DAMAGE IN AFRICA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 210, 3 August 1940, Page 7

DAMAGE IN AFRICA

ITALIAN MILITARY BASES. BRITISH AIR ATTACKS. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received August 3, 9 a.m. CAIRO, Aug. 2. A communique states that a small formation of bombers attacked an oil refinery near Massawa (Eritrea) and scored direct bits, starting a fire which was visible for 50 miles. Enemy fighters did not engage the bombers. Another formation demolished a hangar at Asmara, severely damaged another, and also scored several direct hits on store buildings. All' our aircraft returned. Direct hits were scored on aerodrome buildings at Guar, causing several fires. One of our ’planes made a forced landing in enemy territory. The South African Air Force successfully bombed troop concentrations south from Moyale. The R.A.F. successfully bombed a large .ammunition dump near Bardia. The noise and shock from the explosion was heard and felt at 9000 ft. The flames rose to 500 ft and the smoke to 9000 ft. Columns of smoke were visible for 40 miles. There were no British casualties.

Italian bombers unsuccessfully raided Port Sudan. A Caproni bomber was shot down.

A Nairobi communique states: “It was a quiet day on all fronts. Further details of the bombing of the aerodrome at Yavello disclose that extensive damage was done to hangars and a bomb dump. There was opposition only from light, automatic ground defences. All our planes returned. One enemy machine attempted to raid Buna, but when it was engaged it turned tail and jettisoned its bomb load in a bush. There were no casualties and no damage.” A Cairo communique states: During two raids on Chinele, the result of which is not yet known, our bombers were engaged by enemy fighters, one of which is believed to have been destroyed. On the return journey our bombers sighted three enemy bombers attacking Zeilah (in British Somaliland). Our aircraft immediately attacked. One enemy machine was shot down in flames and another was last seen with black smoke coming from one engine. The Cairo communique states that there have been no further developments in the Dobel area, and there is nothing to report from the other fronts. ITALIAN CONCENTRATION. Tt is authoritatively stated in London that a considerable force of Italians is concentrated on the Libyan frontier, to jivhich the enemy forces have been gradually advancing. ROME’S NAVAL “VICTORIES.” A Rome communique states: The Italian destroyer Vivaldi sank the British submarine Oswald (1500 tons). The lonian Sea air force bombed an enemy naval squadron south of the P.alearie Islands, setting fire to one battleship and hitting other units. In East Africa Italian ’planes bombed Butana (Sudan). We have occupied Dobel. 45 kilometres south of Moyale (Kenya). Enemy aircraft bombed Dire(la»i without damage. They also raided Asmara, Massawa, and Giavollo. One Italian and one native were killed, and some were wounded. Two enemy ’planes were shot down.