RHODES BOMBED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 137, 12 June 1941, Page 7

RHODES BOMBED

PETROL, AERODROMES

R.A.F. Gives Powerful Support In Syria British Official Wireless. Rec. 1.30 p.pi. RUGBY, June 11. Strong R.A.P. attacks on enemy objectives of many kinds continue in the various Mediterranean theatres of war. To-day's R.A.F. Middle East communique states: "Heavy and successful attacks were made by R.A.F. bombers on enemy aerodromes on the Island of Rhodes last night and the preceding night. At Calato a large petrol fire was started and two enemy aircraft wer*e burned out. A number of others were destroyed or damaged by bombs, which caused explosions and fires in the dispersal area. "In North Africa the harbour at Bengasi was again raided. Hits were made on a ship and the Julian mole. The nearby aerodrome of Benina was also bombed, and the landing grounds at Derna, Gambut and Gazala were attacked. At Gazala bombs fell among a concentration of aircraft, damaging a number. One of our heavy bombers also machinegunned enemy aircraft at Gazala and started several fires among them. "Fighter aircraft machine-gunned a convey of enemy motor transport between Barce and Derna, destroying about 30 vehicles, mostly large tankers. "In Syria and Palestine the R.A.F. continued to give full support to the advance of British and French ground troops. A bombing attack was made on the aerodrome at Palmyra, direct hits being obtained on hangars. Haifa had two air raid alarms yesterday, one enemy aircraft being shot down. A German ail-craft which attempted to reconnoitre Alexandria was shot down by our fighters. None of our aircraft is missing from these operations." A communique issued by British General Headquarters in Cairo states: "There is nothing of importance to report in Libya. In Abyssinia operations in the Jimma area are proceeding satisfactorily. Iraq is all quiet." In Egypt there have been more air raids on TobruK and increased activity in the Halfayea area. In Abyssinia there has been little further advance, road blocks and heavy rains slowing operations down.