BATTERED FROM AIR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 144, 20 May 1941, Page 5

BATTERED FROM AIR

ENEMY IN LIBYA

TANKS OUT OF ACTION

(United Press Association.—Copyright)

(British. Official Wireless.) (Rec. 11 a.m.) RUGBY, May 19

An R.A.F. Middle East communique states that a large formation of aircraft of the R.A.F. and S.A.A.F. carried out attacks on enemy tanks between Fort Capuzzo and Halfaya (Hellfire Pass) yesterday. A number of tanks were put out of action, and serious damaye was inflicted among many motor transport vehicles.

Our fighters carried out extensive patrols, but no decisive engagements resulted.

During the night ol May 17-18 Benghazi and Derna were attacked by our bombers. The full details of these operations are not yet available, but it is known that considerable damage was caused. During the operations over Tobruk yesterday three Junkers 87’s were shot down by anti-aircraft tire.

In Abyssinia our aircraft have continued to assist our troops in the mopping-up operations. Attacks have been made mainly on enemy motor transports retreating along the roads. POSITION AT SOL BUM.

British Headquarters in the Western Desert have announced: “The GerI mans, reassembling their forces which were scattered by the British in the previous few days, have regained, some positions, including the heights above Solium. The German forces are much more heavily armed than the British, but uur offensive in the past few days has forced them into positions where they are vulnerable, especially to flank attacks.” It is learned, however, that British forces are still in control of Solium. This news lias been received since a German report claiming to have retaken the town. Some famous British regiments still hold coastal areas near Solium.

A Cairo General Headquarters communique yesterday stated: “Extending the ania of the successful counterattack delivered yesterday, Australian troops'recaptured a number of strong points in the outer defences of Tobruk and took 25 German prisoners. The enemy again suffered serious losses, including two medium tanks. Our mechanised patrols arc continuing their aggressive tactics in the SolJum-Capuzzo-Halfaya area.”

A later communique says there is no change in the situation at Tobruk.

J.n the area south of Solium two enemy columns supported by numerous tanks crossed the frontier, but withdrew after being engaged by forward elements of our mechanised forces.