DEEP IN LIBYA

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 45, 23 February 1942, Page 5

DEEP IN LIBYA

BRITISH REACH MSUS Fighters Active Over Forward Patrols Brttiish Ofllcaal Wireless. Rec. 2 p.m. RUGBY, Feb. 22. ~ _ TnG Cairo communique says: Our fighting patrols yesterday again ■ engaged some parties of the enemy east of the Tmimi-Mekili track, but the enemy withdrew after an exchange of artillery fire. No change us reported about Mekili, which the enemy appears to hold in considerable strength. To the south-west a patrol of the Royals—an armoured car regiment, formerly the Royal Dragoons— penetrated as far as Msus, 75 miles south-east of Ben-

gasi, where they destroyed enemy vehicles and captured prisoners.

Improved weather enabled our air forces to provide fighter protection throughout the day for land operations in the forward area."

The Middle East headquarters of the R.A.P. reported that fighter aircraft of the R.A.F. resumed offensive operations in the forward area in Cyrenaica yesterday. Formations of Messerschmitts 109 were intercepted over Gazala and one was shot down.

In the same region another Messerschmitt 109 was shot down by anti-aircraft gunfire.

Enemy aircraft continued their raids on Malta on Friday night and again yesterday. Some damage and casualties are reported. At least one enemy bomber was intercepted and severely damaged by our fighters. Three of our planes are missing but all the pilots are safe. MANY ALERTS REPEATED RAIDS ON MAI/TA Rec. 11 a.m. RUGBY, Feb. 22. Malta had 11 alerts during 24 hours ending yesterday evening according to Press messages. During four alerts on Friday night a small number of enemy aircraft dropped bombs but there were no casualties or damage. Yesterday there were seven alerts. Enemy bombers were over the island and caused slight damage to civilian property.