NAVAL BASE AND OTHER TARGETS AT NAPLES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 June 1943, Page 3

NAVAL BASE AND OTHER TARGETS AT NAPLES

Attack by More Than 100 Flying Fortresses AT LEAST TEN ENEMY FIGHTERS DESTROYED OVER CITY WITHOUT CASUALTY AMONG ALLIED PLANES LONDON, Hay 31. The Italian port of Naples was raided yesterday by more than 100 Flying Fortresses, which left a trail of destruction behind them in aircraft works, airfields and docks. Italy’s third most important naval base is at Naples and the Italians had more evidence of the Allies’ great air strength, as the Fortresses flew right across the city before branching off into four sections. One section attacked a big aircraft engine factory, another the docks and two others airfields on the fringes of the city. Yet another target was an oil storage depot. Many fires and large explosions were caused. The Italians sent up a large number of fighters in an attempt to intercept the attack, but nothing they could do could stop the Americans from giving their objectives a severe pounding. At least ten enemy planes were shot down without a single casualty among the Allied planes. Enemy aircraft on the ground and aerodrome buildings, besides other objectives, were hit. The airfield at Foggia, 80 miles north-west of Naples, was also raided by another force of bombers which scored direct hits on buildings and aircraft. Targets on Sicily and Pantelleria were attacked and Lightnings swept up and down the island of Sardinia, smashing up railways and other communications. On Saturday night Wellington heavy bombers attacked Pantelleria, and medium and fighter-bombers yesterday again attacked that island and also targets in Sardinia. During the day 14 Axis planes were shot down. One Allied aircraft is missing, but its pilot is safe.