NO CHANGE REPORTED

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21654, 14 February 1942, Page 8

NO CHANGE REPORTED

WIDESPREAD AIR RAIDS ATTACK ON TOBRUK FAILS (Official Wireless) (Received Feb. 14, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 13 A Cairo communique says there is no change to report in the general situation in Libya. Allied patrols were again active in the area south of Tmimi and toward Mekili. A Royal Air Force communique says that an attempt to raid Tobruk harbour by a large formation of enemy bombers, escorted by fighters, was prevented by British fighters yesterday. Our aircraft engaged the enemy before they reached the targets. In the ensuing combat three Junkers 88 and one Macchi C2OO were shot down and several other enemy bombers and fighters were severely damaged. Two of our fighters were lost but the pilot of one is safe. In the Matruh area a Heinkel 111 was intercepted by our fighters and its tail shot off. The enemy aircraft dived through the clouds and was lost from view but it is presumed it was completely destroyed. On Wednesday night our bombers attacked landing grounds at Martuba but the full effect of the bombing could not be observed. On the same night the harbour area at Tripoli was raided and large fires were started. The aerodrome at Catania, in Sicily, was also attacked. The enemy continued to raid Malta during Wednesday night and the following day. Some damage and casualties resulted. Our fighters were able to intercept them and one Junkers 88 was shot down into the sea. Other enemy aircraft were probably destroyed. From all of these operations four of our machines are missing.