CLAIMS BY ITALY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21223, 20 September 1940, Page 5

CLAIMS BY ITALY

RETREAT OF BRITISH MUNITION DUMPS DESTROYED SALTING OF WELLS (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 20, 11 a.m.) ROME, Sept. 19 Marshal Graziani reported to Mussolini that Sidi Barrani was occupied when the enemy, after resisting inch by inch, was finally upset by an Italian pincers movement and hurriedly retreated to Mersa Matruh, destroying munition dumps and salting wells. The British lost over half their numerous armoured units. British Ships Bombed An Italian communique states: British naval units started a bombardment of Italian troops between Bardia and Sidi Barrani. The Italian Air Force intervened and bombed the enemy ships, forcing them to flee. A 10,000-ton British cruiser was torpedoed from the air and seriously damaged. We again bombed and machinegunned enemy columns and mechanised units, which are fleeing everywhere. We also bombed Mersa Matruh and other military targets. The enemy raided Tobruk, Boma and Benghazi, with limited damage. The British made an air raid on Rhodes and Leros. Many fires were started But there were no casualties. The British raided Kassala, A.ssab, Yavello, Mogadishu, Diredawa, Zeila and Mersataclai, kilting seven people and wounding 13.