LONG-RANGE AIR ONSLAUGHT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 109, 1 February 1941, Page 11

LONG-RANGE AIR ONSLAUGHT

Three-day Attack On Abyssinia SOUTH AFRICAN BLOW (British Official Wireless.) (Received January 31, 7 p.m.) RUGBY, January 30. Details of successful operations carried out by the South African Air Force on three successive days when they dealt a severe blow to the Italians without loss on their part reached London today. Pilots of two squadrons flew hundreds of miles across a wilderness inhabited by hostile natives over a distance somewhat longer than the R.A.F. have to cover when they bomb Berlin. Through fierce anti-aircraft lire six aircraft attacked a car park at Neghelli A few seconds later Haines were seen shooting 60 feet into the air, and a column of black smoke which yas visible 35 miles away rose to a height of GOOO feet as the result of direct hits on two buildings which are believed to have been petrol stores. Other bombs caused violent explosions and, on their way home, the pilots saw the car park, on which they counted 150 vehicles completely burnt out. , . The following day the South African Air Force paid Yavello its fifteenntli visit. At dawn the planes swooped down over the aerodrome and, despite strong opposition, destroyed a Caproni plant, damaged a runway witli direct hits, and machine-gunned other Capronis hidden in the bush. The full results of this particular venture could not be noted accurately because dust was 'rising like a cloud from the targot. Next morning the third and most successful raid was carried out by aircraft which penetrated 250 miles across the Abyssinian border and reached Sciasiamanni, halfway to Addis Ababa. As the immediate result of salvoes dropped on the landing field one Savoia was set on fire, two more completely gutted by direct hits, and the wing and tail of one Caproni machine broken off. A number of other Savoias were seriously damaged by bombs which exploded within 15 feet of them. After this, not content with having already inflicted great damage, _ the pilots bombed hutments and administrative buildings, three of which they left in flames. BATTLE IN TERRIFIC HEAT Work Of South Africans (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 30. Further details which are contained in a message from Nairobi of action at EL Yibo, over the soutli Abyssinian border, emphasize the brilliance of the operation under terrible conditions. Rougher and more desolate country it would be hard to imagine. Blinding light and terrific heat beat down on the dongas and ridges of hills composed of pitch-black lava which reflects the heat. A pilot who took part in the action said: “You could not sit. on the wings of the planes to refuel because the metal leadings from the edge burnt your trousers.” The action was the peak of a battle for which preparations had lasted all the previous day in temperatures rising to 135 degrees, yet the South Africans stood the heat better than the irregulars and showed great discipline in the use of water. Actually the supplies of water gave out early in the afternoon, but the fighting was continued, and after nightfall a volunteer party obtained water for all after losing their way and climbing halfway up a hill upon which tbo main defences of the enemy were concentrated. The action ended next day with the South African infantry charging the rocks with fixed bayonets and Zulu war cries, but the Italians had fled. RIOT REPORTERS Americans Penalized (Received January 31, 9.40 p.m.) LONDON. January 30. A Rome message says Unit the Belgrade correspondent of the Slefnni news agency stales that because they allegedly started Hie reports of disorders in Turin ami Milan the Yugoslav Government has deprived the correspondents of the "New York Times” and the Columbia Broadcasting system (he use of telephones for a week, while the Columbia man is also forbidden the facilities of the Belgrade radio station for three weeks. FRUITLESS AIK RAID ON SUEZ CANAL LONDON. January 31). There was .-in air raid on the Suez Caimi this morning. Some bombs were dropped, but no damage was caused, and there were no casualties. RECAPTURE OF A POST CLAIMED LONDON. January 30. A Rome communique states: "We repulsed attacks by Australian contingents and recaptured a post that they bad held. Some prisoners and weapons were taken.”