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Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 August 1943, Page 4

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INTO THE CONTINENT OF EUROPE BIG CONVOYS ENTERING MEDITERRANEAN GERMANS ALSO INCREASING FORCES. IN ITALY & THE BALKANS. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.10 a.mj LONDON August 23. Big reinforcements of men and material are coming into the Mediterranean in large convoys, ready for the next jump into Europe, reports the British United Press Algiers correspondent. Meanwhile neutral reports say that, in expectation of an Allied invasion, the Germans are increasing their forces, not only in Northern Italy, but in the Balkans and Southern France. An Italian newspaper declares that the Allies are certain to invade Italy soon. The Berlin radio reported. that five British aircraft-carriers have arrived at Gibraltar, apparently to give _ fighter cover for Allied forces landing in Italy or the Balkans. The British United Press says the Mediterranean reinforcements include more of the new weapons which were tested in the, Sicilian campaign, with excellent results. These new type*weapons include anti-tank guns of a later model than the famous six-pounder, also amphibian vehicles and secret naval devices used in the Sicily landings. The air forces also are receiving the latest fighters and fighter-bombers, including Spitfires of a type rarely seen even in Britain. Planes like the Mustang Invader, which achieved a smashing success as long-range escorts for bombers on the Salerno raid, are also flowing in to add to our already overwhelming superiority. AIR POUNDING OF ENEMY IN ITALY. HEAVY LOSSES INFLICTED. (Received This Day, 11.40 a.m.) - LONDON, August 23. The Axis forces retreating from Southern Italy are suffering heavy losses in a terrific Allied non-stop air assault. Allied planes have dislocated all rail transport in Southern Italy and are now turning to the Axis convoys strung out along the roads leading northward. The raid on Salerno yesterday completed the isolation of Naples. It cut the railway south of Naples, while two previous raids against Naples cut the lines running northward and eastward. Later reports show that a total of 114 Axis fighters have been shot down over Italy in the last four days. An Italian communique admits that Salerno has been “considerably damaged.” Allied planes last Saturday smashed nearly three-quarters of a big Axis convoy in Southern Italy, says Reuter's correspondent at a Sicilian air base. It was the biggest convoy of road transport seen in Southern Italy since the end of the Sicilian campaign and comprised 40 motor vehicles and six armoured cars. In a series of attacks lasting for half an hour. Allied planes set on fire eight lorries and damaged 20 others.