Smashing Blows To Nazi Aircraft

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 123, 27 May 1941, Page 7

Smashing Blows To Nazi Aircraft

"GREAT DESTRUCTION" Attack On Island First Step Of Enemy Drive On Nile

(British Official Wireless.— Reed. 1 p.m.)* RUGBY, May 26. One of the outstanding air successes in Crete, in operations resulting in the destruction of at least 24 enemy aircraft for no British losses, is described in the R.A.F. communique: "In Crete at least 24 enemy aircraft of ali types were destroyed, while a number of others were badly damaged on the aerodrome at Majemi and adjacent airfields used as landing grounds for gliders and troop earners, which were the principal targets. Bombs were observed to tall among large concentrations of Junkers 52 troop carriers, causing great destruction and damage. One Junkers 52 was hit while landing and another was set on fire while taxi-ing. , Fighters set fire to several other enemy aircraft. In addition, aircraft, including several fighters, were destroyed on the ground. One Junkers 52 was shot down by one of our bombers, while a fighter shot down a Junkers 89 transport carrier into Suda Bay and damaged another, which was last seen with smoke pouring from it. Photographs taken during the raids confirm that severe damage has been done to many enemy aircraft."

1 here is no change in the situation at Candia and Rethymno states a Cairo communique.- In the Malemi area, following the arrival of additional air-borne reinforcements, the Germans, under cover of an intensive air bombardment, delivered a strong attack against Empire troops west of Canea. Although the enemy again sustained heavy casualties, they penetrated the defensive positions. New Zealand forces delivered a counter-attack and severe fightine is continuing. Germans' Race Against Time t n c° r - mat '° n w k* c h. according to the Ankara correspondent of the Swiss newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung" has reached the lurkish military authorities, shows that the invasion of Crete is the first step in a three-phase battle for the Nile, which the Germans believe must be won before September. The Germans fear the influence of increased American supplies for Britain thereafter. The Turks believe that up to 6000 German troops are concentrated on the islands of Chios and Mytilene, in the Aegean, with orders to embark for Crete in caiques as soon as the parachutists have established footholds.

The correspondent does not mention whether the orders have been held up, but says that the next phase is scheduled to begin before the middle of June at the latest with the capture o The Germans hold that operations in Syria and Iraq must be complete before the end of July to enable the final decisive attack on Egypt to be launched from four directions from Syria.