SIEGE OF BARDIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 December 1940, Page 6

SIEGE OF BARDIA

ENEMY ARTILLERY RATHER MORE ACTIVE BRITISH PREPARATIONS CONTINUE. NO DAMAGE FROM ITALIAN. FIRE. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) RUGBY, December 30. “The enemy artillery in Bardia was somewhat more active yesterday, in reply to the continued harassing fire from the British guns,” states a Cairo communique, which adds: “Our troops sustained no damage or interruption in their preparations, which are proceeding smoothly. “On the Sudan and Kenya fronts, active patrolling continues.” Operations around Bardia at present are confined to small patrols, artillery action and bombing raids, an earlier message stated. Military circles. in London see no reason to think that the Italians confined inside Bardia by the British forces are suffering from any lack of water or food. AIR FORCE BUSY RAIDS ON ENEMY LANDING GROUNDS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Dav, 11.15 a.m.) RUGBY, December 30. The enemy landing grounds at Timi. Derna and Gazala were raided by R.A.F. bombers yesterday. Fires were started at Timi and dispersed aircraft were atacked, but the full extent of the damage could not be observed. At Gazala and Derna bombs straddled the target. British fighters continued their offensive patrols but no contact was made with enemy aircraft. In Italian East Africa a raid was carried out on motor transport repairs workshops near Dessie.