BRITISH PLANES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20625, 28 November 1941, Page 6

BRITISH PLANES

TOLL IN LIBYA AID TO LAND UNITS BOMBING OF TANKS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. noon. RUGBY, Nov. 27. A communique issued by Royal Air Force Headquarters in the Middle East states: "Further eflective raids on concentrations of enemy tanks, armoured fighting vehicles and motor transports in the battle area in Libya were carried out by our bomber aircraft yesterday. In the neighbourhood of El Adorn and Sidi Omar bombs burst among tanks and troops, and during the attacks on one of the enemy columns a number of ammunition lorries were blown up. Other bombing raids, in which Free French bombers took part, were made along the Trigh-Capuzzo road and in the Duda district. Many fires broke, out when direct hits were scored on a group of tanks, vehicles and troops, and among scattered columns of motor transports. Messerscliniitts Downed “Air support was given ;to land operations. Over the battle area, our fighters encountered a force of Messerschmitt 109 fighters, and shot down two of them. Other enemy aircraft were damaged. Details are now available of aerial combats which took place over Sidi Rezegh on Tuesday. Four Messerschmitf 110 s, one 109 and one CR 42, two G 50’s fighters were definitely destroyed, while many other enemy aircraft were badly damaged. In this engagement we lost two fighters.

“Motor transports on the coastal road of the Gulf of Sirte were attacked by our bombers yesterday. Petrol tankers and lorries were either destroyed or put out of action. Enemy aircraft which attempted to intercept our bombers were driven off. During Tuesday night bombers attacked shipping in Benghazi harbour. A direct hit was obtained on the outer mole. In addition to the two figters mentioned, five of our aircraft are missing."