SERVICES INTACT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1941, Page 6

SERVICES INTACT

SURRENDER OF ADDIS ABABA

CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF PRISONERS.

INCLUDING MANY AIRMEN

(British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.0 a.m.) RUGBY, April 8

An official communique issued at Nairobi describes the capture of Addis Ababa; also highly successful raids by the South African Air Force. Regarding the occupation of the Italian capital, it stated: “Following the lead-; ing elements, which entered Addis Ababa late on the previous evening, South African, East African and West African troops occupied the city on Sunday. There were no incidents, the Italian officials handing over the town with its essential services intact. A considerable number of prisoners, including many airmen were taken. Operations in this area have been continued, the enemy being followed up on all fronts.”

A further communique gives details of a raid on Kombalcha. by the South African Air Force, on Sunday, stating: "Our planes destroyed enemy aircraft dispersed over the aerodrome and at least damaged others of all types. In addition our fighter escort shot down two CR42's, both pilots baling out. Bombers damaged enemy aircraft which were taking’off and destroyed another on the runway. Other bombs were dropped on a motor transport! park in a northern town. Motor trans-i port on roads in the Dessie area was attacked by bombers and fighters and! several lorries were set on fire." I