ANOTHER BLOW IN AIR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 41, 28 November 1940, Page 5

ANOTHER BLOW IN AIR.

VALONA HARBOUR RAIDED.

BIG SHIP SEEN TO BE SINKING.

OTHER ITALIAN BASES BOMBED.

(United Press Association —Copyright ) (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, November 27.

“Royal Air Force bombers made a highly-successful raid on Valona harbour, one of Italy’s disembarkation bases in Albania, despite intense antiaircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition,” it is announced from the British Air Force headquarters in Greece. “Direct hits with heavy bombs were obtained on a big ship, which was seen to be in a sinking condition before our aircraft set off on the return journey.

“Damage was also done to the quays and docks area, and buildings near the hangar were destroyed. One of several enemy monoplane fighters which attempted to intercept our aircraft was shot down, being seen to dive vertically with black smoke pouring from the front.

“A column of enemy troops retreating in the Tepelen area, in Albania, was attacked by low-flying aircraft, causing heavy casualties. At Kelcyre, a stick of bombs was laid across the aerodrome, one bomb exploding close to aircraft on the ground. “On Monday one of our aircraft returning from a raid, and while avoiding a formation of enemy fighters, came out of a cloud and met, head-on, another flight of fighters. The enemy were surprised, and in. attempting to evade our aircraft broke formation and two collided. One was last seen diving to the ground in flames. From all these operations all our planes ■ returned safefy.”— British Official Wireless.