HEAVY RAID ON ALEXANDRIA

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23349, 7 June 1941, Page 9

HEAVY RAID ON ALEXANDRIA

FIRST BIG GERMAN AIR ATTACK \ R.A.F. BOMBS BENGHAZI (Received June 6, 7 p.m.) LONDON, June 5. Alexandria last night had its first big air raid of the war. High-explosive and incendiary bombs were dropped by the raiders. The Egyptian Minister for the Interior announced that more than 100 persons were killed and 200 injured, but the full extent of the casualties and of the damage done was not yet known. An agency report says that low-fly-ing aeroplanes plastered the thicklypopulated Arab districts, high-explo-sives and inc&ndiaries killing 150 persons and injuring more than 200, and destroying many homes. Anti-aircraft guns and coastal and warships’ guns put up a terrific barrage. The Egyptian Government has given £3OOO for, the relief of victims. The German aeroplanes are believed to have come from the new Nazi bases in Crete. A communique issued at British headquarters in Cairo to-day states: “There is nothing of importance to report.” A Royal Air Force communique from the Middle East states: “During the night of June 3-4, heavy bombers of the Royal Air Force carried out another successful raid on the harbour at Benghazi and also on the nearby aerodrome. Considerable damage was caused on the central mole. Fires were observed at the base of the Cathedral mole, and heavy explosions were caused on and- near the aerodrome. One Fiat fighter which attempted t to intercept qur aircraft was shot down. , , “During the same night, the aerodrome at Maritza, on the island of Rhodes, was raided. Direct hits were registered on hangars, causing violent explosion's, and a number of bombs fell among dispersed aircraft. “Off the Libyan coast our fighter aircraft, providing protection for patrol ships, engaged and drove off a superior number of Messerscnmitt 109's, damaging several. “Bombing and machine-gunning continue on the few positions still in the hands of the enemy in Abyssinia. In the Cosoia area, several small concentrations of troops lit fires and waved white flags when attacked by South African fighters. . . . , “Malta was raided during the night of June 3-4. Some bombs were dropped, but there were no casualties or damage. A number of Messerschmitt 109’s which approached the island yesterday morning -were driven off by our fighters. “From all operatibns in the period under review, one of pur aircraft is missing.” Transfer of U.S. Coast Guards.—The United States Secretary of the Treasury (Mr Henry Morgenthau jun.) disclosed that the Coast Guard is transferring 3000 sailors to the Navy for transport duties.— Washington, June 5.