R.A.F. Active Over the Fronts

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 121, 23 May 1940, Page 7

R.A.F. Active Over the Fronts

ENEMY FORCES BOMBED RUGBY, May 21. The Air Ministry announced today: ''On Monday morning, Blenheim aircraft carried out a successful attack on German armoured vehicles in the Arras—Cambrai area. In the afternoon, heavy bombing attacks were made In the Arras—Bapanme area. All our aircraft returned. “During the night, a large force of Royal Air Force bombers attacked troop concentrations in the Cambrai— Le Cateau—St. Quentin area. “In the Forest of Nuvion, north of the Aisne, a successful attack was made on enemy troops. Several large fires were started In this area. From these operations, five of our aircraft failed to return.

“To-day, our bombers and fighter aircraft have been continuously engaged in operations over the confused fighting fronts of Belgium and Northern France.”

The Air Ministry also reports: “The Royal Air Force yesterday heavily bombed enemy communications and troop concentrations in the areas immediately behind the fighting fronts in Belgium and France. The Royal Air Force attach continued during the night. We bombed and set on fire the Rotterdam oil tanks.” Further details are now available of R.A.F. bombing attacks on Monday night and early on Tuesday morning on German troop concentrations in tho Cambrai-Arras-St. Quentin area, as announced by the Air Ministry earlier in the evening, says a later message.

Long columns of mechanised units were continually harassed and often disorganised, and here and there roads and bridges in the path of the advancing enemy were bombed and destroyed. Tanks, armoured cars, troop transports, and other reinforcements were vigorously attacked.