INTENSE ATTACKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 January 1942, Page 4

INTENSE ATTACKS

R.A.F. IN MEDITERRANEAN AREA ENEMY ARMOURED FORCES BATTERED. OPERATIONS OVER WIDE AREA. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) RUGBY, January 26. Widespread intensified air operations throughout the Mediterranean area are described in a R.A.F. Middle East communique, which states: Fighter and bomber aircraft were active throughout Sunday over the battle area in Libya. There were extensive fighter sweeps and enemy motorised and armoured forces on the track between Jedabaya and Enterlat were successfully machine-gunned, many enemyvehicles being set on fire, destroyed or severely damaged. Three enemy aircraft were shot down during these operations. Other fighters machinegunned motor transport on the road between Nofillia and Arae Philaenorum, destroying a number of tents with wireless masts. Bombers effectively raided enemy motorised units north of Jedabaya and south of Antelat. Objectives at Tri-

poli were again attacked by our bombers on Saturday night. In spite of a smokescreen put up by the enemy hits were observed in the harbour area and on the main quays. Transport on the coastal road east of Tripoli was bombed and machine-gunned from a low level. Hits were scored on vehicles, barrack buildings and a large motor transport park, causing a number of fires. X Enemy aircraft raided Malta on Saturday night and again on Sunday. A number of attacking bombers and fighters were damaged by our aircraft, which intercepted the enemy formations. A Junkers 88 which was seen taking off from the Sicilian aerodrome of Comiso on Saturday night was attacked and destroyed. It is now learned that on Saturday our fighters operating over the Eastern Mediterranean shot down two Junkers 88s and damaged a number of others. From these and other operations six of our aircraft are missing but four pilots are known to be safe.