Italian Attacks Repulsed

Evening Star, Issue 23725, 5 November 1940, Page 7

Italian Attacks Repulsed

Greeks Gain Ground in Albania BRITISH TROOPS LANDED IN CRETE Naval Engagement Off Corfu (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, November 4. (Received November 5, at 9.40 a.m.) ' A fresh Greek communique issued in Athens, which represents the latest information available to military quarters in London, states: “ On the Macedonian front our forces succeeded in occupying on Saturday new ranges of heights in Albanian territory. On the Epirus front there was artillery fire on both sides on Sunday. An enemy attack, supported by tanks, was repulsed and nine tanks were destroyed. Heavy enemy attacks in the Fiorina sector were repulsed with grenades and at the point of the bayonet. The enemy suffered losses and a number of prisoners were captured. Intense enemy air attacks were made on the front with 15 bombing raids, mostly on positions taken from the enemy. “ Enemy planes bombed Salonika, causing a number of casualties, several of them fatal, among the civilian population. No military objectives were hit. Some houses were destroyed. The enemy lost four planes. Enemy aircraft also bombed several villages in the interior.” It is officially stated in London that some British troops have landed in Crete. The Athens radio said a heavy naval engagement was reported to be in progress off Corfu last night between Greek and Italian warships. One Italian ship was set on fire and driven northwards. The inhabitants of Corfu heard a heavy cannonade throughout Sunday, accompanied by the noise of planes reconnoitring above the battle. Twelve* Italian bombers raided Salonika in the morning. A hospital was hit. Four Italian planes were brought down. Press reports from Athens state that the Italian Minister, Signor Grazzi, has been informed that he will be expected to depart for Rome not later than to-morrow.