PRESSURE KEPT UP

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20660, 10 January 1942, Page 5

PRESSURE KEPT UP

ALLIES IN LIBYA SUCCESS IN THE AIR HEAVY ODDS OVERCOME (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 11 a.m. RUGBY, Jan. 9. A Middle East communique from Cairo states: “Throughout yesterday our mobile columns continued to press the enemy rearguards coveting ( the withdrawal of his main body towards El Agbeila. Enemy resistance north and south of the main Jeda-baya-Acheila road was more stubborn than that encountered by our columns further south, although bad going in the latter areas seriously interfered with the speed of our advance. As on the previous day, our advance south-west of Jedabaya was delayed by further minefields which evidently had been well sited and carefully laid. “Our air forces, operating successfully destroyed a number of enemy aircraft in aerial combats. The enemy lines of communication west of El Agheila were also repeatedly attacked. A number of direct hits were obtained on transport vehicles and also on coastal shipping which is being used to bring stores forwaid from Tripoli to the beaches at various points on the coast of the Gulf ol Sirte. Continuous Bombardment “In the Half ay a area, units of the Royal Navy, in close co-operation with our artillery and our air forces, carried out a continuous heavy bombardment of defences throughout the day.” The Royal Air Force Middle East communique states: “While on patrol yesterday in the Jedabaya area, the aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force squadron encountered an enemy force of over 50 aircraft composed of CR42s, Macchi 200 s, CRSOs, and MElO9s. Although our aircraft were outnumbered by more than five iO one, they immediately engaged the enemy, shot down seven and seriously damaged several others. One of our aircraft is missing from this engagement. ... “Motor transport and shipping near Buerat el Hsun was attacked with good effect. A ship was hit and set on fire. Bombers of the South African Air Force attacked stores and dumps in the region of Ras el Aali, causing considerable damage. Air Bombing of Defences “The weather was somewhat better yesterday for attacking the enemy defences at Halfaya. Bombers of the Royal Air Force and Free French squadrons kept up a continuous attack throughout the day. A number ot hits were obtained on guns and defending positions and considerable damage was also caused to motor transport vehicles. “Malta was again raided yesterday and the previous night and some damage was caused. Two Junkers 88’s were hit by anti-aircraft fire, but their destruction was not confirmed. “The only aircraft missing from yesterday’s operations is the fighter already mentioned.” A Cairo message states that 20 unserviceable Axis planes were found on the aerodrome at Jedabaya. In the air engagement in Libya announced in the Royal Air Force communique," when the American Kittyhawk fighters of the Australian Air Force met more than 50 Axis air-craft-more than five times their number—and shot down seven for the loss of one, the Air Ministry states that at least three more were probably destroyed and another half-dozen so badly damaged that they would have had -difficulty in regaining their base. One Week’s Record This is the second real engagement of the Kittkhawk squadron. Just over a week ago they destroyed six opponents for the loss of only one aircraft the pilot of which returned to his base the following day. This squadron’s total, therefore, in just over one week, is 13 definitely destroyed, five probables, and about 13 severely damaged. Before being equipped with R-iuy-hawks, this famous Australian squadron had Tomahawks, and before that Hurricanes. Its total score of aircraft destroyed is approaching 200. A sergeont-pilot from New South Wales who shot down three enemy aircraft in yesterday’s battle said: “The fight took place almost over our troops near Jedabaya. We sighted large enemy formations, about 50 in all We chased them and forced the issue. The fight lasted about 20 minutes. I managed to get one CR32, and two Macchis, while another ser-geant-pilot from South Australia got two Macchis.” ______