BOMBING IN LIBYA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 137, 12 May 1941, Page 8

BOMBING IN LIBYA

ENEMY PLANES DESTROYED. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 12.15 p.m.) RUGBY, May 11. Prolonged bombing of the aerodrome at Derna, an important enemy supply point, had successful results, according lo ari R.A.E. Middle East communique, which states the Derna aerodrome, upon which a considerable number ot enemy aircraft were dispersed, was bombed by the R.A.E. during the night of May 9-10 and yesterday. Electric storms, which were most pronounced, prevented some of our aircraft reaching the target. At Jedabaya, some Jankers 52 large troop-carrying aircraft were bombed and damaged. Our fighters maintained active patrols and one Messerschmitt JO9 was destroyed on the Gazala aerodrome as it was attempting to take off. There were a large number of enemy aircraft on the aerodrome and these were machine-gunned by our fighters. In Iraq our aircraft continue to attack the rebel-occupied aerodromes and other military objectives. Barracks, aerodrome buildings and a transport park at Mosul received over 12 direct hits and the barracks at Amara, Diwaniya, Nasriya and Qaraghan were all attacked and damaged. In Abyssinia, both fighters and bombers of the South African Air Force continued to support our troops in rounding up the remains of the Italian East African army. From all operations two of our machines are missing Four enemy aircraft were destroyed by the bomber command during last night’s operations over enemy territory and at least two were severely damaged.