ENGLISH AND U.S. BOMBERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 28 July 1942, Page 5

ENGLISH AND U.S. BOMBERS

COMBINED RAID ON TOBRUK (Rec. 10.10 a.m.) Rushy, July 27. Heavy and medium R.A.F. bombers and heavy bombers of the United States Army Air Force carried out a raid on shipping and harbour installations at Tobruk on the night of 25th July. Large fires broke out. The same night medium bombers of the R.A.F’. and naval aircraft attacked enemy camps and concentrations of motor transport in the coastal area westward of El Daba. Enemy landing grounds were also bombed, including the aerodrome at Heraklion, Crete, where bombs were seen to burst on runways and dispersal areas. One enemy aircraft taking off burst into flames and crashed. At least six other aircraft were set on fire. Operations in the battle area on 26th July were hampered by low clouds. However in the afternoon R.A.F. fighters destroyed a German reconnaissance bomber off the Egyptian coast. Other fighters behind the enemy lines successfully attacked a number of barges and flakships, sinking one. Last night a large force of bombers again attacked Tobruk. Fires and explosions were caused in the dock area while a big explosion followed a direct hit on a ship in the centre of the harbour. Attacks in force were also made on the battle area.

Enemy air activity against Malta on 25th and 26th July was on a small scale. One enemy plane was shot down by fighters and others damaged. From these and other operations two of our aircraft are missing.—8.0. W.