BOMBING OF ARCTIC ENEMY PORTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 180, 2 August 1941, Page 5

BOMBING OF ARCTIC ENEMY PORTS

FURTHER DETAILS WARSHIP E T . ICE Rugby, July 31. Further details are available of a daring and successful attack on enemy shipping and harbour works at two north Scandinavian ports by naval aircraft. These are announced in an Admiralty communique, which states: “Naval aircraft, yesterday delivered attacks on German shipping and the harbours of Kirkenes and Pctsamo, in northern Scandinavia. “At Pe'same little shipping was found in the port and our attack was concentrated against the harbour works. Anti-aircraft tire and lighter

opposition were encountered, but. the jetties were hit and a warehouse and an oil tank were seen to be set on fire, and generally great damage was done to the port facilities. “At Kirkenes, the fast German warship Bremse, of 1460 tons, with an armament of six 3.5 anti-aircraft guns, which before was a gunnery training ship, was twice hit. “Strong opposition from the enemy made it impossible to observe all the results, but it is believed that at least four supply ships were hit. Three Messerschmitt 109’s and one Junkers 87 are known to have been shot down during this operation. “Our losses in these two attacks were 16 naval aircraft.”—B.O.W.