AIRCRAFT BUSY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 December 1941, Page 6

AIRCRAFT BUSY

DAY & NIGHT OPERATIONS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 29. A R.A.F. Middle East communique states: “Throughout yesterday R.A.F. bomber aircraft and the Free French Air Force continued their raids on objectives within the Bardia perimeter. Many direct hits were obtained on gun defensive positions. Elsewhere fighter aircraft intercepted a formation of enemy torpedo bombers, which attempted unsuccessfully to attack our shipping. One bomber was shot down into the sea. A Junkers 88 was shot down by one of our fighters in the Gazala region, the crew being taken prisoners. Fighter aircraft of the R.A.F. and South African Air Force successfully attacked enemy motor transport on the El Agheila Road .during Saturday. A number of lorries were destroyed and many others damaged. Fires followed the attacks. During Saturday night, quays at the Castello Railway Station and shipping in the harbour of Tripoli were again effectively raided. A violent explosion occurred, but. a thick cloud prevented detailed observation of the results of the attack.

“Enemy motor transport south of Mareet Marcan and at Suara was also bombed.

“Enemy aircraft which raided Malta during Saturday night were intercepted by night fighters. One enemy bomber was shot down in flames. “From these and other operations one of our aircraft is missing.”