R.A.F. IN MIDDLE EAST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 9, 11 January 1941, Page 5

R.A.F. IN MIDDLE EAST

ITALIAN PLANES DESTROYED RAIDS ON SHIPPING RUGBY, Jan. 9. The delivery of further smashing blows yesterday against the Italian Air Force in Libya is revealed in a Royal Air Force Middle East communique. Gazala. Martuba, Tmimi, and Benina were all heavily attacked. In addition Benhazi and Tobruk were raided. At Martuba Royal Air Force aircraft carried out low-flying attacks on llS79’s and several CR.42’s on the ground. Two S79's were set on fire, others badly damaged, and other.-, seem to have bene already damaged. Two S79's on the ground at Gazala were also attacked, one being severely damaged and the other was seen to be already unserviceable. At Benina, about 100 enemy’ aircraft on the ground were heavily bombed and several destroyed and others badly’ damaged. Se/en S97’s on the Tmimi landing ground were seen to be burnt out. A particularly heavy raid was made on Benghazi, du±*ng which four or live ships were directly hit and fires started in warehouses. Enemy convoys northwest of Giarabub were attacked and heavy damage caused. <5OOO FOR THE ANZACS. NEW YORK, Jan. 9. The British War Relief Society has given 15000 to the Anzac war relief fund as “a slight token in recognition and apprecation of the gallantry of the Australians in Egypt and Libya for use in providing comforts for Australian troops.”