SHIPS DESTROYED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 121, 24 May 1941, Page 9

SHIPS DESTROYED

SUBMARINES' SUCCESS Heavy Bombing In Libya By Royal Air Force Britis.. Official Wireless. Rec. 1 p.m. RUGBY, May 23. An Admiraltv communique states that a troopship of about 9000 tons and a tanker of about 7000 tons, have been sunk by British submarines off Libya. An Italian destroyer was hit by a torpedo, and it is considered probable it was also sunk. In addition, a large schooner of the type used for ammunition carrying, has been sunk and a somewhat smaller schooner shelled at anchor and hit several times.

The Cairo headquarters communique states that in both the Tobruk and Solium areas British patrols were again active, in Abyssinia the battle of the Lakes continues to develop satisfactorily.

A Royal Air Force Middle East communique says: "Fighter aircraft successfully attacked motor transport convoys in the Capuzzo area yesterday. Many lorries were destroyed and others damaged. Other aircraft bombed camp and gun positions in the same area. During the previous night targets near Barce were bombed.

"Our bombers made a heavy and successful attack on German-occu-pied aerodromes in Greece on Tuesday night. At Eleuis bombs were seen to burst among aircraft on the ground and a fire was started. At Menidi the results were not observed."

It is announced from the Western Desert that a British patrol "scuppered" a small German force which established itself on Tuesday at a point on the extreme north-western edge of the coastal plain near Solium.

A Cairo communique states that at Tobruk there is nothing of importance to report. In the Solium area during Tuesday night advanced elements of British mechanised troops destroyed an enemv post on Solium hill, knocking out 'three German tanks. Patrols in this area are continuing vigorous aggressive activities.