ALLIED ATTACK

Grey River Argus, 29 June 1943, Page 4

ALLIED ATTACK

IN SOUTH EUROPE Final Preparations [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Rec. 8.50) LONDON, June 28. Mr Richard McMillan, Cairo correspondent of the 'British United Press, says: The British and Americans seem to be about to complete their preparations in the Mediterranean, in North Africa and in the Near East for an attack against South Europe. He adds: It is clear that the Germans are rushing increasing aid, including troops and anti-aircraft guns to the Italian islands. Work on the islands’ fortifications is proceeding night and day. LANDING IN CRETE FORECASTED. (Rec. 8.50) LONDON, June 28.' At Ankara well-informed circles envisage an Allied landing on the island of Crete. THE SALONIKA RAID. LONDON, June 27. A hundred tons of bombs were dropped at Salonika on Thursday last when U.S. bombers made a raid which meant a round trip of 1100 miles. “The main objective of the raid against Sedes was to wipe out an air training centre which the Germans are using as their main supply base in the Mediterranean,’’ states the Cairo correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain. “They have strongly built up and enlarged the air facilities in this area'. At least five aerodromes have been in operation there, including a seaplane station. Sedes, which is described as a first-class air base, is the largest and most important of these bases. The destruction was so extensive that the field is likely to be unserviceable foi’ a long time. Pilots have reported wide destruction to •hangars, repair shops, barracks, and administration buildings.” ’ The attack apparently caught the enemy unawares. Although the area was regarded as heavily defended, being the kevpoint of Rommel’s new “Siegfried ‘Line” in south-eastern Europe, the ground, defence was extremely light, and no enemy fighters went’ up. Thousands of pamphlets bearing an encouraging message to the Greeks were dropped by; the American aeroplanes. Reuter’s correspondent in Cairo says: “Roaring over the target in two Waves, the Liberators blanketed the aerodrome with direct hits. Three large hangars were blown up, and a string of bombs also fell over the uispersal areas, which were so covered by dense smoke that the pilots Were able to see only three aeroplanes destroyed. It is known that there was a concentration of enemy aeroplanes at Sedes and it is therefore possible that a great many others were destroyed.”