MANY EXPLOSIONS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 169, 19 July 1941, Page 7

MANY EXPLOSIONS

TRIPOLI, BENGASI

Derna Also Heavily Hit By

R.A.F. Bombers British Official Wlrcios. Rec. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY, July is. The R.A.F. Middle East communique says that R.A.F. heavv bombers carried out heavy attacks on the harbours of Bengasi. Tripoli and other enemv positions during the nights of July 15, 16 and 17. At Tripoli msny hits were observed on the Spanish quay, and were followed by a number of explosions, one of which, it is believed, to have been on an enemy merchant vessel. In a later raid by aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm one 6000-ton tanker was torpedoed amidships and became enveloped in black smoke. A violent explosion occurred after several bombs had hit the Spanish mole. At Bengasi several tons of bombs were dropped on the quays, coal store, railway workshops and sheds. Successful results were also obtained at Derna where bombs were seen to drop on the port, near the post and telegraph office, the barracks, electric power stations and military transport garages and repair shops. A large number of explosions and fires followed the attack. Huts and tents were set on fire at Bardia. A large formation of Italian Macchi aircraft, 200 of which flew over Malta yesterday morning, was intercepted by R.A.F". fighters. Two of them were shot down and a number of others were damaged. Two British aircraft are missing.

ARRIVAL IN EGYPT

SOUTH AFRICANS WELCOMED

Rec. 2 p.m. LONDON, July 18. The following messages have been exchanged between the British and South African Governments on the occasion of the arrival of Union forces in North Africa:— "His Majesty's Government is nappy to welcome the safe arrival of further Union forces in North Africa. The historic achievements of the South African forces in the victorious East Africa campaign have already given the enemy and the world the clearest proof "of the fighting qualities of the South Africans. We know their comrades who now come to join the forces from other parts of the British Commonwealth in defending, in Egypt, the African frontier against aggression will give equal evidence of valour and skill in the art of war." The South African Government telegraphed: "His Majesty's Government in the Union appreciates the expression of welcome to Union troops in North Africa, and the tributes paid to their achievements in the East African campaign. We are confident the Springboks will continue to uphold, in the new theatre of war, the reputation won in that campaign. We also wish to express our sincere thanks to you, not only for the safe convoy to the new destination, but also for the unstinted way in which you made up deficiencies in their equipment. The comradeship-in-arms now being cemented between the forces of the British Commonwealth of Nations will not only serve our common cause in this war, but will help to broaden and deepen the foundations of free co-operation between our peoples in the happier era that will follow this mortal struggle."