ITALY’S LOSSES

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21372, 17 March 1941, Page 5

ITALY’S LOSSES

WHOLESALE SLAUGHTER FAILURE AND DISASTER VICTORY OF GREEKS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, March 16 Mussolini, who was reported to be returning to Rome from Albania to-day, will have a sorry tale to tell the Fascist Grand Council—a tale of disastrous failure and wholesale slaughter of legions which were recently reinforced with fresh troops from Italy, says a British official wireless message. At a conservative estimate the Duce’s loss during five days of desperate offensive is 15,000 dead. Five whole divisions, states the Greek Press Ministry, have been completely ' disorganised, half the men being put out of action. Whole Italian battalions have been wiped out in a vain offensive in which the Greeks at many points have not only repulsed the enemy but counterattacked and driven them back beyond their bases. In spite of bitter repulses the Italians on Friday returned fiercely to the attack, but with as little success as before. The Greek night communique stated: "The enemy launched a series of violent attacks upon the whole front, after violent artillery preparation. The attack was supported by numerous aeroplanes which followed firing with bombardment. The enemy met with no success and their losses were considerable. In counterattacks we captured a number of prisoners.” The Greek Press Ministry states that troops of the Eleventh Italian Army, although exhausted, were ordered by Mussolini to go forward again. The Italians advanced unwillingly, being forced on by Black Shirt troops who covered them with machine-guns. By night not an inch of ground had been won by the enemy. Their losses were tremendous. The latest Athens communique says the enemy yesterday continued offensive activities of restricted intensity at various hours of the day in different parts of the front. All were repulsed with heavy Italian losses. Commander Superseded Reviewing the campaign the Athens correspondent of the Times says Gayda and Ansaldo, Mussolini’s leading editors, have warned Italians that important military events are expected to liquidate the Greek affair, but the most eloquent commentary is the continued silence about the campaign of Italian communiques. Further hint of troubles is given by the superseding of General Gieloso, Commander of the Eleventh Army, which holds the central sector, by General Santorini. Many do not believe that Mussolini has gone to the front. Prisoners report that none saw him. All were told he was “visiting the next unit.” Prominent Fascist a Prisoner The Athens radio stated that recent Italian officer prisoners include Professor Pellegrini, member of the Fascist Grand Council, who was severely wounded. PLANES SHOT DOWN MORE ITALIAN LOSSES RAIDS ON AERODROMES DIRECT HITS OBTAINED <Omclal Wireless) (Received March 17, 11.40 a.m.) RUGBY, March 16 An official communique issued from headquarters at Nairobi states: The South African Air Force destroyed eight Italian aircraft at Diredawa yesterday morning. Three enemy fighters, comprising a CR42 and two !DR 43’s, were shot down in aerial combat. Two 579 bombers and three Romeo R 137 reconnaissance aircraft were attacked on the ground and burned out. A communique issued by the headquarters of the Royal Air Force in Greece states: Successful attacks were made by bombers on enemy aerodromes at Berat and Valona yesterday. At Berat a number of aircraft on the ground were destroyed and others were damaged. A petrol dump was set on fire, the blaze being visible for fifty miles. Direct hits on a runway were scored at Valona and four aircraft on the ground were destroyed and others probably damaged. All the British aircraft returned safely. BRITISH ADVANCE ON WAY TO ADDIS ABABA FIGHTING IN ABYSSINIA (ORiclal Wireless) (Received March 17, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, March 16 A Nairobi communique states: The Imperial troops penetrated far on the road to Jijiga and along the Strada-Keulej road from Mogadiscio to Addis Ababa, via Neghelli. Operations are continuing. Advance in All Sectors A communique issued from headquarters at Cairo states: In Libya and Eritrea there is nothing to report. British forces operating in Abyssinia from Italian Somaliland con • tinue to advance in all sectors.