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. |