SHIPS ATTACKED BY NAVY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 120, 23 May 1941, Page 7

SHIPS ATTACKED BY NAVY

LONDON, May 22. Fighting continued throughout the day in Crete, the new Mediterranean battle front. The latest development is a German attempt to land troops by sea. This attempt began last night, when British naval forces intercepted an enemy convoy which was making for the island and sank a destroyer escort, two transports, and a number of smaller boats. The enemy effort was on a larger scale today, when a convoy of 30 vessels was seen and attacked by British warships.

In a statement in the House of Commons this afternoon the Prime Minister described the battle as most strange and grim. "Our side has no air support," he said, "because we have no aerodromes, but not because we have no aeroplanes." On the other hand, the enemy had little or no artillery or tanks. Neither side had any means of retreat. "It is a desperate, grim battle, which will affect the whole course of the campaign in the Mediterranean," he said.

It is pointed out in London, in reference to lack of British air support in Crete, that it is impossible to carry out a satisfactory fighter defence from ill-equipped,aerodromes subject to large-scale enemy air attacks, but British bombers are repeatedly attacking German-occupied aerodromes in Greece.

Earlier today a Cairo communique stated that at nightfall yesterday the situation was satisfactory in every area except Malemi, where the enemy had a temporary foothold. Preparations to deal with the situation there were in progress. "The spirit of the defenders of Crete," the communique stated, "is higher than ever."