ADMIRALTY REPORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 July 1941, Page 5

ADMIRALTY REPORT

Actual Attacking Force. Annihilated

(British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) RUGBY, July 27. Further details of the attack on Valetta harbour early yesterday morning are now available, states a joint Admiralty, War Office and Air Ministry communique, which states: “Shortly before 7 a.m. E-boais appeared off the harbour entrance and fixed defences, manned by the military garrison, at once engaged the enemy. One E-boat blew up on being hit and four others were destroyed by gunfire. It then appeared that the E-boats were acting as an escort for small torpedo-carrying craft, which tried to break into the harbour. These were heavily engaged by gunfire from the shore defences and eight were either blown up or sunk and none succeeded in entering the harbour. R.A.F. fighters pursued the remaining E-boats, which were trying to extricate themselves, and sank four more and damaged others. Our fighters then encountered enemy aircraft, which were endeavouring to give air support to the retreating enemy. Three enemy aircraft were shot, down into the sea. One R.A.F. fighter was lest but the pilot was saved. “Reports so far received indicate that the assault on the harbour was attempted by eight small torpedo-carrying craft, all of which were destroyed by the defences. The view, that nene of the assaulting forces survived to report, is confirmed by a special Italian communique, issued last night. This merely referred to explosions seen by escorting forces from a distance to seaward.’’