German Forces

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1941, Page 5

German Forces

BUILDING UP IN GREECE.

[Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.J LONDON, May 18. German land forces in Greece are withdrawing northwards and simultaneously there is an influx of German aeroplanes into Greece. The Germans are building up a strong air force in Greece with a view to operations against Crete, Cyprus, and the Middle East, and possibly to support a renewed, push in North Africa'. German lapd forces in Greece are withdrawing northwards and simultaneously there is an influx of German aeroplanes into Greece. .The Germans are building up a strong air force in Greece with a view to operations against Crete, Cyprus, and the Middle Eadt, and possibly to support a renewed push in North Africa. , , , . Precise information about what is happening in Syria and Iraq is difficult to obtain, but it is confirmed that German operational staffs have taken over three Syrian aerodromes, which it is expected will soon be bases for operations against British forces in Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, and elsewhere.

German Ships COMING FROM BLACK SEA. (Received May 19, 7.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 19. The ‘’Daily ‘Telegraph's’’ Jerusalem correspondent says: “The British Fleet and Air Force operating from Alexandria to Crete and Cyprus, can prevent Italians and Germans from landing large forces in Syria. The Germans, however, are accumulating a respectable fleet -of transports at the Aegean Sea ports, by bringing Axis, Bulgarian and Roumanian ships through the Bosphorous from the Black Sea. AXIS PROPAGANDA. (Received May 19, 11.45 p.m.) LONDON, May 19. Axis propaganda has been increasingly active in the Middle East during the past twenty-four hours. CALM IN IRAQ. BRITISH OFFICIAL REPORT. (Received May 19, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 18. The British Headquarters at Cairo reports: The situation in Basra and in Habbaniyah remains calm. IRAQ AIR ACTIVITY.

LONDON, May IS. A Mid,dle East R.A.F. report states: In Iraq, two of our Gladiators encountered two Messerschmitts over Raschid, and destroyed both without suffering any damage. The Gladiators then machine-gunned motor transport and roads nearby. Aerodromes at Mosul and Raschid were bombed by our aircraft. One large aircraft was set on fire at Mosul, and others were badly damaged-

Habbaniyah Reinforced

ENEMY RAID ON 'DROME.

(Received May 19, 9-10 p.m.) LONDON, May 19

The arrival of fresh British reinforcements in Habbaniyah by air, is recorded, including some of the most warlike units of the Indian Army, This has cheered the besieged garrison, says the “Daily Telegraph’s” Jerusalem correspondent. The former Iraqi besiegers seem to be for the moment, on the defensive. The Habbaniyah garrison were not even upset by an attack which a small group of German ’planes on Friday made on Habbaniyah. “However, with the threat of German reinforcements still impeding, it cannot be said that the situation is yet entirely a happy one there. According to the “Times” Ankara correspondent, the first 30 bombers sent to Iraq were mostly old-fash-ioned machines of French manufacture, which the Germans captured last year. The French are helping the Germans by facilitating the passage of Syrian volunteers for Raschid Ali’s army, about 5000, who are described as disaffected riff raff, were brought to the frontier in French military lorries, and are now awaiting a favourable opportunity to cross. It is reported that a small detachment which crossed within the past few days met a shower of bullets and bombs from British aeroplanes. French statements and actions almost give the impression that France has given up responsibility, for Syria. There is no evidence that ( the French attempted to defend their aerodromes from British bombers, and they are sending to Iraq daily, irreplaceable guns and ammunition. This does not indicate any intention to resist invasion. R.A.F. RAIDS ON GREECE. LONDON, May 18. A Middle East R.A.F. report states: Aerodromes in Greece occupied by Germans were heavily attacked during the night of May 16/17. Our bombers caused a number of fires at Angos and also Menidi, where a violent explosion occurred at the north, end of the aerodrome. Four aircraft on the ground were destroyed at Malaoi, where direct hits were obtained on the runway and hangars, and incendiaries fell among the dispersed aircraft causing considerable damage. These bombing attacks were followed at dawn by attacks by our fighters, which machine-gunned the aerodromes at Hassani, Angos and Malaoi.' At Hassani, twenty Junkers 52’s were seen to be hit, and a number of Messerschmitt 109’s were also attacked. At Angos, similar attacks were carried out against enemy aircraft on the aerodrome. Two of them were set on fire and others damaged. Enemy planes at Malaoi made excellent targets for our aircraft, and many hits were observed. CRETE RAID. LONDON, May 18. A East R.A.F. report states: When enemy aircraft (attempted a machine-gun attack on one of our aerodromes in Crete, our fighters intercepted them, and destroyed three Messerschmitt 109's. and damaged others. Anti-'aircraft fire shot down four enemy aircraft, and also damaged others. One of our aircraft

returning from a reconnaissance, joined in the fight, and accounted for one Junker 51, and severely damaged another.

SOME IRAQ. TRIBES.

NOT WITH RASCHID ALI.

(Received May 19, 11.10 p.m.) LONDON, May 19.

The “Daily Telegraph’s” Jerusalem correspondent states: One indication that Rashid Ali has failed to rally the whole body of his countrymen behind him is that Arab tribes in the Euphrates Valley have, thus far, shown no signs of joining in his movement. They have been among the fiercest participants in every previous anti-foreign trouble.

MOSLEM ATTITUDE. INDIANS URGED TO CONDEMN RASCHID ALI. BOMBAY, May 18. The Nizam of Hyderabad has sent a message to Moslems in India, explaining at length the reasons for Anglo-Indian military measures m Iraq, and condemning the treachery of Raschid Ali. The Nizam appealed to the Moslems to join in the expression of disapproval of the action of Raschid and his clique, who have offended against the most solemn precept of Islam, which is the honour of the pledged word.