GREEK FRONT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 November 1940, Page 6

GREEK FRONT

SLIGHT RETREAT IN EPIRUS ADMITTED OTHER PARTS OF FRONT FIRMLY HELD. ALL GAINS IN ALBANIA RETAINED. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day. 11 25 a.in.) LONDON, November 7. A Greek communique admits a slight retreat at the left extremity of the Epirus front. It states: “There was an exchange of artillery fire yesterday along the whole northern front. Our troops on the extreme left near the sea coast, have fallen back slightly.” Otherwise news from the front continues to give satisfaction. All gains in Albania are reported to be firmly held and reinforced. The Greeks have taken nine howitzers, four field pieces and 32 machineguns, besides prisoners, on the central front, where an Italian force was cut off in the Pindus region. Most of the captures were made as isolated units attempted to escape from a trap in a network of deep ravines. The Greek Minister of Security announced that Italian raiders had destroyed a church at Volo and also damaged a monastery. The enemy bombed Corfu, Patras, Corinth and Larissa. Insignificant damage was also done at a seaside resort, where a few women and children were killed. British planes co-operated with the Greek Air Force in patrol work and raids yesterday. British bombers attacked towns and ports in Southern Italy and ports in Albania. Valona, the important enemy receiving base for the Epirus front, was heavily damaged. Italian pilots brought down in recent raids have arrived in Athens. They said: “We understood that Greece would not defend herself.” All unconscripted workers aged from 16 to 60 are being mobilised for war effort. ITALIAN CLAIMS CROSSING OF THE KALAMAS RIVER. (By Telegraph—Press Associaiton—Copyright) (Received This Day, at Noon). LONDON, November 7. An Italian communique claims that the Italians have crossed the Kalamas River and that their air force has bombed a number of Greek towns. The Italians state that they repulsed an. enemy attack against Gallabat. The enemy returned to the attack and the action is continuing.

RAID ON BRINDISI BIG FIRES STARTED. Details of the raid made by R.A.F. bombers on Brindisi on November 5 and 6, the 8.8. C. reports, show that it was most intense. Bombs were dropped on naval dockyards, railway sidings and destroyer and submarine bases. Big fires were observed in the different areas. Other aircraft made.valuable reconnaissance flights.