UNDER CEASELESS FIRE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 136, 10 June 1943, Page 5

UNDER CEASELESS FIRE

NO RESPITE TO DEFENDERS (Rec. 11 ,a.m.) LONDON, June; 9. An Italian communique says: Pantelleria was attacked from the air without interruption yesterday, and was also bombarded by a big nay,al formation. The enemy called on the garrison to surrender, but the garrison did not reply. Enemy raiders destroyed some buildings and set fire to others." . Another Italian communique says: "Pantelleria since May 9 has suffered four bombardments from the sea and some 140 air attacks. Daylight attacks in the last few days have averaged 12 a day, while on the last nine nights air raids have followed without interruption, giving no respite to the defenders. The offensive, of course, has caused much damage, but the brave soldiers, while the bombing has been going on, have promptly set about repairing the damage. Naval and anti-aircraft guns have continually Rome radio says that Allied planes dropped leaflets calling for the surrender of Pantelleria by 6 p.m. local time yesterday. They were signed by General Spaatz on behalf of Allied headquarters. The admiral commanding the island declared that the garrison was to prepare all means to repulse a landing. "The population are resisting stoically beside soldiers, sailors, and airmen, and are proudly sharing their sacrifices and privations, he said. "Everyone is at his post, and prepared to make the enemy pay the highest price for the expected landing attempt."