AIR FORCE'S PART

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 17, 20 July 1942, Page 5

AIR FORCE'S PART

HEAVY PRESSURE ON THE ENEMY

RUGBY, July 18. The Allied air force in Egypt continued its heavy pressure on the enemy yesterday. The Air Ministry news service says that in three attacks on enemy transport pilots saw five hits, which caused considerable damage. Violent explosions were heard, and a number of fires were seen. Fighterbombers concentrated on similar targets with success. A tank, a petrol station, and a number of vehicles were destroyed, others being damaged. There was a noticeable increase in Italian air activity over the desert. Heavy bombers of the R.A.F. and United States army made daylight attacks on enemy supply shipping in the North African harbours of Tobruk, Bardia, and Bomba. At Tobruk direct hits were scored on a large supply ship and a tanker, which was set on fire. A smaller ship at Bomba received a direct hit. A news agency correspondent states that many thousands of gallons of petrol were destroyed by naval aircraft at Mersa Matruh on Friday night. Aircraft dived on the dump and dropped incendiaries which started a fire that could be seen many miles away. The petrol had just been unloaded, and near-misses were made by a petrol ship in the harbour. Meanwhile, pother naval squadrons bombed heavy conceiritrations of enemy tanks ancTlransports: behind the German lines. South-west of El Elamein they put sticks of bombs across some 2000 vehicles, starting numerous fires.— 8.0. W.