MADE BY THE AIR FORCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 December 1940, Page 5

MADE BY THE AIR FORCE

On Enemy Bases in Libya HEAVY DAMAGE TO AERODROMES AND AIRCRAFT battering of bardia continues The latest news from North Africa, the 8.8. C. states, includes an R.A.F. communique which states that Berka and Bernina, the two main enemy reinforcement aerodromes near Benghazi, were raided heavily by British planes on Saturday night. At Berka a number of fires were started and were followed by a violent explosion. At Bernina also, explosions followed on fires. Two hangars were seen burning. Two enemy aircraft were destroyed. On the same night considerable damage was done at Tobruk, where British bombers attacked the harbour and military objectives. British artillery continues to harass the enemy inside Bardia, while preparations continue outside the fortifications. The number of prisoners thus far removed from the Sidi Barrani battle area is 35,949, including 1,704 officers. Several thousands more are awaiting removal from the forward camps. Offensive patrol action continues in the Sudan. It is pointed out in London that Bardia is a very different position from Sidi Barrani, At Sidi Barrani the Italians had erected such defences as they could in the couple of months they were there. Bardia has been developed as a strong defensive position ever since the Italians have been in Libya. It is protected by permanent defences of considerable strength and is well defended by coast defence guns. A Rome dispatch the other day emphasised the importance of Bardia in the defence, not only of Libya, but of Fascism. The port of Bardia is of minor importance. Two ships at a time can lie at the pier, but there is only ten feet of water. All embarkation and disembarkation of troops has to be done by lighter and boat. . On the whole coast from Sidi Barrani to Tobruk there is no good port. The anchorage at Sidi Barrani is entirely exposed and the small pier can only be used in good weather. The Navy has carried out an exceedingly difficult task, which needed special organisation, in removing many thousands of prisoners.