AFRICAN FRONT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 18 November 1940, Page 5

AFRICAN FRONT

ITALIAN AERODROME SHELLED RAIDS BY R.A.F. [British Official Wireless] RUGBY, 16th November. A Cairo communique states: “In the Gallabat area (Egyptian Sudan), our mechanised patrols again have been active, and our artillery has successfully continued a harassing fire on the Italian positions at Metemma. Our artillery destroyed one and seriously damaged another enemy aircraft on the Metemma landing ground. All other fronts report no change in the situation.” LONDON 15th November. Attacks by the Royal Air Force in Africa are described by an Air Ministry communique, which says that raids in Libya included attacks on Tobruk, Bardia and Bomba. An enemy camp was also bombed and at Tobruk a warship was bombed. At Bardia an attack was made on the town and harbour. At Bomba a seaplane slipway was bombed and one building set on fire. A railway station was bombed and the viaduct damaged, and bombs were also dropped at another railway station. Il is announced in Aden that on Tuesday night Royal Air Force planes operating from Aden, made three raids on an aerodrome near Diredawa, in Abyssinia. This aerodrome is the principal Italian base for attacks on Aden and shipping in the Red Sea. Several fires, two of which could be seen 35 miles away, were started. All the British bombers returned safely in spite of heavy resistance. NAVAL BOMBARDMENT PORT IN ITALIAN SOMALILAND HITS ON SHIPPING [British Official Wireless] (Received 18th November, 9.45 a.m.) RUGBY, 17th November. An Admiralty communique states: “British light forces carried out a naval bombardment of Mogadishu, the main port in Italian Somaliland. Hits were scored on targets on shore and shipping lying in the port. Italian shore batteries replied but the first was ineffective an duo damage or casualties were sustained by our forces.