ATROCIOUS ACT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 136, 5 March 1941, Page 9

ATROCIOUS ACT

Larissa Again Bombed SHATTERED TOWN Enemy Twice Repulsed In Albania (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Received March 4, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 3. Italian bombers today again raided Larissa., increasing the Greek fury and indignation at yesterday’s raid, which the Press describes as an unforgettable atrocity. The relief work has been interrupted, and consequently- thousands of the populace are ’ still homeless and without shelter. The earthquake destroyed practically all the important buildings in Larissa and damaged the water tower. The Greek Press Ministry reveals that the Greeks repelled two heavy attacks in Albania. There was strong artillery preparation for the first attack, but Greeks firing from heights over 5000 feet broke up the advancing Italians, who again vainly attacked and suffered heavily. Reports ou the first bombing attack on Larissa state that it was preceded by a reconnaissance, and it was clearly a deliberate attempt to take of the catastrophe which .'.as overtaken the town. Reports state that Larissa has been completely destroyed by the earthquake, half the houses being in ruins and the other half uninhabitable. Reply to Barbarism. The Greek Press states'* that the pec e had only tents in which to shmter from the air raid, and it says the verdict of humanity will be overwhelmingly against this atrocity. It demonstates that among Italian airmen and their general staff is to be found a degree of barbarity almost without precedent. The Greeks say this Italian action will, be avenged by their armed forces. Yesterday the Royal Air Force paid the first Instalment by a fierce bombing raid on the Italian aerodrome at Berat, in Albania. An R.A.F. communique says that direct hits were obtained on hangars and buildings, and an extensive fire was started which was visible over 50 miles away. Two enemy aircraft on the ground were destroyed, and several others severely damaged .by bombs which burst very close to them.

It is now confirmed, the communique adds, that the total number of enemy aircraft destroyed in the air battle on February 28 near Tepelene was 27— not 26 as originally claimed.

CASTE LORIZZO CLAIM

(Received March 4, 7 p.m.) LONDON, March 3. A special Italian communique states that the Italians killed or captured a, large part of the “loth English Assault Battalion” which had held the island of Castelorizzo for three days. [A British communique on Friday stated that the British force which occupied the island was withdrawn after accomplishing its objective.] .