At leas five Axis planes were Cairo, Sept. 16.
shot down and others badly damaged in a big air battle over the Egyptian-Libyan frontier on Sunday, according to two communiques issued by the R.A.F. headquarters here, which state that the British loss was four machines—one bomber and three fighters.
The Axis losses were one Messerschmitt of the 109 type, one Italian of the Cant 50 type, and three German aircraft of the Junkers 87 type. Two of the Junkers were destroyed by anti-aircraft fire, while the third was captured after being compelled to make a crash landing.
After British fighters had severely damaged a number of enemy air-Craft in an attack on the Gambut aerodrome, it is officially revealed, the Fleet Air Arm paid the airfield a visit last night and left eight enemy aircraft in flames with their bombs, and some half dozen others damaged.
Fourteen Enemy Planes Downed In intensive day and might operations on Sunday, the R.A.F, South African Air Force and Fleet Air Arm between them destroyed 11 enemy aircraft, it is claimed. Three more were destroyed by anti-aircraft fire, making a total of 14, while many others were severely damaged.
Although seven British planes were lost, but two pilots parachuted to safety.
"A strong force of South African bombers yesterday (Sunday) attacked and dispersed enemy motor transport and armoured fighting vehicles im the frontier area," says the R.A.F. communique in recounting Sunday's operations. "A large number of bombs fell among the vehicles, Many direct hits were observed and fires of considerable dimensions broke out. The last of our attacking aircraft with its fighter escort was engaged by German and Italian fighters," and an air battle ensued, with results mentioned above.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.