OPTEL 6
 
      28 November, 1941
 
      CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN. 26th. A 7,000 ton liner escorted by a 
      destroyer was attacked by 2 Blenheims off HOMS (LIBYA). 2 hits 
      were scored on liner and one on the destroyer; next day the liner 
      was seen to be low in the water 300 yards from the shore.
 
      
 
 
(III) 
G.A.F.
 
      27th/28th. 38 aircraft were operating over the THAMES ESTUARY.
 
      
 
 
(IV) 
AXIS AIR FORCES IN LIBYA
 
      Heavy rain and floods which made aerodromes unserviceable and 
      communication difficult resulted in a slow start by Axis, they 
      are now maintaining an intensive effort and their casualties 
      have not been excessive.
 
      In general Axis Air Forces have been mainly employed in protecting 
      their bases and supporting their ground troops. Their action 
      against our Fleet has been negligible and bombing of our back 
      areas has not been heavy or particularly effective.
 
      Both German and Italian morale seems good. The Italian Fighter 
      Force has been mainly employed in escort of German Junker 87's 
      and on defensive patrol work. The German Me 109's have made effective 
      interception of our aircraft and bombing by their Junker 88's 
      of our aerodromes has sometimes been good.
 
      The main concentration of Axis aircraft is in the BENGHAOI area 
      which is probably congested.
 
      The effect of strained Axis supply situation should become apparent 
      within the next few days, in spite of liberal employment of Junker 
      52 transport aircraft to improve matters.
 
      
 
 
The following reinforcements have reached LIBYA since our 
      offensive started:
 
      
 
 
(a) German: About 25 Junker 88's, sent to CYRENAICA From GREECE 
      at beginning of offensive have since returned to ATHENS probably 
      owing to shortage of fuel at BENGHAOI.
 
      
 
 
Some 25 Me. 11O's were brought From CRETE and SICILY to CYRENAICA 
      but majority of these have been lost and not replaced.
 
      
 
 
15 Junker 87's came from CRETE. No reinforcements of Me. 109's 
      have been received, but some are probably coming.
 
      Two to three hund %red Junker 52 transports aircraft from RUSSIA 
      and Eastern GERMANY are now being employed in Libyan campaign.