SOFIA RAIDED

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23300, 9 April 1941, Page 7

SOFIA RAIDED

British Bombers In Action

FIGHTER PATROLS CLASH

(Received April 8, 11.20 p.m.) (U.P.A.) LONDON, April 7,

The Royal Air Force quickly replied to the German bombing attack on the Jugoslav capital of Belgrade with a heavy counter-attack on military objectives in Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. The British aircraft dropped bombs on the main railway station, marshalling yards, warehouses, transport concentrations, and a large factory. There were many big explosions and some large fires were started. In one place trucks were seen to hurtle into the air.

In addition to this raid the Royal Air Force attacked enemy concentrations in the Struma Valley. The aircraft dived and machine-gunned troops and objectives, inflicting heavy damage. The Struma Valley is a succession of basins separated by deep gorges, and the road on either side is faced with rocky Cliffs, The road leads south to Salonika. The Royal Air Force’s famous. Hurricane fighters had their first battle with German aircraft on the Greek-Bul-garian frontier, where they shot down five Messerschmitts. In addition several others were severely damaged. The British aeroplanes emerged from the engagement unscathed, although they were outnumbered by more than two to one.

A communique from British headquarters in Athens reporting these operations states: “A small formation of Hurricane fighters, on patrol in the RiSKt-Pass area in Bulgaria yesterday, encountered 30 German Messerschmitt 109 fighters. In the ensuing combat five enemy aircraft were definitely shot down ana a number of others were severely damaged. “A formation of Royal Air Force bombers carried out a successful raid on military objectives at Berat. in Albania. A single enemy aircraft carrying out a reconnaissance in the Athens area was shot down in flames. “From all these operations all our aircraft returned safely.” The Bremen radio declared that the Luftwaffe twice raided Belgrade to. day, making five raids since the outbreak of the war, New fires were 7 started among barracks,' fortifications ■ Vt and defence positions. 7 The Official German News Agency . says that the whole of Jugoslavia’s - transport and communication system is disrupted. ' The Budapest radio announced that -’ British aircraft had attacked Pecs and •zeged, the latter an important railway town, and two towns on the Rumanian ; frontier. All were Jumping-off places f for the German Invasion.

dfcphus in Madrid—The typhus epi•pdc In Madrid appears to be decreasW- About 670 cases have been regis■M in Madrid. The Government has Valid 3,000,000 pesetas to combat the •Wtareak.— Madrid, April 7,