MANY DIRECT HITS

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21373, 18 March 1941, Page 5

MANY DIRECT HITS

FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS SUCCESS OF AIRMEN ENEMY PLANES DESTROYED (Official Wireless) (Received March 18, 11.45 a.m.) RUGBY, March 17 A Royal Air Force Middle East communique states: In Albania a formation of Royal Air Force bomber aircraft made a successful attack on an aerodrome and other military objectives in Tirana in the early hours of yesterday morning. Although intercepted by a large number of enemy fighters the British bombers pressed home the attack and dropped more than ten tons of bombs on the targets. Direct hits were obtained on hangars and other military buildings, starting large fires. The attack destroyed a number of dispersed aircraft, which were bombed and machine-gunned. Another bomber formation raided the Valona aerodrome and then dived in the face of intense antiaircraft fire to machine-gun dispersed enemy aircraft. While returning from these operations one Royal Air Force plane encountered a large enemy seaplane—a Cant 5066—near Corfu and shot it down into the sea. In Tripolitania on the night of March 15 a heavy attack was carried out on aerodromes at Castel Benito and Makina. Direct hits were registered on an ammunition dump at the Benito aerodrome and other fires were started on the south side. At Amkina bombs were dropped among dispersed aircraft, starting a number of fires, which destroyed at least four enemy aircraft. Others were severely damaged by a bomb blast. Violent Explosion Fires were also caused among buildings, and as tne last bomber left a violent explosion occurred among dispersed aircraft. Very heavy attacks were carried out on enemy positions in and around Keren, in Eritrea, yesterday, and on the previous day. British aircraft bombed and machine-gunned motor transport and troop concentrations, as well as railways and roads. Malta was raided by enemy aircraft on the night of March 15, but no damage or casualties have been reported. In a very successful attack on the Diredawa aerodrome on March 15, in which the enemy lost eight aircraft, two British aircraft did not return. The pilot of one, however, is safe. From all other operations British aircraft returned safely, with the exception of one bomber.” Pilot’s Bravery The brief phrase, “the pilot of one aircraft is safe,” in the communique when describing the attack oh the Diredawa aerodrome, is vividly illustrated by a statement in an air communique issued in Nairobi, which says: “The pilot landed under artillery fire and was picked up by his fellow pilot, who liew a singleseater home.” PETROLEUM INDUSTRY CONTROL IN MEXICO (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tei. Copyright) NEW YORK, March 14 The Mexican Government has re- ! vised the petroleum law modifications j now before a committee of the Chamber of Deputies by eliminating the clause permitting foreign companies to participate in the petroleum industry in the future, says the United Press Mexico correspondent. The Administration’s action was taken without explanation, but it is believed it followed pressure by leftist political interests j ARMS DUMP SEIZED DISCOVERY IX BELFAST United Pres.** Assn —El*'' T®>. Copvrl£ht) BELFAST. March 16 The police have seized an arms ! dump in a factory at the north end of the city. j The dump included a machine-gun, | many revolvers and much ammunition.

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