AIR WARFARE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 October 1940, Page 6

AIR WARFARE

BRITISH FORCES ACTIVE IN AFRICA FURTHER RAIDS ON TOBRUK. GURA ATTACKED HEAVILY. (British Official Wireless.)(Received This Day, 1.20 p.m.) RUGBY, October 14. An R.A.F. Cairo communique, issued on Monday, states: “Raids _on Tobruk were carried out on the night of October 12 by bombing aircraft of the R.A.F. Borins fell on the target, but it was not possible to ascertain the full extent of the damage. _ “In Eritrea, a series of attacks was made on Gura on the nights of Saturday and Sunday. The aerodrome was subjected to heavy bombardment and considerable damage was caused. “An enemy bomber attempted to raid Adeh yesterday, but no damage and no casualties resulted. One of our fighters on patrol intercepted the enemy, and as a result of his attack the central engine of the Italian bomber was seen to be on fire. “One of our aircraft, operating from Malta on reconnaissance, was attacked by an Italian bomber, which, however, was quickly outmanoeuvred and damaged during the engagement. Our aircraft was later attacked by another Italian bomber, the rear-gunner of which was probably killed and the enemy aircraft severely damaged. “During this engagement, the R.A.F. aircraft was attacked from behind by an enemy machine which was not identified. With the arrival of five or six other enemy aircraft, the British plane took avoiding action and continued its reconnaissance. “Two successful attacks were made on Lavello aerodrome, in Abyssinia, by South African Air Force squadrons during the night of October 12 and heavy and incendiary bombs fell among hangars and aerodrome buildings. A machine-gun post was quickly silenced. Other South African aircraft carried out numerous reconnaissances over enemy territory. From all these operations our aircraft returned safely.”