Us Official Photographs

P-40's in Tripolitania

Tripolitania, Libya - Curtiss P-40's in line ready to take off for an attack on enemy positions in Tripolitania. The activities of fighter bombers have been the principal feature of Allied air attacks in the present offensive in Libya. Since the attack was launched at El Alamein their effort has been rapidly increasing. Now, hopping ahead to every new airfield taken over by the Allies, they are delivering still more savage attacks and doing a great deal to keep the enemy on the run. At every point where he had hoped to make a stand low level bombing and gunning from our fighter bombers have smashed his strong points and set his rearguard in retreat. The fighter bomber is a new weapon of offensive strategy. These aircraft answered the demand for dive bombers to support forces in the field. They have an advantage over the German stuka, for, when they have dropped their load of bombs, they are able to fly as fast maneuverable fighters and defend themselves against enemy fighter attacks in the air.