FLIERS HELP ARMY

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21336, 6 February 1941, Page 7

FLIERS HELP ARMY

enemy planes destroyed DAMAGE TO RAILWAYS ATTACKS ON AERODROMES (omcin wircte.l) (Received Feb. 6, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 5 A Royal Air Force Middle East communique states: Repeated raid* were carried out by bomber aircraft yesterday on Barce and Berna and the lines oi communication to Benghazi. Between Marsu and Barce motor transport was heavily attacked and much damage was caused. The Barce railway station was raided, three direct hits being registered on the track. Hangars were hit at Berka and a large lire was started at Derna. Our lighters were also active. One CAI 33 and one CR42 were shot down. An enemy flying-boat anchored off Folmetta was destroyed and an enemy bomber was found crashed at Appolonia. The South African fighter squadran attacked the landing ground near Azoza, where five CAl33’s were set on fire. Near As.itara aircraft of the squadron intercepted enemy fighters and shot one down. One SBl was machine-gunned on the ground and destroyed. At Tarani four S69’s were observed burnt out on the ground, while one CAI 33 and two CR42’s, in an unserviceable condition due to air attack, were captured at Barnatu. Damage in Eritrea In addition our bombers raided a number of military objectives in Eritrea. Motor transports were set on fire on the Metemma-Gonaar rtoad, and between Asmara and Kerene a motor convoy was attacked. The aerodrome at Oura was raided, three direct hits registered on the hangars, causing much damage. Motor vehicles and buildings at Eamger were bombed. Aircraft and motor transport were attacked at Makale and three S79’s were destroyed on the ground and several others were damaged. Enemy fighters intercepted our bombers, but the raid was successfully completed without damage to our aircraft.

In southern Abyssinia the South African Air Force continued to support the army. One fighter pilot alone shot down three CA I33’s near Dith.

Enemy aircraft raided Malta yesterday but were intercepted by our fighters. At least three JUBB’s wert shot down and others were severely damaged. Some slight damage was caused to buildings. From these operations all our aircraft returned safely, except one bomber and one fighter. PRESSURE BY BRITISH MANY PRISONERS TAKEN PATROLS CONTINUE ACTIVITY (Official Wireless) (Received Feb. 6, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 5 A Cairo headquarters communique states: Urged by our pursuing troops the Italians in Libya are increasing the speed of their withdrawal towards Benghazi. So far some 400 stragglers have ocen left on our hands. Our operations about Karen, in Eritrea, are developing successfully. Meanwhile the Italians retreating eastwards from Barentu and Biacundi are being heavily pressed, leaving all the routes littered with gear and vehicles. In addition to those already reported, many hundreds of prisoner! have been captured. Jn Abyssinia our advance eastwards ol the Gondar Road is also progress ing. whilst in the southern area the South Africans are consolidating the enemy positions recently captured. Our patrols continue active in all