AIR RAIDING IN AFRICA

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 226, 19 June 1940, Page 9

AIR RAIDING IN AFRICA

Egyptian Casualties ITALIAN LAND FORCE ROUTED Successful British Attacks (British Official Wireless and Press Assn.) LONDON, June 17. An official communique states that Italian planes bombed Solum, Sidi-Barrari, and Mersa-Matruh. Four Egyptian soldiers were killed and six wounded, eight civilians killed, and eight Royal Engineers wounded. Mersa-Matruh was again bombed in the afternoon. The correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph" with the British Forces in the western desert says: “Our armoured units routed Italians who were observed on the night of June 16 bringing up armoured reinforcements to the frontier south of Solum. We captured 11 tanks, three guns, and two senior officers." A communique issued by the headquarters of the East African Air Force at Nairobi, states: “The South African Air Force on June 14 did great damage to military targets .at the Bardera aerodrome, obtaining direct hits. Reconnaissance planes over South Somaliland reported no enemy movements. “The enemy twice bombed Majir, in British Moyale, Kenya. There were no casualties and no damage. Italian bombers on June 13 destroyed 1500 gallons of petrol at the Wajir aerodrome. “British troops on June 14 and la raided Italian Moyale and entered six abandoned posts. Three native soldiers were found dead. The Italian neglect to ’bury their dead has aroused resentment and horror among Mohammedans.” Raid on Tobruk. A Royal Air Force communique issued in Cairo states: “Most successful raids have been carried out on the Italian naval and air base at Tobruk in Libya. Displaying great determination, our airmen persisted in their raids despite heavy anti-aircraft fire, until extensive damage had been done to an ammunition and petrol dump. There were several explosions, and much black smoke was seen when our aircraft left the target. In the same area raids were carried out at El Aden and El Gubbi with some success. All our aircraft returned safely. “Further attacks on Diredawa, in Abyssinia, and Macaacs, in Eritrea, were made by our bombers. At Diredawa a large hangar was set on fire and one Italian bomber burst into flames following a direct hit. One enemy fighter who tried to intercept our aircraft was hit and is believed to have been shot down. The machine dived at great speed with smoke belching out. “Attacks carried out by the South African Air Force on Italian East Africa have caused damage to eight enemy aircraft on the ground. Fighters tried to take off, but gave, up the attempt owing to fierce machine-gun fire from the raiding aircraft. Military Camp Bombed. “Aircraft and a military, camp at Mega, in Abyssinia, were raided, and several direct hits registered. Troops in the military camp were bombed and a machine-gun'post silenced. All our aircraft are safe. “Armoured cars and lorries, were destroyed and troops dispersed in the Moyale area by R.A.F. bombers. One machine-gun post was silenced. All our aircraft returned safely. “Our lighters near Malta engaged five Ileinkcls, which released their bombs and made off. No damage was done. 1 ’ A war communique issued m Rome states: “Italian planes bombed Malta, Corsica and Tunisia. Enemy planes continue to bomb Italian cities in night raids. One British plane was shot down. . . “Reconnoitring actiou in the Alps has greatly increased. “In North Africa aerial, naval, and land action against the British is in full development. “In East Africa there has been increased air activity against air and naval bases in the Sudan and Kenya. Enemy raids have caused slight damage to military objectives,. including slight damage to the Addis AbabaJibuti railway at Diredawa.”

EGYPT’S ATTITUDE

Raids Regarded As Border Incidents i LONDON, June 17. The Egyptian Premier, Aly Maher Pasha, stated in Cairo that the Italian air raids on Egyptian border posts could be regarded as frontier incidents which so far could be settled diplomatically. . Moreover, the Governments definition of Egypt’s attitude, he said, was not communicated to Italy til'- Jnne 15, therefore Italy had not had time Io give the necessary instructions to those responsible for the skirmishes.

UNION CO-OPERATION

Australian War Effort Plan MELBOURNE, June 18. The Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies, has received from Hie Amalgamated Engineering Union a plan for lull union co-operation in the war effort. The ixmder of the Opposition. Mr. Curtin, told the Victorian conference of Hie Labour Party that he did not favour Labour participation in a National Government, but lie said that Ihe Federal Par! la met nary Party should be given authority to co-operate fully with the Government on war measures.

LITTLE AIR ACTIVITY

. British Otlirinl W >r<-les>., RUGBY, June 17. An Air Ministry communique tonight states: “Owing to adverse weather conditions during the last. 2-1 hours air activities have again l>een greatly restricted. Aircraft, of Hie Coastal Command carried out routine patrols mid provided convoy escorts as usual. The Aircraft Fighter Command also carried out patrols, but no enemy aircraft wore encountered.”