FERRIED TO MALTA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20825, 2 July 1942, Page 3

FERRIED TO MALTA

MORE R.A.fT FIGHTERS U.S. AIRCRAFT CARRIER SHOCK FOR THE AXIS / ; (British Official Wireless.) (10.30 a.m.) RUGBY, July 1. The air reinforcement of Malta by means of an American aircraft-carrier is reported in the first communique issued by the commander of the United States naval forces in Europe, Admiral R. Stark. “The Wasp recently accomplished ferry trips to the Mediterranean, carrying aeroplane reinforcements for beleaguered Malta, The missions were highly successful from every standpoint and without incident to the Wasp or her escorts. “On one of these operations when the British planes, which had taken off from the Wasp’s flight deck and were over the island an enemy air attack developed. The Wasp reinforcement group of Royal Air Force planes repelled the air v attack with considerable losses to the enemy who were surprised by the unexpected fighter strength he encountered. “After taking off from the Wasp the Royal Air Force fighters went straight into action With the enemy over Malta, subsequently landing in Malta. They refuelled immediately and became engaged in an almost continuous air battle over the island. “The Operations carried ,out by the Wasp not only inflicted a heavy defeat in the air upon the enemy but brought timely reinforcements to the heroic garrison, and inhabitants of Malta. In an enemy raid on Malta on Monday night fighters destroyed a Junkers 88.