R.A.F. OPERATIONS REVIEWED

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 80, 28 December 1940, Page 9

R.A.F. OPERATIONS REVIEWED

Support For Greek Army And Air Force LONDON, December 26. A review of B.A.F. operations io support of the Greek army and air force shows that widespread damage was inflicted tby bombers from December 7. Activity by fighters began on November 18, when Gladiator machines arrived in Greece. Going into action on the same day, they destroyed nine Italian planes. The enemy lost 39 planes for certain during the period from November 7 to December 21, besides a number which were probably destroyed. Nine R.A.F. machines are reported missing. The Air Ministry News Service points out that all the operations took place in mountainous country which somewhat resembles in climate and topography the north-west frontier of India.

The main features of the offensive operations were attacks on Valona, Durazzo and Sarande, Valona was bombed on the night of November 7-8, on the Uth, 12th, 13th and 17th, and also on December 7. The main damage was the explosion of a munitions dump on November 11, the setting on fire of two large ships on December 2, the blowing up of a munition dump on December 6, and the burning of barracks, a warehouse, and petrol dumps on various dates. Durazzo was attacked on November 11, 17, 19, 24 and 28, and on the night of December 15-16. The principal damage was done on November 11, when a petrol depot was set on fire and completely gutted, and a wooden jetty was burnt. Sarande was raided on November 10 and 28. Docks suffered damage and

two destroyers which ehelled Corfu were bombed. Other important objectives included the Tirana aerodrome, Konispolis, Kelcyra, Argyrok astron, Elbasan, and Tepelene, the last-named an important road junction. Since R.A.F. activity began on November 8. both bomber ami fighter aircraft maintained a close co-operation with the Greek air force, which displayed very great skill and courage, evoking the admiration of their British comrades.