BRITISH SUCCESSES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21178, 30 July 1940, Page 5

BRITISH SUCCESSES

FIGHTING IN AFRICA BOMBING IN EASTERN LIBYA ITALIAN PLANES DESTROYED (United’Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) ( Received July 30, 11 a.m.) LONDON, July 29 A Royal Air Force communique from Cairo states: Several reconnaissance flights were carried out over ■ Eastern Libya by bombing aircraft, escorted by fighters. During one of these a large formation of enemy fighters was met and in the subsequent action one enemy plane was shot down. One of our aircraft is missing. During another reconnaissance two Italian fighters seen on the ground were attacked and both were destroyed by fire. In Italian East Africa a bombing and machine-gunning attack was made on an aerodrome at Mille. One Italian bomber was totally destroyed and two others were damaged. French pilots and crews operated with the Royal Air Force and carried out valuable reconnaissance work in the Diredawa area. Flying-Boat Attacks Ships A Sunderland flying-boat patrolling in the Mediterranean attacked three ships. The result of the bombing is not yet known. The Sunderland was attacked by three formations of enemy monoplane fighters, but maintained a running action throughout its return flight. One Italian fighter was shot down in flames and another driven down out of control. The Sunderland returned safely. Another Sunderland on patrol was also attacked by enemy fighters, one of which broke up in the air and another gave up the combat in a badlydamaged condition. The Sunderland returned safely to its base. Raids on Malta Enemy bombers, escorted by a dozen fighters, raided Malta yesterday. Only slight damage was done. One enemy fighter was brought down by anti-aircraft fire and crashed into the sea. A Cairo communique states: In Egypt, in the Western desert, an observation patrol of light armoured fighting vehicles which had penetrated far behind the enemy’s lines was spotted and subjected to a continuous low-flying attack by Italian bombers and fighters. There were some casualties to men and vehicles. On the other fronts there has been nothing of importance to relate. A Nairobi communique states: Our air force successfully bombed concentrations of enemy troops and a camel trains post in the neighbourhood of Moyale. Only light antiaircraft opposition was encountered.