AIR CO-OPERATION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 194, 15 May 1944, Page 5

AIR CO-OPERATION

Aircraft Busy Behind And Over Lines (British Official Wireless.) (Received May 14, 7.30 p.m.) RUGBY. May 13. The R.A.F.’s part in the preparation for the new battle in Italy has not been less important than is the present day-to-day co-operation, writes an air correspondent. For weeks past bombers have been pounding the west coast ports, Leghorn, Piombino, and San Stefano, night by night, interfering with the unloading of enemy supplies brought down the const from Genoa. These ports have increased in importance because of the chaos caused to German land communications by incessant bombing. Port Feejo, on the Island of Elba, has now been under 48 hours' continuous bombing. Most of the R.A.F. Spitfire squadrons were busy escorting medium bombers over the buttle areas, but it was a disappointing day. for them as only one solitary enemy aircraft was sighted between dawn and dusk, so complete is our air supremacy. The Desert Air-Force was filling its traditional role of tactical co-oiieration. Squadrons of Spitfires. Kittyhawks, Mustangs and Baltimores, flew sorties against enemy gun positions, and Boston bombers night-strafed enemy road tionsWork of Heavies. ■ Mediterranean Allied Air Force heavies have again attacked enemy concentrations in northern Italy, says a late message from a Naples correspondent. Fortresses and Liberators attacked enemy communications in continuance of their plan to destroy Marshal Kesselring's communications. Fourteen railway targets were bombed, and it is believed that the Fortresses cut the Brenner Pass line from Germany. Liberators attacked railway yards between the Apennines and the River Po. Light bombers and fighter-bombers attacked north and south of Rome in direct support of the ground battle. Between 20 and 25 enemy aircraft were seen, being the first encountered since the buttle opened. Spitfires destroyed three FWIOO's, and Wnrhawks got two ME 109's. Three Wnrhawks are missing. Two Allied aerodromes in Corsica were bombed by the enemy on Friday night.