ONLY PROLOGUE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 33, 9 February 1943, Page 3

ONLY PROLOGUE

HEAVY NAPLES RAID Rome Admits Great Damage By Allied Bombers Rec. 12.30 p.m. LONDON, Feb. S. "A large-scale daylight raid was carried out by Allied heavy bombers on Naples. Direct hits were scored on three ships and Dig fires were started on the waterfront. Two enemy fighters were shot down over the target area. One of our aircraft is missing," says a Middle East communique. To-day the Rome communique admits that great damage was done by Allied bombers in the raid on Naples yesterday. Reuters correspondent in North Africa quotes Brigadier-General Timberlake as saying that the attack against Naples was the most successful the United States Air Force had carried out in the Middle East. It was the prologue of things to come. "The enemy can expect us to penetrate deeper and deeper into his territory and strike against vital spots," he added. From the opening of the Tunisian campaign to midnight- on February 5 the Twelfth American Air Force destroyed 338 enemy planes and damaged 264. One hundred and sixtytwo American aircraft Ave re lost or reported missing. For the week which ended at midnight on February 5, SO enemy planes were destroyed and 72 damaged, while 3S American planes were lost or reported missing. LORIENT THE TARGET HEAVIEST R.A.F. RAID YET British Official Wireless Rec. 12.30 p.m. RUGBY, Feb. S. The Air Ministry states: "Lorient was the target last night for the heaviest attack yet made on this important submarine base. Preliminary reports indicate that great destruction was caused in the port. "Objectives in the Ruhr were also bombed. Seven of our bombers are missing." / Early last night a few enemy aircraft flew over a coastal area in southern England. Bombs were dropped at one place. There were no casualties and no damage. An enemy bomber was destroyed.