- 2 -
 
      from the GNEISENAU. Fires were started in the jetties and amongst 
      the camouflage netting. 11 squadrons of fighters provided escort 
      to within ten miles of BREST. Bombers shot down three Messerschmidts 
      109, probably destroyed three and damaged nine. Fighters destroyed 
      four and damaged one. Our losses were four Stirlings, one Manchester 
      and one Hurricane. Two other bombers crashed, the crew of one 
      being saved.
 
      
 
 
18th/19th. 19 bombers despatched to attack BREST but visibility 
      was poor and results were unobserved. One aircraft crashed on 
      return.
 
      
 
 
LIBYA
. On 16th and 17th, Hurricanes damaged 46 lorries 
      and five petrol tankers on the EL AGHEILA road. During the attack 
      on BENINA aerodrome on 16th, two large aircraft were destroyed 
      on the ground and two fires started. On 17th, heavy attacks were 
      made by Blenheims on an enemy mechanical transport column south-east 
      of DERNA and motor vehicles near MEKILI, many vehicles being 
      destroyed. Bostons attacked and hit buildings at GIOVANNI BERTA 
      (18 miles east-south-east of APOLLONIA) and Hurricanes with bombs 
      attacked mechanical transport near EL TMIMI and MEKILI. Marylands 
      destroyed 15 Junkers 52 at BARCE aerodrome.
 
      
 
 
17th/18th. Wellingtons successfully bombed BENINA aerodrome 
      and attacked mechanical transport on the BARCE-TOORA road. During 
      above operations, two Messerschmidts 109 were destroyed in the 
      air. Six Hurricanes are missing.
 
      
 
 
CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN.
 16th/17th and 17th/18th. Naval 
      Swordfish attacked a 4,000-ton tanker, which is believed to have 
      sunk. 17th. Four Blenheims attacked transport in the OUARA area 
      (west of TRIPOLI) and destroyed two train coaches and two petrol 
      tankers. One Blenheim is missing.
 
      
 
 
FAR EAST.
 Dutch bomber squadrons attacked enemy shipping 
      at MIRI. One destroyer was hit and near misses were made on one 
      cruiser and on two transports.
 
      
 
 
(IV) 
ENEMY ACTIVITY
 
      18th/19th. 38 aircraft operated against the United Kingdom, the 
      majority of which are suspected of minelaying in the HUMBER area 
      and in LIVERPOOL BAY.
 
      
 
 
MALTA
. 16th/17th and 17th/18th. Bombs were dropped 
      on the Island causing damage to civilian property.