FIERCE RAIDS BY AIR

Southland Times, Issue 24237, 21 September 1940, Page 5

FIERCE RAIDS BY AIR

j Attacks By R.A.F. In North Africa HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL BOMBING

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright)

(Received September 20, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 20.

The Air Force of the Free French forces is taking an active part in cooperation with British squadrons in operations against Italy in Eastern Africa. It has been learned that four airmen—a captain, a lieutenant and two sub-lieutenants—have been reported missing. Yesterday’s communique from the British Headquarters at Cairo stated that there was no change in the situation in Egypt. The enemy continued to consolidate his positions in the Sidi Barrani and Solium areas. On the other fronts there was nothing to report.

A Royal Air Force communique states that enemy aerodromes, transports, concentrations and communications were again successfully dealt with yesterday. Several hangars were destroyed and planes set on fire at Ben Ghazi. Flames from the aerodrome were seen from 70 miles away. A bomb burst among the Sidi Barrani gun emplacements. An Italian flying-boat was shot down ovei’ the Mediterranean. Members of the crew were rescued. Eritrean and Somaliland aerodromes and barracks were successfully bombed. South African Air Force bombers attacked Elwak on September 17 and 18, and the Birkao landing ground on September 18, where three buildings were demolished and set on fire and the wireless station directly hit. A Royal Air Force communique from Cairo today states: Highly successful air attacks have been launched on enemy bases in the Dodecanese Islands, At Maritza, in the Isle of Rhodes, fires were started and several explosions, which were followed by large fires, were seen at Calato. Hangars, a barracks, the harbour and jetty were hit at Portolago, and at Leros a fuel store was hit and a fire spread along the coast. All the British aircraft returned safely. Continuous raids were launched against’ the enemy from the Western Desert. An aircraft was set on fire and buildings hit at Tobruk, and large concentrations of motor transport between Solium and Sidi Barrani were set on fire. A successful attack was made on about 50 aircraft on the ground at Eit Mimi. Bombs fell among the aircraft, and severe damage was caused. Raids were also made on Bomba Bardea and a camp in the Capuzzo-Sollum area. One of the British aircraft is missing. • Aircraft of the South African Air Force raided the aerodrome at Mogadiscio on September 17 for the sixth time. All the bombs were dropped on hangars and buildings and many fires were started. An attack was also made on Lavello, in Abyssinia. One enemy bomber was destroyed and considerable damage to hangars and buildings resulted. .