HAVOC IN DESERT

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 59, 3 December 1941, Page 7

HAVOC IN DESERT

Powerful Operations By R.A.F. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 1. A Royal Air Force communique issued in Cairo states: “In close co-opera-tion with the Imperial land forces, our bomber and fighter aircraft carried out a series of successful operations in Libya yesterday, in the course of which 18 enemy aircraft were destroyed and considerable damage was inflicted on enemy columns in the battle area. “Over Bir el Gobi a combined force of R.A.F. and S.A.A.F. fighters intercepted a formation of enemy machines. In the aerial battle which followed six Gso’s, six Macchi C2oo’s, and three Junkers 88's were shot down and many other enemy aircraft were severely damaged. Three of our fighters were lost, but all the pilots are safe. “Further forces of our fighters attacked the landing ground at Martuba, where two aircraft were destroyed on the ground and others damaged. An ammunition dump and tents were hit, and casualties were inflicted on enemy personnel. Vehicles on the road near Martuba were also effectively machine-gunned. “In the Sidi Rezegh and El Duda regions, as well as along the road from El Adem to El Duda, heavy bombing raids were made on columns of enemy motor transport. Many vehicles were destroyed and overturned, and explosions and fires were observed. “In an attempt'by enemy aircraft to raid one of our landing grounds a Junkers 88 was shot down and the three members of the crew were captured.

“On the night of November 29 bomber aircraft raided Benghazi and Derna. At Benghazi bombs burst on the moles, while at Derna hits were obtained on the aerodrome.

“With the exception of the three fighters mentioned above, all our aircraft returned safely.”