MALTA’S DEFENCES

Grey River Argus, 17 March 1942, Page 6

MALTA’S DEFENCES

GERMAN AIRMAN'S TRIBUTE.

(Rec. 7.10). LONDON, March 16. A German airman, broadcasting from Berlin, paid a tributa to what he termed “unparalleled defences which the British built up in Malta.” He said: “We are met everywhere throughout the island array With .an-ti-a.rcraft guns, and at a,jiy moment must be ready to engage fighters, the efficiency of which has left traces on our machines. German pilots do not have an easy time ” RUGBY, March 15

Reports from Malta state that Saturday night was comparatively quiet. During the day enemy raiding continued. One ME.109 was shot down bv our fighters, and one by anti-aircraft lire. Three of our aircraft are missing. After dark a few bombers appeared. Several did not cross the coast A few hombs were dropped, .but there is no report of any damage. Anti-aircraft guns and fighters co-operated in attacking the enemy. On Sunday -the Germans made a series of determined attacks on the aerodrome and harbour works, causing civilian damage and some casualties. Anti-aircraft guns were active throughout the da.y, repelling the enemy, while R.A.F. fighters engaged both bombers and fighters in a number of cases. R.A.F. fighters severely damaged 'one JU 88 bomber, and damaged two ME 109 fighters. One JU 88 was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire. The first alert of the day, sounded after dawn for a small force of patroiling Messerchmitts, was followed bv a single bomber attack. A bomber raid developed an hour later, and was the preliminary to attacks al regular intervals during the night and day.