MALTA’S RECORD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20916, 16 October 1942, Page 3

MALTA’S RECORD

FOUR DAYS’ TOLL 79 AIRCRAFT DOWNED ONLY 12 RA.F. LOSSES (By TeiogTapn—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) (Noon.) RUGBY, Oct. 15. A communique issued in Cairo states that enemy attacks on Malta continued yesterday. All the raiders were doomed before they reached the island. Our fighters shot down 12 bombers and 11 fighters. The damage as a result of these raids was slight. Our aircraft losses were five Spitfires, but three of the pilots are safe. The Royal Air Force Middle East news service says that the Axis air forces had lost in daylight 5(1 aircraft and over 13L airmen over Malta in the previous three days. Little damage of importance has been inflicted on military targets oh the island, although there have been several civilian casualties. No fewer than 25 JUBB’s have been shot down and only four of the 100 men who flew in them were rescued by Royal Air Force launches. Twentytwo Messerschmitt 109’s, eight Macchi 202’s, and one. RE 2001 were, also shot down, with none of the pilots saved. The Royal Air Force losses in the same period were seven Spitfires, but two of the pilots are safe.