PERSISTENT RAIDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20602, 1 November 1941, Page 6

PERSISTENT RAIDS

DAMAGE IN LIBYA ATTACK OVER CRETE DIRECT HIT ON SHIP (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1 p.m. RUGBY, Oct. 31 A Royal Air Force Middle East communique states: “On the night of October 29-30 heavy bombing attacks were carried out on Tripoli, Benghazi, Tmimi and Bardia, in Libya, and on Hefaklion and Suda Bay in Crete. “In the raid on Tripoli, direct hits were obtained on railway buildings, engine sheds and marshalling yards, and a fire of considerable dimensions broke out. At Benghazi, shipping in the harbour and harbour buildings were bombed. The landing-ground at Tmimi and shipping and encampments at Bardia were also successfully attacked.

“Bad weather was experienced by bombers that raided Heraklion and Suda Bay. Our aircraft located and bombed their targets, but full results could not be observed owing to cloud. A direct hit, however, was seen on one merchant ship, and a second ship was straddled by bombs.

“In the frontier area on Wednesday our fighters encountered a formation of Messerschmift 109 s. In the ensuing combat one enemy aircraft was shot down. On the same day aircraft o', the South African Air Force bombed objectives behind the enemy lines.

“From these and other operations six of our aircraft are missing.”