WIDESPREAD RAIDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 July 1941, Page 6

WIDESPREAD RAIDS

CARRIED OUT IN MIDDLE EAST

DAMAGE TO ENEMY BASES & SHIPPING.

SUCCESSES IN VARIOUS AREAS.

(British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) RUGBY. July 1

A R.A.F. Middle East communique states: “R.A.F. bombers carried out a number of successful raids. In the harbour of Tripoli (Libya) several hits were obtained on enemy vessels and the superstructure of one was seen to blow up after a number of bombs had hit the deck. Other large ships, including one of about 20,000 tons, were hit by several bombs and severely damaged. One of these was seen to be in a half-sunken condition. Our aircraft afterwards machine-gunned . disembarked troops and enemy seaplanes on the water, causing considerable damage and many casualties. “An enemy aerodrome in the same area was also attacked by our bombers. Their bombs started fires amongst dispersed CR.42s and other enemy aircraft'. At least five were destroyed, while a large transport aircraft was destroyed by machine-gun fire. “A number of enemy planes which approached Malta yesterday were intercepted by our fighters some miles out at sea. Two of the enemy jvere shot down and a number of others damaged. “In Cyrenaica, fighters of the R.A.F. and South African Air Force, carrying out a covering patrol over our ships off the coast yesterday, drove off a number of enemy aircraft which attempted several attacks. During these engagements they shot down one Messerschmitt 110, two G.so’s. and four Junkers 275. and damaged several other Messerschmitts. “In Syria, raids were carried out yesterday on enemy aerodromes. At Aleppo, bombs fell in the centre of the runway and in front of hangars. At Palmyra bombs were dropped on barracks and stores. The Baalbeck Aerodrome and its satellite were machinegunned and a number of twin-engined aircraft were damaged. Much damage was also done to buildings and numerous casualties were inflicted. “Ar attack was also carried out on Soucida, where direct hits were obtained on military buildings. “During the night, of June 29, a heavy raid was made on the harbour and shipping at Beirut. Bombs were seen to burst on the central quay and northern mole and a number of fires were started,

“Form all these operations two of our aircraft are missing.”