DAY AND NIGHT AIR ASSAULT

Evening Star, Issue 24917, 15 July 1943, Page 5

DAY AND NIGHT AIR ASSAULT

SEVERE DAMAGE TO ENEMY TRANSPORT HAVOC PLAYED WITH AXIB SHIPPING (ißec. 10.35 a.m.) BUGBY, July 14. Continued strafing and bombing of trains by every fighter and fighterbomber of the strategic air force was carried out during daylight over Sicily yesterday, states a correspondent at headquarters in North Africa. Severe damage was done to enemy transport communications At least 160 trucks were destroyed aud an equal number of locomotives and 25 freight wagons reduced to junk. In addition the coastal command air force played havoc with enemy shipping, sinking two, merchant vessels ana leaying two new destroyers damaged. Fortresses gave the airfields at Catania. Trapani, and Milo a heavy pounding, hitting many aircraft on the ground at Catania. At Milo the Fortresses were attacked aggressively by about 15 enemy fighters, but the giant bombers fought them off. At Catania they destroyed three enemy fighters in the air. R.A.F. Baitimores were on intruder patrols over Sicily throughout Monday night. The pilots,,said they were reminded of Guy Fawkes night to judge by the number of bombs, flares, and fires. A formation of Mustangs scored one direct "hit and several near misses on three Italian destroyers near Palermo yesterday afternoon. .One of the destroyers hit headed sharply for the shore, the crew apparently trying to beach, her. Several bombs were dropped before, the destroyer attempted to separate or take evasive action. Ships were sunk by Canadian crews flying Beaufighter torpedo-carriers. Two Me. . 109's which approached the Tunisian coast at dusk on Monday were successfully intercepted by American Spitfires. One was destroyed and the other damaged. •