R.A.F. CO-OPERATION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20571, 3 June 1941, Page 6

R.A.F. CO-OPERATION

AID IN EVACUATION ATTACKS ON ENEMY (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 2 p.m. RUGBY, June 2. A communique issued at headquarters of the Royal Air Force in the Middle East states: —“In the Mediterranean large formations of fighting aircraft of the Royal Air Force and the South African Air Force continued protective patrol throughout yesterday over British ships and merchant vessels engaged in the evacuation of our troops from Crete. “Enemy aircraft were repeatedly intercepted and many were attacked. Several others, including four S 70’s and three JU 88’s, were compelled to retire before they had time to make an attack. On the previous day a Cant 107 and a ME 110 were destroyed by our patrols while on similar duty. These are in addition to the seven enemy aircraft claimed in yesterday’s communique. "During the night of June 1 our heavy bombers attacked aerodromes at Malemi and Heraklion in Crete. Several fires were started and four enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground at Malemi. A number of others are believed to have been desti'oyed at Palmyro. In addition to these protective and bombing activities wnich have taken place throughout the whole peri- d of the evacuation, a number of our bombers have been engaged in dropping medical supplies and food lo isolated bodies of our troops in Crete.”