NO EASY TIME

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 March 1942, Page 4

NO EASY TIME

FOR GERMAN AIRMEN ATTACKING MALTA NAZI BOMBERS & FIGHTERS DAMAGED. DURING RECENT RAIDS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 15. Reports from Malta state that last night was again comparatively quiet. A few bombers appeared shortly after dark, but several did not cross the coast. A few bombs were dropped, but there is no report of any damage. Anti-aircraft _guns and fighters cooperated in attacking the enemy. A later report showed that a Messerschmitt 109 claimed to have been damaged by our fighters yesterday was actually destroyed. Today the Germans made a series of determined attacks on aerodrome and harbour works, causing civilian damage and some casualties. The anti-aircraft guns were active throughout the day, repelling the enemy, while R.A.F. fighters engaged both bombers and fighters in a number' of cases. R.A.F. fighters severely damaged one Junkers 88 bomber and damaged two Messerschmitt 109 fighters. One' Junkers was severely damaged by anti-air-craft fire. The first alert of the day was sounded after dawn for a small force of patrolling Messerschmitts, followed by a single bomber attack. A bomber raid developed an hour later and was preliminary to attacks at regular intervals during the night and day. A German airman, broadcasting from Berlin, paid a tribute to the “unparalleled defences the British have built up in Malta.” He said: “We meet everywhere throughout the island an array of anti-aircraft guns, and at any moment must be ready to engage fighters, the efficiency of which leaves traces on our machines. The German pilots don’t have an easy time.”

A later message states that Malta had air raids all day on Sunday, _ two alarms that night and six more yesterday.