AIR OFFENSIVE

Evening Star, Issue 23694, 30 September 1940, Page 5

AIR OFFENSIVE

R.A.F. ACTIVITY IN MIDDLE EAST DIRECT KITS REGISTERED CAIRO, September 28. A Royal Air Force communique states that a bomber squadron yesterday attacked Giarabub fort and scored many direct bits. A large cloud of smoko arose. Enemy fighters attacked the formation on its return from the raid, and one Italian plane was shot down. One of ours did not return. An attack was also made on a motor transport concentration 25 miles south of Giarabub. Bombs fell on stationary vehicles, and many fires and explosions occurred. A Nairobi communique received on Saturday says: “Successful attacks on Maji were carried out by the South African Air Force on Thursday. Waves of aircraft bombed military buildings and aerodromes, direct hits being scored on buildings, and large fires were started. In addition, numerous reconnaissance flights were carried out over Abyssinia and Somaliland. All our machines-returned safely.” CABARET GIRLS EXPELLED ACCUSED OF ESPIONAGE ALEXANDRIA, September 29. (Received September 30, at 11.55 a.m.)’ The British Military Governor has expelled 31 Rumanian, Yugoslav, Bulgarian, and Greek cabaret girls for espionage. The girls, who were entertaining the troops, had been allowed to stay after 200 others were expelled just before Italy entered the war. FREE FRENCH LEGION WITH BRITISH IN WESTERN DESERT (British Official Wirclea*.) RUGBY, September 29. (Received September 30, at 11 a.m.)’ It can now be stated that a Free French Legion has been serving in the Western Desert, where it has given valuable assistance to the British forces during the Italian advance. This force, which includes some Spahis, is stated to be truly representative of the French Empire in the Middle East, and has a reserve still in Egypt which will take its place in the field when its training is completed. There are also a number of Frenchmen serving with the R.A.F. PATROL ENGAGEMENT TWELVE ITALIANS KILLED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 29. (Received September 30, at 12.5 p.m.) A Cairo communique states: In Kenya on Friday enemy aircraft bombed Bura, causing no casualties. A patrol engagement at Wal Garis resulted in 12 of the enemy being killed. In the Sudan, Egypt, and Palestine there is nothing to report. DIVERSE OPERATIONS ENTERPRISING R.A.F. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 29. (Received September 30, at 1.42 p.m.) 1 A Royal Air Force Cairo communique states that enemy air activity over the Western Desert on Saturday was slight. R.A.F. bombers made an attack on an enemy lorry convoy 15 miles west of Bardia. A salvo of bombs fell a few yards ahead of the leading lorry. The enemy positions at Fort Maddalcua were bombed, and mechanical transport concentrations south-west of Sidi Barrani were also attacked, all the bomb* falling in the target area. In Abyssinia, the Combolcia (Dessie) aerodrome was attacked and direct hits were obtained on the hangar, the doors of which were blown off. Bombs also exploded adjacent to a barrack* compound. Operating from the Sudan, R.A.F. bombers raided Gmail, bombs falling in the targit area. It was impossible to estimate at the time the amount of the damage. Reconnaissance flights were undertaken by the South African Air Foro* squadrons on Friday and Saturday. From, all the operations our aircraft returned safely. AUSTRALIANS IN WESTERN DESERT (British Official Wireleac.) RUGBY, September 29. (Received September 30, at 1.42 p.m.)’ A Cairo message states that Australian troops are in the Western Desert. They are completing their training there preparatory to joining the British, Indian, and French troops in operations against the Italians.