R.A.F. Strikes Heavily on Libyan Front

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 266, 8 November 1941, Page 8

R.A.F. Strikes Heavily on Libyan Front

MARYLANDS’ BATTLE | (British Official Wireless) (Rec. 7, 12.45) RUGBY, Nov. 6. ] Widespread attacks on enemy j troops and other military targets I im Libya are reported in to-day'g R.A.F. Middle East communique. The communique states that petro'i ' dumps at Benghazi, Berka, and Benita, as well as stores and workshops at Nena and motor transport at Bardia, were attacked by British aircraft during the night of November 4/5. Bad weather obscured tne results of the I bombing, but many fires and a number [ of explosions were observed. Yesterday, enemy troops, petrol | tankers, and lorries on the road be- j tween Ajedabya and El Agheila were , effectively machine-gunned by fight- | ers. Violent explosions followed an attack by members on dumps at Berka aerodrome. The British aircraft engaged enemy fighters over the target, and one CR-42 was seen falling out of control. In describing a raid made on Benghazi by the South African Air Force on Tuesday, the Air Ministry says that Maryland bombers, flying over the town in perfect formation, were met by ground defences and from above by two CR-42’s, which dived down from the sun to make their attack. Within seconds, one was hurlting to the ground —a spreading ball of flame. Almost immediately after him went the second enemy fighter, spinning downwards out of control. The squadron flew on, finished its bombing, and returned safely. One pilot said: “We can outfly and outshoot them. The enemy pilots were brave men, but they should never have pitted themselves against the Mary- j lands-” Yesterday there was no hostile air , activity over Tobruk, and enemy artil- ! lery was much less active than nor- j mally, says to-day’s communique from ! British General Headquarters at Cairo. J British patrol activities were again i hampered by a persisting duststorm. In the frontier area, the communique adds, small enemy patrols were observed some 12 miles south-west of Half ay a and also six miles south of Sidi Omar. Under cover of these patrols, enemy working parties were evidently making additions to their frontier defences. On the approach of British patrols, the enemy withdrew, allowing the British to complete without interruption a comprehensive reconnaissance of cer- j tain selected areas. A Rome communique claims that Italian bomber formations last night attacked the naval base and airfields at Malta and started fires.