MORE GAINS MADE BY GREEKS IN ALBANIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 December 1940, Page 5

MORE GAINS MADE BY GREEKS IN ALBANIA

General Papagos Thanks R.A.F.

VALUABLE ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO TROOPS

HEAVY DAMAGE DONE TO ENEMY BASES AND COMMUNICATIONS

In Albania, the 8.8. C. reports, Greek troops have followed up their lightning capture, .of positions on the River Brin in successful local actions along the whole front. On the centra front an important position has been captured and the Ureeks are also continuing their advance beyond Ilimara, in the eoas a ' There are reports of increased marauding raids, behind the Italian lines, by Albanian irregulars, who are cutting enemy communications and attacking isolated detachments. The Royal Air Force continues to give strong support to the Greek troops and the Greek Commander-in-i Chief, General Papagos, has sent a message of thanks to our airmen in Greece in which he expresses confidence that British and Greek arms will secure a complete victory. Since the beginning of November, apart from the activities of fighters, the R.A.F. has raided Valona 13 times. During these raids a munitions dump has been blown up, four large, ships set on fire, a barracks burned down, petrol dumps destroyed and harbour installations smashed. In attacks on Durazzo, the most important enemy port in Albania, British aircraft have completely gutted a petrol depot, destroyed ships and wrecked a jetty.- The destructive bombing of Santi Quaranta opened the way for the Greek advance on Valona. In addition many attacks have been made on enemy lines of communication, troops on the march and bases and supply camps. British fighters also have been active since they arrived on November 18. On their first encounter with the enemy they shot down nine of his planes, on each of two other days eight, and on yet another day seven. So far 39 enemy planes have been destroyed for certain and probably a good many others have also been' destroyed or damaged too badly to permit of their flying again. The British losses have been nine planes. ■ Besides assisting the- Greek troops, the R.A.F. has done a good deal to protect the Greek civilian population against enemy air raids, which have fallen off considerably since the British planes arrived.

BOMBS ON CORFU ITALIANS AGAIN RAID UNDEFENDED TOWN. GIFTS DROPPED BY BRITISH PLANES. LONDON, December 26. Early on Christmas morning some British bombers flew over Corfu and. dropped 500 leather jerkins to help clothe the children of the islanders. They were a gift from the British units stationed in Greece. As the machines flew over only 100 feet from the ground the population cheered and waved. Later in the day Italian aircraft visited Corfu and, dropping bombs on the open, undefended town, killed 21 people and wounded 30, mostly women and children. A British Official Wireless message states that the raid on Corfu on Christmas Day was the 23rd carried out by the Italians. A Greek communique says that the Isle of Leucas was also bombed, but no damage was done and there were no casualties.