IRAQI REVERSES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21958, 9 May 1941, Page 5

IRAQI REVERSES

Constant Hammering By R.A.F.

Casualties Heavy By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. 11.57 p.m.) RUGBY, May 7. The Royal Air Force Middle East communique states: “In Iraq operations against the rebel Iraqis yesterday were carried out by our aircraft with such effect that heavy casualties were inflicted on them and much confusion caused. The aerodrome at Moascar Al Raschid was again bombed. One hangar was completely destroyed by fire, a twin-engined aircraft on the tarmac was blown up, a number of others were severely damaged and the aerodrome surface was badly cut up. Our aircraft encountered practically no opposion.

“In the Habbaniyah area continuous close air support was given by the Royal Air Force while armoured units, troops and Iraqi levies attacked and drove off the enemy from the plateau at the Royal Air Force station. The rebel casualties were very heavy but ours were negligible. On the previous night the rebels were given no rest as their lines were attacked continuously by our aircraft. . “The Iraq army’s reverses are causing increasing coolness among other elements in Iraq, including the trlbal chiefs, towards Rashid Alls anti-Bn tish front. A brigade sent from Basra to Baghdad with instructions to eject the British forces shows little inclination to fight and is dailytag along the r The Royal Air Force is giving no rest to the rebels in Iraq. Heavy casualties have been inflicted on the Iraqi troops, and their aerodromes are being continually attacked. A statement from the Royal Air Force headquarters in the Middle East states that British aircraft are bringing up guns and reinforcements and removing women and children to safety. British troops and Iraqi levies are co-operating with the Air Force and the enemy is suffering heavy losses. Three hundred prisoners have been taken. At all points the rebels are being harassed by file British aircraft. Allied casualties nave been slight. It is now clear that only part of the Iraqi army is supporting Rashid Ail. This force has so far shown little inclination to light, but has been bidtag its time on the Baghdad road.

British Guard Oil Line A marked improvement in the position is reported from Cairo. Iraqi troops have moved out of some positions round the British air base at Habbaniyah and British forces have reoccupied a position on the oil pipeline. According to a Beirut correspondent of a Hungarian news agency, the former Iraqi Premier General Nuri Es Said has formed a counter-government in Amman, the capital of Transjordan. The members of the Cabinet immediately went to Basra. General Nuri Es Said was a friend of Lawrence of Arabia. The Habbaniyah aerodrome, which hsa been the scene of recent operations In Iraq, is situated about fifty miles from Baghdad and it is reputed to be one of the finest flying fields in the Middle East, with facilities for bom iand and water craft. In peace time t was a civilian airport as well as the headquarters of the British forces in Iraq. At the outbreak of war it housed five Royal Air Force squadrons, used mainly for training and an armoured car company for police patrol work. A Royal Air Force general hospital and a special meteorological station are also there.