CONTINUOUS R.M.F RAIDS ON ITALIANS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 224, 20 September 1940, Page 7

CONTINUOUS R.M.F RAIDS ON ITALIANS.

WESTERN DESERT. Baseg In Dodecanese Also Attacked. British Official Wireless. (Rec<J. 1 p\m.) RUGBY, Sept. 19. A Royal Air , Force Cairo communique to-day states that highly successful air attacks were launched against enemy bases in the Dodecan* ese Islands.

At Maritiza, in Rhodes, fires were started and several explosions, which •were followed by large flree, were seen at Calato. Hangars, barracks, the har? boar and jetty were hit at Portolago, and at Leros a fuel stpre was hit and fire spread along the coast. All the Royal Air Force aircraft returned safely. Continuous raid" were launched against the enemy from the Western Desert. Aircraft was set on fire and buildings hit at Tobriik, and large concentrations of motor transport between Soilum and Sidi Barrani set on fire.

A successful attack was made on about SO aircraft aground at Elt Mim?. Bombs fell among the aircraft and severe damage was caused. Raids were also made tin Boiaba. Bardea and a camp in the CapuzjiQ-Sollum area, Qnei British aircraft is missing, '

An Italian flying-boat was shot down over the Mediterranean, the erew being rescued, Eritrean and gomaliland aerodromes and barracks were successfully bombed. Aircraft of the South African Air Force raided the aerodrome at Mogadiscio yesterday for tlu> sixth time. All the boiubs were dropped on hangars and buildings, and many fires were started. An attack was also made on Lavello, Abyssinia, One enemy bomber was destroyed, and considerable. damage to hungers and buildings resulted, Three raide were made •by R.A.F. bombers on Kassalai mid one enemy fighter which rttempted to intercept was damaged. AssalT arid Diredawa wore aga J - attacked, arid flres were observed.

Bitter Skirmishes. The space j . «veen the British and Italian armies in Egypt is pteadily narrowing, states a cable report from Cairo." Light British forces, flung in to delay the Italians, have fpught some bitter skirmisher, in which Italian casualties have been very heavy. The Italian advance, reveals, careful pr aratio?., Water carriers, supply wagons and troop carriers are pressing hard on the heels of tanks. S.quads of sappers are hastily repairing the •.•raterstrewn tracks, Artjllery units are rushing up cannon on lorries, and mounting them at vantage points along the route. The Royal Air Fpjce has already been in action against two regular divisions, but there aro strong Italian forced in reserve. It may be a day er two before a largescale land action occurs,' but individual initiative and bravery are enabling the British to score many local successes against immensely superior forees. The ene v's lines of communication are lengthening with every yard of his advance, whereas the British lines are diminishing.