AIR OFFENSIVE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20859, 11 August 1942, Page 3

AIR OFFENSIVE

ALLIES IN EGYPT VARIETY OF TARGETS LITTLE LAND ACTIVITY (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) <ll a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 10. Patrol activity continued on all sectors on Saturday night, states a communique issued in Cairo. On Sunday there was nothing to report from our land forces. Successful night attacks were made on enemy aircraft in the El Daba area and our light bombers continued successful raids on shipping off the African coast, while our heavy bombers made a daylight attack on shipping at Benghazi. A direct hit on one ship and near misses on others are claimed. Two Messer schmitts were shot down over Malta. Air activity over the battle area yesterday is described by the Royal Air Force Middle East news service as considerable. United Kingdom and South African fighters effectively attacked two advanced landing grounds used by the enemy. Many damaging near misses were observed among aircraft and motor transport. United States bombers carried out a daylight attack on Benghazi, scoring a direct hit on a ship moored at the central mole. Other ships were probably damaged. Bomb-bursts were seen along the' moles. Off Bardia, Royal Air Force aircraft again attacked eastbound lighters. One lighter was hit three times and an explosion occurred aboard. British Regiment’s Actions Advanced enemy landing grounds were bombed by naval and other aircraft. On Saturday night, a further strong force of bombers operated against Tobruk, explosions and fires being caused among shipping and along the jetties and waterfront. Anti-aircraft _ gun positions were silenced. From all operations two Royal Air Force .planes are missing. It is now known that the Messerschmitt claimed to have been damaged in the battle area on Saturday was destroyed. Two gallant actions fought in the recent Western Desert campaign by the Worcestershire Regiment have now been told in Cairo. The regiment fought to cover the British withdrawal from Gazala and was attacked by 60 German tanks supported by infantry in lorries. While the regiment attacked the tanks, the German infantry tried to work round their flank, but the British troops attacked with Bren guns, bombs, and bayonets and fought their way out. Again at Tobruk the regiment, which had been reduced from 700 to 500 in the earlier encounter, bore the brunt of the first attack on Tobruk. They fought a delaying action and then the survivors fought their way out.