INCREASED ENEMY ACTIVITY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22213, 5 March 1942, Page 5

INCREASED ENEMY ACTIVITY

Air Encounters Over Libya (Rec. 6.30 p.1i1.) LONDON. Mar. 3. A Royal Air Force Middle East communique says: ‘"There was Increased enemy activity yesterday over the forward area of Libya. Our fighters carried out interceptor patrols and during one encounter a Macchi 202 was shot down and several other enemy aircraft severely damaged. “On Sunday night shipping at Tripoli was attacked and when our fighters left the target several tires were burning. “The enemy continued to raid Malta during Sunday and Monday. Our fighters intercepted them on several occasions, causing considerable damage to a number of raiders. Some civilians were killed and damage was caused to property. Five of our aircraft are missing, but three pilots are safe. “Enemy aircraft operated over the Suez Canal last night, some bombs being dropped. Night fighters of the R.A.F. intercepted the enemy and one of the raiders was shot down.” An Australian sergeant pilot operating in the Western Desert has scored a signal success in his first air operation against the enemy. He shot down one machine and badly damaged another. His unit was sent up to intercept a low-level attack on Tobruk by Junkers dive-bombers supported by Messerschmitt fighters. Tire Australian became separated from his squadron and was surrounded by a whole group of Messerschmitts. He blasted his way through, shooting down one machine nnrl tearing the side out of the fuselage