IN GREAT PART DESTROYED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 May 1941, Page 5

IN GREAT PART DESTROYED

Raiders Shot Down and Aerodrome Bombed FEW BRITISH CASUALTIES AT HABBANIA SITUATION AT BASRA STILL QUIET LONDON, May 5. The destruction by the R.A.F. of the greater part of the Iraqui Air Force, which is said to have consisted of about 60 planes, is confirmed in tonight’s communique from British headquarters, Cairo. The Iraqui aircraft were shot down m attempts to raid British camps and as the result of attacks by British planes on Iraqui air bases. As the result of action by British, aircraft yesterday Iraqui artillery posted in the vicinity of Habbania was rendered relatively inoperative. Very few casualties were suffered by the British forces. Great destruction was caused by a bombing attack on an Iraqui aerodrome east of Bagdad. Tons of bombs were droped on buildings and enemy aircraft on the ground were set on fire. The situation at Basra is still quiet. British troops remain in occupation without interference. EFFECTIVE AIR ATTACKS The Royal Air Fqrce in Africa has attacked enemy headquarters in Abyssinia'and in the Tobruk area. South-east of , Tobruk bombers started four large fires at the Axis military headquarters on Saturday night and the Italian headquarters in Abyssinia were machine-gunned by fighter aircraft of the South African Air Force. CAPTURES IN ABYSSINIA In the mountains of Abyssinia, the British advance is still progressing. Further important positions were occupied yesterday and a large number of enemy troops surrendered.