MALTA’S DEFENDERS

Evening Star, Issue 24327, 16 October 1942, Page 3

MALTA’S DEFENDERS

AIR SECRETARY'S TRIBUTE LONDON, October 14. The Secretary of State for Air, Sir Archibald Sinclair, sent to Air ViceMarshal Park the following message:— “ Congratulations to your squadrons on their brilliant exploits in the recent battles. The destruction of more than 1,000 aircraft by airmen and gunners at Malta is a glorious and significant achievement.” TWENTY-THREE RAIDERS DOWNED (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 10 a.m.) RUGBY, Oct. 15. A Cairo communique states: Enemy attacks on Malta were continued yesterday. All the raiders were downed before they reached the island. Our fighters shot down 12 bombers and 11 fighters. The damage as the result of these raids was slight. Our. aircraft losses are five Spitfires. Three of the pilots are safe. LITTLE DAMAGE TO MILITARY TARGETS (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 9.50 a.m.) RUGBY, October 15. The R.A.F. Middle' East News Service says the Axis air forces have lost in daylight 56 aircraft and over 130 airmen over Malta in the previous three days. Little damage of importance has been inflicted on military targets in the island, although there have been several civilian casualties. No fewer than 25 Ju. 88’s have been shot down. Only four of the 100 men who flew in them were rescued by R.A.F. launches. Twenty-two Messerschmitt 109’s, eight Macchi 202’s, and one Re. 2,001 were also shot down, with no pilots saved.

The R.A.F. losses in the same period were seven Spitfires. Two pilots are safe. REVOLT IN CROATIA FOLLOWERS OF PEASANT LEADER (Rec. ‘10.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 15. A Berne report says that 1,000 followers of ■Dr Matchek, the Croat Peasant leader, - are reported to have revolted against the Pavelitch Government. Fighting is now stated to be raging in Croatia, independently of General Mikhailovitch’s guerrilla forces.