OPTEL No. 67
 
      Information received up to 7 A.M., 25th February, 1942.
 
      
 
 
1. 
NAVAL
 
      Photographic reconnaissance of AAS FJORD (TRONDHEIM) on 24th 
      showed TIRPITO in her usual berth, also a pocket battleship and 
      8 inch cruiser at the head of the Fjord. On 19th a small American 
      steamer was stunk by aircraft north of PORT DARWIN.
 
      
 
 
2. 
MILITARY
 
      LIBYA
. Enemy mechanical transport and tanks perviously reported 
      moving towards TMIMI (OPTEL No. 65) did not continue their advance 
      on 23rd. Small parties of enemy with a few tanks were encountered 
      by our patrols between TMIMI and EL EOOEIAT (25 miles to the 
      south-west). They withdrew when engaged by our artillery and 
      armoured cars. A Free French column has been operating with our 
      armoured cars south and south-east of MEKILI.
 
      
 
 
3. 
AIR OPERATIONS
 
      WESTERN FRONT
. 23rd to 24th. One Hampden was lost during 
      successful sea-mining operations.
 
      24th. Our fighters carried out some small offensive operations, 
      two coastal command Hudson missing. At dusk Fighters destroyed 
      a Dornier attacking a convoy off CROMER.
 
      24th/25th. Aircraft were despatched on sea-mining (51) and on 
      leaflet dropping Northern FRANCE (5). Two aircraft are missing.
 
      
LIBYA.
 Kittyhawks destroyed one and damaged two Messerschmidts 
      109 for the loss of two Kittyhawks, one pilot safe. 4 long-range 
      Messerschmidts 109 tracked MAKTILA aerodrome (16 miles south 
      of SIDI BARRANI) and destroyed or damaged five of our aircraft, 
      and also shot down a Blenheim near SOLLUM.
 
      
MALTA.
 23rd. In addition to attack reported yesterday, 
      37 enemy aircraft bombed our aerodromes and destroyed two Wellingtons 
      and one Hurricane, also seriously damaging buildings.
 
      23/24 and 24th. 29 enemy aircraft operated and destroyed one 
      Hurricane on the ground. One Messerschmidt was shot down.
 
      
NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES.
 24th. 3 Blenheims attacked two 
      enemy submarines north of JAVA without definite result.