Italian Plane Losses Since Jane 19,170; British 18

Northern Advocate, 16 August 1940, Page 5

Italian Plane Losses Since Jane 19,170; British 18

.Middle East Air War

[British Official Wireless] (Received 2 p.m.) RUGBY, August 15

Practically every day and night during the past two months R.A.F. bombers and fighter squadrons have been harrying the Italians at every possible point. Since June 19, which saw the first direct success against the Italian Air Force, more than 170 Italian aircraft of various types have been destroyed. On June 19 no fewer than eight enemy aircraft were destroyed in air engagements on the ground, and one enr-mv three-engined bomber was forced down and captured. R.A.F. Losses Only 18. Against a total of 170 for the comparative period, R.A.F. losses numbered only 18 aircraft. The number of actual raids on Italian aerodromes, garrison posts, naval bases, ports, etc., already exceed 150. and incalculable damage has been caused. Aerodromes and a military post at Macasca have been raided on 30 occasions and many tons of bombs dropped with great effect. A great amount of damage has been caused in frequent raids by Blenheim squadrons to stores, depots, and aerodromes at. the Port of Berna. Constant Surveys. In one raid 50 enemy fighters and bombers were found grouped on an airfield and were severely bombed. On 12 occasions shipping in Tobruk, together with barracks and the submarine quay, have been bombed. In addition to these outstanding actions constant reconnaissance raids have been carried out over every part of enemy territory. Typical of such reconnaissance flights was one which was attacked by 50 enemy fighters. Fought Their Way Out.

The R.A.F. pilots successfully fought their way through this hostile cloud of planes, destroying several, and the reconnaissance was completed without further hindrance. Air observers in London consider that the result of air action against the Italians, of which the above are but a few examples, are encouraging proof of tiie quality of R.A.F. pilots and their machines and the vigour with which the air war is being prosecuted in the Middle East.