74 Axis Planes Captured At Derna

Northern Advocate, 24 December 1941, Page 5

74 Axis Planes Captured At Derna

(Rec. 3 p.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 23. Continued successes against the retreating Axis forces in Libya are described in today's Middle East communique which also discloses that no fewer than 74 Axis planes were captured at Derna aerodrome.

Heavy casualties were caused among enemy troops and great damage was done to motorised convoys on the Agheila road. One attack on more than 100 lorries, most of them full of troops, was particularly successful. Many lorries and trailers were completely destroyed. South African bombers destroyed at least four enemy aircraft on the ground and subsequently R.A.F. bombe’s destroyed two Junkers 52s and damaged a number of others. Then finally, a large force of South African and R.A.F. fighters attacked the aerodrome just as 25 enemy aircraft were taking off. Elsewhere two Junkers 88s were intercepted over the Gulf of Bomba, one of the German planes being shot down into the sea. During Sunday night our bombers successfully attacked the ■aerodrome at Caste! Benito south of Tripoli. Direct hits were obtained on dispersed aircraft. At least seven were destroyed by fire and others were severely damaged. Aerodrome buildings and hangars were also hit. At Tripoli itself bombs were dropped on a motor transport dispersal area, causing violent explosions and fires. Unserviceable It is now established that 74 Axis aircraft were captured on Derna aerodrome in various stages of unserviceability. These aircraft included 18 Junkers 525, seven of which were destroyed on landing after our land forces had captured the aerodrome, 11 Messerschmitt 109 s, eight Messerschmitt 110 s, three Heinkel 1 is, seven Junkers 87s, four Junkers 88s, six Fieseler Storchers, two Savoia 795, five Maachis, three G. 50s and six gliders and one j other aircraft.

All the enemy aircraft had been made unserviceable by* attacks on the aerodrome or in aerial combats from which they returned in a badlydamaged condition. Enemy aircraft made a number of attempts to raid Malta on December •21. The raiding formations were intercepted by our fighters, which destroyed one enemy fighter and damaged others. From these and other operations three of our aircraft are missing.