WITHOUT LOSS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 January 1942, Page 5

WITHOUT LOSS

EXTENDED AIR ATTACKS HUGE FIRES STARTED AT SALAMIS. SUCCESSFUL BOMBING IN SPITE OF BAD WEATHER. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. 10.10 a.m.) RUGBY, January 5. The following communique from R.A.F. Middle East headquarters was issued this afternoon: “In the Jedabaya battle area yesterday, our fighters were constantly active, although the weather conditions were unfavourable. Enemy fighters were engaged and several were damaged without loss to our aircraft. “Bombing operations were restricted by the weather, but a considerable force of Blenheims, including a Free French squadron, attacked enemy defensive positions at Halfaya with effect. “An enemy reconnaissance aircraft that flew at a great height over Gambut was hit by anti-aircraft fire and was seen flying at 400 feet losing height. “On the night of January 3, supply dumps, barrack buildings and motor transport were bombed with success at Bueratelhssun. The same targets had been attacked on the previous day, petrol tanks being destroyed and a number of direct hits registered on barracks. “The submarine base of Salamis, to the vzest of the Piraeus, was raided during the night of January 3. Bombs fell on the base itself, as well as on a munition factory and ordnance workshops. Huge fires broke out as a result of the attack. “Malta was bombed by enemy air-

craft yesterday and during the previous night. Some damage was caused. One Junkers 88 was shot down in flames into the sea. Several other aircraft were severely damaged. “None of our aircraft are missing from operations during the period under review.”