AFRICAN CAMPAIGN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 264, 5 October 1940, Page 7

AFRICAN CAMPAIGN

SERIES OF BOMBINGS ,V ./ ' ■'■ WIDESPREAD DAMAGE. \ ■ /•’ ‘ . ' '' V. . f (United Association—Copyright.) (British Official AVireless.) (Rec. 9.15 a.m.) RUGBY, Oct. 4. An R.A.F. communique issued at Cairo' says that in the AVesteru Desert a raid was carried out on Buq Buq and water storage tanks damaged. In Italian East Africa successful attacks were made on Maidaga, near Asmara, where as a result of the bombing a large column of black smoke was observed. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition, the attack was pressed Lome. One enemy lighter, a Oaproni 42, was seen spinning apparently out of control towards the ground at less than IUOOft. One British bomber crashed. Four raids were made on Assab (Eritrea). The barracks, oil tanks, jetty, and neighbouring wharf buildings were bombed successfully, a direct hit being registered on the naval barracks. An official British communique issued at Cairo to-day says there is no change in the situation on all fronts.

AUSTRALIANS’ PART,

AVELL-EQUIPPED UNIT,

MELBOURNE, Oct. 4

The Minister for the Army (Senator Mcßride) to-day stated that, following 12 months’ training in Australia and the Aliddlo East, the A.LF. troops were moving into forward positions in Egypt as a well-equipped mechanised and disciplined unit. He described them as a formidable body full of enthusiasm for the task ahead.