ON LEROS ISLAND.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 32, 17 November 1943, Page 3

ON LEROS ISLAND.

THE GERMANS LOSE GROUND.

ONLY ONE BRIDGEHEAD HELD.

(Rec. 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 16

The British forces on Leros have again joined up and the Germans now hold only one bridgehead which is east of Gurnw Bay, on the west coast, stated the Algiers radio. The British and Italians, after four days’ battle, improved their positions against the Germans sent to reinforce the original force. The enemy north-east of Leros have lost ground and suffered considerable losses. British and Italian troops in counter-attacks, effectively supported by the 1 Royal Air Force captured numerous prisoners. The Berlin radio admits that the Germans on Leros are now on the defensive, but claims that attempts by the British and Italians to break the German bridgehead have failed, ACTIVITY IN THE AIR. ATTACKS ON ENEMY SHIPPING. POSITIONS ON LAND BOMBED. (Rec. 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 16. Our forces on Leros were subjected to heavy, incessant bombing attacks from the air on Monday, states a joint communique issue din the Middle East. Our troops continue to hold the enemy. Fighting is severe.

Aircraft from the Middle East continued the attacks on enemy shipping in the Aegean area and positions on Leros, Crete and Rhodes during the dfiy and night,.. Spitfires, and Hurricanes carried out a sweep ovei Rhodes, and attacked mechanical transport and anti-aircraft guns on Crete.

American bombers, escorted by British long-range fighters, encountered two enemy destroyers escorted by a Junkers 88 and an Arrado 196 near Leros. A hit on one vessel was followed by a large column of black smoke. In an attack on Cato • airfield (Rhodes) on Monday night bursts were seen in the aircraft dispersal area and a red glow was observed. Heavy bombers scored bursts among hangars on Maritza airfield (Rhodes). From these and other operations none of our aircraft is missing..— British Official Wireless.'