SLIGHT WITHDRAWAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 24, 8 November 1940, Page 5

SLIGHT WITHDRAWAL.

GREEKS IN EPIRUS SECTOR.

MUCH ACTIVITY IN THE AIR. LONDON, November 7. Reports from Athens indicate that Greek troops have made a slight withdrawal in the Epirus sector, in face of Italian pressure. The only other report of land activity is from the Macedonian front where, it is stated, there wore heavy exchanges of artillery fire yesterday. Considerable air activity, however, is reported on both sides. Agency reports state that Greek aeroplanes bombed Italian bases and aerodromes in Albania including the important coastal base of Valona.

British bombers last night made their third raid, on Naples. Although the Italians claim that the raiders wore driven off, nine bombs were seen In explode near the railway station. Italian aeroplanes, continuing their policy of terrorism of the civilian population, bombed the Greek towns of Salonika, Corinth, Larissa, Verna, Corfu, and Missolonglii. At Corinth the raiders were driven off by Greek fighters. The people of Salonika, where ( lie civilian casualties have boon most severe, arc ‘facing the raids with courage and resolution.

More than 1000 Italian prisoners of war have arrived in various parts ol Macedonia. Most of them are extremely youthful, particularly the airmen, whose average age is about 20. From their statements it appears that the Italian squadrons have been very hastily organised, as members of bomber crews in many instances were complete strangers up to the time of taking part in the actions over Greece.