HEAPS OF DEAD

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21366, 10 March 1941, Page 6

HEAPS OF DEAD

APPALLING LOSSES ITALIANS DEFEATED VICTORY BY GREEKS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received March 10, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, March 9 Resuming the offensive after enforced inactivity caused by bad weather, the Greeks achieved one of the most brilliant victories in Albania when they drove the enemy from almost impregnable main offensive positions in the central sector, capturing 2500 prisoners and a wealth of valuable material. The Italians suffered appalling losses, the ground being strewn with heaps of dead. The Times’ Athens correspondent says that the Greek artillery began an intensive bombardment on the morning of March 7, after which planes bombed and machine-gunned the enemy lines, facilitating the bayonet attack. Despite the heavy artillery fire and the fury of the Greek infantry, the Italians repeatedly obstinately counter-attacked, but collapsed before the Greek defensive positions. Great fury again marked the Greek attacks resumed on the morning of March 8. Prolonged and combined artillery, aerial and infantry attacks resulted in the capture of one strongly-held height after another. This is believed to be the first time that the enemy appeared in such force. The Greek barrage was so deadly that seven counter-atacks were repelled.