SHOWERS OF BOMBS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 June 1943, Page 3

SHOWERS OF BOMBS

POURED DOWN ON PANTELLERIA Opposition From Ground Very Weak - -- - - * AIRFIELDS IN SICILY HEAVILY POUNDED SUCCESSFUL ATTACKS ON ENEMY SHIPPING LONDON, June 10. The North-West African Air Force yesterday again concentrated its attack on Pantelleria. The island had a terrific Bombers swept up and down the island showering bombs on the defences in a series of attacks which went on practically throughout the day. The opposition from the ground was very weak. Although the enemy sent up more and more fighters, they were not able to stem the stream of Allied aircraft. Twelve Axis machines were destroyed. One Allied plane was Pantelleria has not yet acceded to the Allied demand for surrender, but its defences must be cracking under the great weight of the air and sea bombardment and the, blockade > J ound the island. x x , , Heavy Liberator bombers from the Middle East went to Sicily yesterday and dropped more than 100 tons of bombs on two airfields. They smashed hangars and other buildings and set fire to many aircraft on the ground. Great columns of black smoke were seen billowing up from both airfields when the last bombers left. Spitfires from Malta provided a fighter cover. Three out of 25 Axis fighters which tried to interfere were shot down. _ , , Long-range fighters from the Middle East attacked enemy shipping in the Aegean Sea. Two sailing ships were sunk, another left sinking and a fourth was badly holed. A Polish submarine operating in the Mediterranean has torpedoed and probably sunk a fully laden enemy tanker.