WELL METHODISED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 August 1943, Page 4

WELL METHODISED

AIR ATTACKS ON RETIRING ENEMY IN STRAITS OF MESSINA AND OTHERR AREAS. MAINLAND GETTING ITS SHARE. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.27 a.m.) RUGBY, August 15. Operations by aircraft of the Mediterranean Air Command to hinder the enemy in the Messina Straits in evacuating the troops and material now in retreat from Sicily are described by the Air Ministry. The target is divided into- three areas—firstly, communications in North-East Sicily; secondly, ports and shipping in the vicinity of the Straits of Messina; thirdly, the communications target in the too of Italy, as ,far north, roughly, as a line from Paolo, on the west coast, to Catanzaro, on the east coast.

Operations in the first area are being carried out chiefly by Mitchells, Bostons and Baltimores, based on Sicily and operating in direct support of the land forces. The two coastal roads to Messina —one from Patti, in the west, and the other from Riposto, in the east —as well as the road skirting the northern coast, have been the chief targets for these forces. Much confusion and delay have resulted from traffic blocks caused by these attacks. Targets in the second area —the Straits of Messinaconsisted of the town of Messina, the port from which the enemy is attempting to cross the Straits by means of barges and other small craft, the towns of Reggio di Calabria and San Giovanni, and beaches on the mainland. These attacks are being kept up day and night, almost incessantly, Mitchells bombing by night, and Bostons, Flying Forresses, and fighter-bombers by day. In this very strongly defended area is probably one of the greatest concentrations of anti-aircraft guns ever assembled on any battlefield. The third area —the toe of Italy—is chiefly important for the railway and road which run right round the coast —the road along which all stores and equipment for the Axis armies must be brought. The road crosses many bridges, which are very prominent targets for the bomber force. The passage of supplies needed by the Axis to continue the struggle has been and is being seriously impeded by the repeated attacks of Allied light, medium and heavy bombers on these targets.