FLEET AIR ARM

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21215, 11 September 1940, Page 8

FLEET AIR ARM

SUCCESS OX NORWEGIAN COAST SUPPLY SHIPS DAMAGED OIL TANKS DESTROYED (Official Wireless) (Received Sept. 11, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 10 Further successes by the Fleet Air Arm against enemy supply ships off the Norwegian coast are disclosed in an Admiralty communique which states: Aircraft again carried out offensive reconnaissance over the Norwegian coast yesterday. This confirmed that two of three tanks of the oil depot at Dolvic, which were attacked by Skuas on August 8, are completely destroyed, and a third tank and pipeline severely damaged. Yesterday Skuas attacked an enemy supply ship of about 2500 tons in Haugesund, scoring hits. Enemy huts south of Bergen were also attacked with bombs and hits obtained. Three of the huts were completely destroyed and others were damaged. Our aircraft encountered intense opposition from the anti-aircraft batteries and one Skua is missing. Supply Ships Sunk The Admiralty’s announcement of a successful attack by the Air Arm on an enemy supply ship and tanker off the Norwegian coast and an oil depot in Norway follows closely on other offensive operations over the Norwegian coast. Skuas and Swordfish on September 8 left two enemy supply ships funking and abandoned by the crews. All our aircraft returned safely. On August 28 Skuas set on fire oil tanks in the Bergen area and a motor patrol vessel, and also scored direct hits on a 2000-ton supply ship. All our aircraft returned safely. Skuas on August 19 attacked two 3000-ton transports, obtaining direct hits on one of them, and also attacked oil tanks north of Haugesund. All our aircraft returned safely. Skuas on August 8 set on fire an oil depot at Delvic. All our aircraft again returned safely. On August 1 Skuas successfully bombed a wireless station and a 4000-ton supply ship, leaving the latter in a sinking condition and abandoned by the crew. All our aircraft returned safely. Many offensive operations were carried out previous to this. These repeated attacks are adding considerably to the enemy’s difficulties in an area where sea transport and oil supplies are vital.