HAVOC IN TRIPOLI

Southland Times, Issue 24419, 26 April 1941, Page 7

HAVOC IN TRIPOLI

BOMBARDMENT BY NAVY ENEMY SUPPLY SHIPS SUNK (8.0.W.) RUGBY, April 24. The results of the naval bombardment of Tripoli were even more successful than was at first thought, states an official Admiralty communique. Three transports or supply ships lying in the naval basin were hit and set seriously on fire. One was actually seen to sink. A fourth ship in the naval basin appears to have been laden with ammunition because when it was hit by a 15inch shell the ship exploded. One supply ship moored off the Spanish quay was hit by 15-inch shells and sank.

The Karamanti mole was hit and set on fire and a destroyer moored at the mole was heavily hit. Clouds of smoke were seen to be coming from at least three other ships in the harbour, but

it was not possible to establish whether it was due to damage or an attempt to create a smoke screen. It is considered certain that other damge was done to shipping. The harbour facilities were also seriously damaged. Salvos of 15-inch shells were seen to fall on the Spanish quay, sending up a large column of smoke from warehouses and offices. The quay, which is the main unloading quay in Tripoli, was seen to be continuously hit for 10 minutes by medium calibre shells. Salvos of heavy shells also fell on the narrow approach to the Spanish quay from the land. The Governor’s Office and Naval Headquarters were repeatedly hit and several salvos- were seen to fall on the Karamanti mole. Military objectives ashore also sustained serious damage, including the main oil fuel depot, a large block of Government or military buildings, the main railway station, the power station, and the military stores depot. No damage or casualties was caused to our naval units by the retaliation of the enemy.