FLEET AIR ARM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24401, 12 September 1940, Page 7

FLEET AIR ARM

ACTIVE OVER NORWAY OIL TANKS DESTROYED ENEMY SUPPLY SHIP HIT (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Sept. 10. Further successes by the Fleet Air Arm against enemy supply ships off the Norwegian coast are described in an Admiralty communique, which states that aircraft again carried out an offensive reconnaissance over the Norwegain coast yesterday. This confirmed that two of the three tanks of the oil depot of Dolvic, which were attacked by Skuas on August 8, are completely destroyed, and the third tank and a pipeline severely damaged. Yesterday Skuas attacked an enemy supply ship of about 2500 tons in Haugesund, scoring hits, Enemy huts south of the Bergen area were also attacked with bombs and hits obtained. Three of the huts were completely destroyed and others damaged. Our aircraft encountered intense opposition from anti-aircraft batteries and one Skua is missing. Earlier Successes The Admiralty’s announcement of the successful attack by the Air Arm follows closely on other offensive operations over the Norwegian coast. Skuas and Swordfish on September 8 left two enemy supply ships sinking and abandoned by their ci’ews all our aircraft returning safely. On August 28 Skuas set fire to oil tanks in the Bergen area and a motor patrol vessel, and’ also scored direct hits on a 2000-ton supply ship, All our aircraft returned safely. Skuas on August 19 attacked two 3000-ton transports, obtaining direct hits on one of them, and also attacked the oil tanks north of Haugesund. All our aircraft returned safely. On August 1 Skuas successfully bombed the wireless station at Delvic and a 4000-ton supply ship, leaving the latter in a sinking condition and abandoned by its crew. All our aircraft returned safely. Many offensive operations were carried out previously to this, and these repeated attacks are adding considerably to the enemy’s difficulties in an area where sea transport and oil supplies are vital.