GREAT PETROL BLAZE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 November 1941, Page 6

GREAT PETROL BLAZE

STARTED BY SPITFIRES -IN FRANCE ATTACK ON ENEMY TRAINS. ENGINE BLOWN SKY HIGH. ■ — I I British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, November 4. An Air Ministry communique elates: “Our fighters continued their offensive patrols iover Northern France today. In the Cherbourg Peninsula,, gasometers, oil tanks and a petrol lorry were attacked and set on fire. “Other targets attacked during day operations included an aerodrome, factory, goods trains, troops and gun positions. One of our aircraft is missing.” The Air Ministry news service adds that flames from burning petrol could be seen for thirty miles by Spitfire pilots returning from France. The pilots attacked an oil refinery containing about 150 small tanks, every one of which was on fire when ‘they left. Finally the Spitfires attacked and blew up four gasometers. Four enemy trains were attacked by other Spitfires in the Cherbourg arqa. “One engine was blown sky high,” said a pilot on his return, “and German troops dived in panic from the wagons.” At Boulogne Harbour French fishermen waved fish aloft as a greeting to the pilots. Only one formation of about eight Messerschmitts was seen. Before they made off they were attacked and several were damaged. There is nothing to report regarding enemy daylight activity over Britain.