Axis Planes Destroyed in North Africa

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 115, 16 May 1941, Page 7

Axis Planes Destroyed in North Africa

BIG R.A.F. RAIDS LONDON, May 14. Further destruction cf enemy planes and heavy bombing in Abyssinia, in which four air forces co-operated, are described in an R.A.F. communique from Cairo. Fighters, it says, carried out extensive patrols y awtei'day and attacked enemy motor trarisjitiTc concentrations whenever possible. Movements of enemy troops in the Solium and Bugbug zones ceased after our attacks. Very heavy raids were made on Benghazi, Benina, Derna, and Gazala. Several near misses were scored on two 5000-ton ships cutside the harbour at Benghazi, and a large number of fires were started near the mole. Four Heinkel bombers and a Messerschmitt fighter-bomber were completely burnt out at Benina. Hits on dispersed planes at Gazala destroyed four singleengined planes and severely damaged others, including a Junkers troopcarrier. Five heavy explosions occurred at the aerodrome as our planes departed. Considerable damage was caused to Derna aerodrome. A total of nine enemy planes were destroyed. Combined air forces consisting of South African, Rhodesian, Free French, and R.A.F. planes raided enemy, positions in the Gimma, Wadara, Amba Alagi. and Lake Tsana areas of Abyssinia. The Free French obtained direct hits on Fort Chilga and direct hits on hangars at Gondar aerodrome.