R.A.F. ACTIVITIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 May 1941, Page 5

R.A.F. ACTIVITIES

IN MEDITERRANEAN, IRAQ & AFRICA — . DAMAGE DONE IN MANY AREAS. FIVE PLANES MISSING. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11 a.m.) RUGBY. May 30. A R,A.F. Middle East communique states: "Our bombers attacked the Ger-man-occupied island of Scarpanto on the night of May 28. A large number of bombs fell on the landing ground and caused a big fire and explosions. One explosion threw flames GOO feet high. "In Iraq, our fighters maintained patrols throughout the day in support of old’ advancing troops. Three Italian Caproni 32s intercepted our reconnaissance aircraft near Khan and one enemy aircraft was shot down. ■Reconnaissance and bombing cooperation was effected with our mechanised columns. At Deirezzor aerodrome. in Syria, hanvars were successfully attacked. "In Abyssinia the South African Air Force continues to harrass the Italian force still holding out in the region of Jimma. Direct hits' were made on a road and buildings, some of which were set on fire. Transport vehicles north of Alghe were destroyed. In the Gandar area targets at Azozo and Digya were bombed and machine-gun-ned. "In Libya, a large formation of enemy aircraft, raided Tobruk yesterday. Four were shot down by anti-aircraft fire and several others were damaged. From all these operations five of our planes are missing."