and dispensed aircraft were attacked, but .the full extent' of. 'tihe damage could not ibe' olbserved. ' - . .* - . At G&zaAa and Derma ibomlbs straddled i Ithe, target." . Britieih fighters continued' offensive patrols, ibtat no contact wae made with enemy aircraft.

In Italian Bast Africa a raid was carried out on motor transport repair ■work whops near ]>ees.ie.