DESERT FIGHTING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 July 1940, Page 6

DESERT FIGHTING

THE ITALIAN OCCUPATION OF KASSALA SMALL BRITISH GARRISON WITHDRAWN. HEAVY LOSSES INFLICTED ON ENEMY. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.0 a.m.) RUGBY, July 5. A communique issued in Cairo states: "On the Western Desert, patrol action around Capuzzo and west of Solium continues. On the Abyssinian front, early yesterday, an enemy force consisting of light tanks, armoured cars and motorised infantry, supported by heavy bombing from aircraft, attacked our outpost at Kassala, which was occupied after the withdrawal of our small garrison. “At about the same time, a second outpost at Gallabat was also strongly attacked, with support from the air. Our troops withdrew to prepared positions after inflicting heavy losses, which included two aircraft. “Our Air Force heavily bombed Metemma. gaining direct hits on barracks and landing grounds.” CAMP DAMAGED ATTACK BY BLENHEIM BOMBERS. (Received This Day, 11.0 a.m.) CAIRO, July 5. An R.A.F. communique states: “Blenheim bombers attacked a large military camp at Birclgobbi, causing much damage.” IN SOMALILAND SUCCESSFUL SOUTH AFRICAN RAID. (Received This Day, 11.0 a.m.) NAIROBI. July 5. A communique states that South African bombers destroyed a petrol dump and scored direct hits on barracks and an aerodrome at Lughferrandi. in Italian Somaliland.