ENEMY SHIPS SUNK BY R.A.F. NEAR TRIPOLI

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 165, 15 July 1941, Page 7

ENEMY SHIPS SUNK BY R.A.F. NEAR TRIPOLI

STRONG ATTACK

Bombers Cause Havoc On Axis Dromes British Ofik-lul Win-lrss. Rec. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY. July M. R.A.F. headquarters in the Middle Last, in the latest communique says bomber aircraft carried out successful attacks on an enemy convoy outside Tripoli, in Libya yesterday. A 7000-ton ship was hit and set on fire and destroyed. Huge columns of black smoke rose to a great height from the vessel. One three-masted schooner, apparently carrying oil or munitions, blew up when hit by a bomb.

Another 1000-ton vessel was hit and seen burning steadily. Several large bombs were also dropped on ships inside the harbour. On the night of July 11-12 R.A.F. heavy bombers attacked the harbour at Bengasi and the aerodrome at Derna. A Junkers 88 was shot down by an R.A.F. fighter off the Libyan coast oa July

During the night of July 12-13, R.A.F. heavy bombers raided an enemy aerodrome on the island of Rhodes, at Calato. Bombs fell on the landing ground and dispersal area, causing explosions and fires. At Haritza aerodrome, buildings and hangars were hit and left burning strongly. A number of heavy explosions were caused among dispersed aircraft, which are believed to have been destroyed. A forest to the east of the aerodrome was left burning. Fires and explosions were also caused on the aerodrome at Kattavia. PYom these operations all the British aircraft returned safely.