EGYPTIAN BATTLE AREA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 11 August 1942, Page 2

EGYPTIAN BATTLE AREA

LANDING GROUNDS ATTACKED ENEMY SUPPLY LINES HARASSED t,Rec. 10.20 a.m.) London, Aug. 10. Air activity over the Egyptian battle area yesterday is described by the R.A.F. Middle East news service as considerable. United Kingdom and South African fighters effectively attacked two advanced landing grounds used by the enemy. Many damaging near misses were observed among aircraft and motor transport. United States bomb ers carried out a daylight attack on Benghazi, scoring a direct hit on a ship moored at the central mole. Other ships were probably damaged. Bomb bursts were seen along the moles. Off Bardia R.A.F. aircraft again attacked east-bound lighters. One lighter was hit three times and an explosion occurred aboard. Advanced enemy landing grounds were bombed by Naval and other aircraft on the night of Bth August. A further strong force of bombers operated against Tobruk, explosions and fires being caused among shipping and along jetties and the waterfront. Antiaircraft gun positions were silenced. From all operations two R.A.F. planes are missing. It is now known that the Messerschmitt claimed damaged in the battle area on Bth August was destroyed.

LULL IN LAND FIGHTING

Patrol activity continued on all sectors on Saturday night, states a Cairo communique. On Sunday there was nothing to report from our land forces. Successful night attacks were made on enemy aircraft on the El Daba area and our light bombers continued successful raids on shipping off the African coast while our heavy bombers made daylight attacks on shipping at Benghazi. A direct hit on one ship and near misses on others were claimed. Two Messerschmitts were shot down over Malta. —B.O. W. and P.A.