FIGHTING IN AFRICA

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21199, 23 August 1940, Page 5

FIGHTING IN AFRICA

FLIGHTS OVER ABYSSINIA SUCCESS OF BRITISH FLIERS ENEMY PLANES DESTROYED (Olllclal Wireless) (Received August 23, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, August 22 A Royal Air Force communique from Cairo states: During the night of August 19 extensive flights were made over Abyssinia, bombing the main objectives, and these suffered direct hits. Other bombers attacked with success landing grounds at Tobruk and Eladen. Three Italian bombers were seriously damaged during a raid at ElTmini yesterday. One was set on fire and exploded. The second was burnt out, and the third had its wings blown off. There was also a number of near misses, which probably caused damage to other enemy aircraft. All our bombers returned safely. Our aircraft also raided Bomba, direct hits being registered on a seaplane jetty. South African and Rhodesian aircraft carried out numerous offensive reconnaissance flights over Italian Somaliland. Direct hits were registered on a jetty and hangar at Mogadiscio, while at Merke one Caproni plane on the ground was damaged. Direct hits were also registered on buildings. > Fires and Explosions A Nairobi communique states: Ground patrols were again active In the northern frontier district, gathering most valuable information. The South African Air Force raided Mogadison, obtaining direct hits on the transportation and administrative buildings, the wireless station and hangars. Fires were started by explosive and incendiary bombs which fell in the target area. All our planes returned safely. A Cairo communique states: Thera is nothing important to report.