Wairarapa Times-Age FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1942. AN ISLAND PORTRESS.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1942, Page 2

Wairarapa Times-Age FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1942. AN ISLAND PORTRESS.

JT lias been said that the air raids on Malta, which have risen to a crescendo during the last six weeks, constitute an unmistakable “alert” signal prior to a general German attack in the eastern Mediterranean. This no doubt is true, but it also seems clear that the undaunted defence of Malta under continuing air bombardments, which probably have not been surpassed in intensity in any theatre of war, is serving much more than a negative purpose.

Admittedly the furious air onslaught the enemy has directed against Malta almost without a halt since the beginning of last month is doing something for the time being to blunt the edge of the British offensive in the Mediterranean. From Malta as a base, many successful and heavily damaging attacks have been made botlr on enemy aerodromes in Sicily and Southern Italy and on Axis convoys on their way to Tripolitania. By his persistent bombing of the island citadel, the enemy has done much to prevent or limit action on these lines, and it is probable that in consequence some convoys that otherwise would have been destroyed or damaged en route have reached North Africa with equipment and supplies for Rommel’s forces, which were reported yesterday to be showing increased activity in the forward areas of Libya.

For any advantage he has gained and is gaining in this way, however, the enemy is paying a price, and one that is by no means light. It is a price measured not only in the losses of planes that are being shot down or damaged from day to day at Malta by the anti-aircraft guns and fighters of the island fortress, but in the continued concentration against Malta of powerful air forces which most certainly the enemy would be glad to employ instead in North Africa, Russia, or other theatres of war.

Malta has borne, up magnificently and has hit back with hard and punishing effect against the most powerful assaults the Axis Powers have yet been able to develop, and the recentlytold story of the latest Malta convoy was one of complete failure by the enemy to prevent the island being reinforced and supplied. The part Malta is playing in the grim drama of war in the Mediterranean is worthy in every way of its historic past. It is a part of which not only its garrison and defending air force, with their comrades of the Royal Navy, but its resolute and enduring civil inhabitants have every right to be proud.