ITALIANS HARRIED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21193, 16 August 1940, Page 5

ITALIANS HARRIED

170 PLANES DESTROYED BRITAIN’S BIG “BAG” (Omcial Wireless) (Received Aug. 16, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, Aug. 15 Practically every day and night during the past two months Royal Air Force bomber and fighter squadrons have been harrying the Italians at every possible point. Since June 19, which saw the first direct success against the Italian Air Force, more than 170 Italian aircraft of various types have been destroyed. On June 19 no fewer than eight enemy aircraft were destroyed in air engagements or on the ground, and one enemy three-engined bomber was forced down and captured. Against the total of 170 for the comparative period the Royal Air Force losses numbered only 18 aircraft. The number of actual raids on Italian aerodromes, garrison posts, naval bases, ports, etc., already exceeds 150, and incalculable damage has been caused. Aerodromes and a military post at Macasca have been raided on 30 occasions, and many tons of bombs have been dropped with great effect. A great amount of damage has. been caused in frequent raids by Blenheim squadrons to stores, depots and aerodromes at the port of Derna. In one raid 50 enemy fighters and bombers were found grouped on the airfield and severely bombed. Attacks on Shipping On 12 occasions shipping at Tobruk, together with barracks and a submarine quay, has been bombed. In addition to these outstanding actions constant reconnaissance raids have been carried out over every part of the enemy territory. Typical of such reconnaissance flights was one which was attacked by 50 enemy fighters. The Royal Air Force pilots successfully fought their way through this hostile cloud of planes, destroying several, and the reconnaissance was completed without further hindrance. Air observers in London consider that the result of the air actions against Italians, of which the above are but a few examples, is an encouraging proof of the quality of the Royal Air Force pilots and machines and the vigour with which the air war is being prosecuted in Middle East.