ATTACKS ON SHIPPING

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21513, 30 August 1941, Page 7

ATTACKS ON SHIPPING

AT BENGHAZI AND BARDIA (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlgnt) (Received August 30, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, August 29 Successful Royal Air Force attacks on enemy ships in the Mediterranean are recorded in the latest Middle East communique, which states: Heavy bombers of the Royal Air Force carried out at attack on the harbour of Benghazi during the night of August 27. A number of fires was started at the base of the outer mqle. Bombers of a South African Air Force squadron heavily attacked an enemy dump near Bardia yesterday and a large number of bombs was seen to fall on the target. The port was also bombed by Royal Air Force medium bombers. Our aircraft also attacked enemy barrack blocks near Homs, completely demolishing the building. Our fighters carried out a large number of offensive patrols throughout yesterday. During the night of August 27 aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm attacked a convoy of four merchant vessels, escorted by four destroyers. A ship was hit by bombs and after a number of explosions had occurred on board the vessel was seen to be on fire.

Medium bombers of the Royal Air Force attacked two enemy vessels in the Central Mediterranean yesterday and obtained hits on each. One ship, which was emitting brown smoke from its hold, stopped and was seen to be down by the stern. Bombs went right through the decks of the other vessel.

Up to the cessation of hostilities in Iran full air support was given by the Royal Air Force to successful operations carried out by our land iorces.

From all these operations our aircraft returned safely.