ATTACK & DEFENCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 January 1941, Page 6

ATTACK & DEFENCE

OPERATIONS OP ROYAL | AIR FORCE ;N MEDITERRANEAN AREAS. HEAVY DAMAGE DONE AT CATANIA .Eriti.li Official V.ii,•!<••• 1 (Received This Dav. ’<LO : .m,i ! RUGBY, j.mu.uy 17 A R.A.F. 'diddle East communique j states: "A further raid was mode on 1 the night of January 15 ny R.A.F bombers on Catania, in Sicily, Heavy | explosions occurred and a largo n -, was caused al the north-west hangar' by the first aircraft over the target, j This fire burned fiercely throughout i the attack and was visible over 50 , miles away. It assisted it bowing air-1 craft to identify the .target. "In addition ;> large fire was caused among administrative buildings and another near the last mmgar whole several aircraft were observed to be ablaze. Explosions were also caused anion/ aircraft dispersed along the southern boundary of the aerodrome, i All our planes returned safely. "In the Western Desert Dorna was raided, bombs falling on military barracks. Our fighters maintained their usual patrols without engaging any of the enemy. "A very' heavy raid was made by a large force of enemy aircraft on Malta yesterday. Escorted by CR B's. German Junkers 87's and 88 s divebombed the harbour. Our fighters engaged ihe enemy, live of whom they destroyed mid five others were shot down bv anti-aircraft lire. No damage occurred to R.A.F. property, but civilian property suffered considerably.