SARDINIA RAID

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 180, 1 August 1941, Page 7

SARDINIA RAID

R.A.F. DESTRUCTION Italian Sea And Land Planes Burned Out British olllcial Wm-i.-ss. Rec. 2 p.m. RUGBY, July 31. An R.A.F. Middle East communique states: "The R.A.F. carried out a successful attack on an enemy aerodrome and seaplane base in Sardinia yesterday. Considerable destruction was caused to enemy aircraft. Two Savois /0 and three Cant. 300"s were .set on fire and burned cut. while several other Savoias 70 and a number of seaplanes were heavily damaged.

R.A.F.

"In addition, many other aircraft were riddled with fire from our aircraft, which sprayed the interiors of the hangars with their Runs. In a seaplane hangar a large lire was started. A great column of smoke being visible for 20 miles rose from what appeared to be a burning aircraft. The crew of a heavy' gun which came into action was machinegunned, all members apparently being killed.

"One Macchi 200. which attempted to intercept the raiders, was driven off. The Ii.A.F. formation also encountered one four-engined transport aircraft over the sea and attacked it. setting fire to one of its engines and putting another out of action. The enemy aircraft was last seen descending towards the sea. There is nothing to report elsewhere."

A Cairo headquarters communique states that during yesterday afternoon the enemy attacked a~ British forward observation point at the junction of the perimeter in the south-east of Tobruk. They were driven off by artillery fire, leaving one wounded man in British hands.

"During the night our patrolling activity was continued, but no contact was made with the enemy," adds the report. "In the frontier area an Italian fighter made a forced landing and the pilot surrendered.

"Vichy forces in Syria have now handed over all field artillery and fixed guns to the Allied troops."