BOMBING RAIDS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 249, 18 September 1940, Page 8

BOMBING RAIDS.

ON ITALIAN TRANSPORTS.

(British Official Wireless.)

(Rec. 1.50 p.m.) RUGBK, Sept. 17. An R.A.F. communique issued at Cairo states: A series of bombing raids was made on Monday night on enemy motor transports and concentrations east of Buqbuq. Many direct hits were observed, resulting in numerous fires and explosions.' Against Eritrea there was a successful attack on Asmara aerodrome, a direct hit being scored on a hangar. A formation of enemy bombers approached Malta on Monday, but turned away without dropping bombs on the appearance of our fighLers. From all operations the British aircraft returned 6afely. The occupation of Sidi Barrani has brought the Italian advance 75 miles from the frontier in five dhys, establishing Marshal Graziani at the commencement ot a fine, asphalted road running through Mersa Matruh to Alexandria. The spearhead of the Invading iorccs, totalling three divisions, is already on and pushing along this road. Others are frantically digging in at Solium and Sidi Barrani, which they intend to use as bases for operations. The Italian military authorities claim that Solium is important because it is the only natural harbour between Libya and Alexandria, which is the Italians’ main objective. . They declare Solium affords shelter for the largest naval units in the world, also protection against the treacherous African winds," because it ip surrounded by a horseshoe chain of hills.