WAR WITH ITALY

Grey River Argus, 2 August 1940, Page 7

WAR WITH ITALY

AIR ACTIVITY East African Fighting [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] MALTA, July 31. R.A.F. fighters shot down a fighter off Valletta, when enemy planes approached Malta this morning. One of our fighters was shot down. The pilot escaped by parachute. No bombs were dropped. RUGBY, July 31. An Admiralty communique states: Two sea Gladiator aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm intercepted three Italian Savoia 79’ aircraft in the Mediterranean on Monday. One of the Italian machines was shot down in flames, and a second was seen to be badly hit, and it is considered unlikely that it regained its base. One of our machines made a forced landing in the sea, the pilot being picked up unhurt. An Admiralty communique states: The Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean reports that the Greek tanker Hermione, under charter to the Italian Government, carrying 300 tons of petrol and 200 tons of lubricating oil for the Italian forces in the Dodecanese Islands, was intercepted in the Aegean Sea by British naval forces on Sunday evening. Soon after the character of the ship and the contraband nature of the cargo had been established, a heavy Italian air attack on our forces developed. The commander of our forces was accordingly compelled to sink the Hermione by gunfire, after the captain and crew had been removed. The weather was fine, ana the crew, who stated that they were in no need of assistance proceeded in their boats to the land, which was not far distant. The air attack on our forces has presumably given rise to highly-col-oured Italian reports of a battle between Italian aircraft and British warships, in which it is claimed that several British warships sustained direct hits and severe damage. In fact, no damage or casualties were sustained by our forces —justification of the Italian report of the accuracy of the anti-aircraft fire of our ships. CAIRO, July 31. -

An R.A.F. communique states: Our .bombers successfully attacked an ammunition dump and other objectives at Massawa. They scored direct hits on the Italian headquarters and fuel dumps. Fighters intercepted our bombers, but they 7 all returned. Blenheims on July 29 attacked the naval barracks at Assab, and hangars at Macaca. The damage is unknown. We reconnoitred Tobruk and Derna and observed 11 planes in an unserviceable condition at Derna, as a result of recent raids. A formation of enemy 7 bombers raided Aden. Four natives were killed, and 15 were wounded. The damage was negligible. Enemy planes approached Malta, but turned back before reaching the island. NAIROBI, July 31. A communique states that strong enemy forces were encountered at Dobel about 30 miles southward of Moyale. After a sharp engagement, in which the enemy suffered considerable losses, our troops broke off the action. LOSS OF ITALIAN SUBMARINES (Received Aug. 2, 1.52 a.m ) LONDON, August 1. In Cairo the R.A.F. Middle East headquarters announces that two Italian submarines were sunk in the Mediterranean during the past month. Italian Armies

BOMBED NEAR KASSALA CAIRO, August 1. A communique states: During the past two days we intensively bombed ci cmy concentrations in the vicinity Kassala. Raids on Monday were continued all day long. Two further attacks were made yesterday against military 7 objectives. Troop concentrations, and machine-gun and antii.aircraft posts were severely 7 damaged. Altogether ten separate raids were made. All our planes returned. WJ raided Macaca and scored direct hits on two hangars, followed by clouds of smoke. ROME, J'uly 31. A communique states: Our aviation in East Africa again bombed the port of Aden, hitting directly two ships and a large oil depot. All our planes returned. Gibraltar Squadron GOING INTO MEDITERRANEAN ' (Received Aug. 2, 1.40 a.m.) MADRID, August 1. It is reported here that the British battle squadron at Gibraltar left there yesterday and began cruising in the Straits. It is believed to be heading for the Mediterranean. Five submarines led the line, being followed by four destroyers, one aircraftcarrier and three capital ships. MADRID, July 31. Gibraltar was heavily bombed early this evening. The explosions were heard far inland. RUGBY, July 31. Questioned on reported remarks oy General Franco, on July 17, regarding Gibraltar, Mr. Attlee said- “There have, I think, been some misconceptions regarding General Franco’s statement on this occasion. After historical reference to the greatness or Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella, he went on to refer to the political testaments of Isabella, including what was termed the ‘bequest of Gibraltar, and the vision of Africa In political unity,’ and said that these were questions which, after four centuries, still endured a s eternal obligations. “Due note has been taken of tins, statement, and Britain does not regard it as involving a fresh departure in Spanish policy. Accordingly, no special action is called for.”