WAR IN GREECE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 December 1940, Page 5

WAR IN GREECE

MOUNTAIN FIGHTS

BRITISH AID FOR GREEKS.

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

LONDON, December 5. Dispatches received at Struga state that Greek forces entered Saranda at eight a.m. after a. short but fierce fight; and captured 125 prisoners ; with considerable material. They hoisted Greek and Albanian flags on th 0 Prefecture of Permeti, Greek forces occupied further peaks in the Mokra mountains. Some positions changed hands several times. The Greeks however, eventually considerably improved their strategic position in that section. Italian hopes of preserving the second of three lines of defence south-eastward of Permeti are gradually crumbling. British and Greek Air Forces are completely masters of the situation. Greek successes northward of Pogradec have also been most important, because they 'should enable the Greeks there to cut off the enemy’s retreat. Greek troops to-night drove Italians at the bayonet point from Frasheri mountain range, northward of Permeti.

The “Daily Telegraph’s’’ Cairo correspondent says: “Britain is equipping a large part of the Greek Army to withstand winter in tile Albanian mountains. Britain’s effective resistance is still largely aerial ; hut a steady stream of material is flowing to Greece from Egypt. Greek naval personnel will hi warm in strong British boots, of which thousands of pairs have been despatched from the Middle East, while Greek soldiers will be wrapping themselves in British blankets. Since a recent urgent despatch of anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns, we also are sending big quantities of barbed wire and sandbags, while hospitals are being established and badly needed medical supplies are pouring across the sea.”

GENERAL GREEK PROGRESS.

ATHENS,' December 6

A Greek night communique stated: In fighting throughout the front, our troops have been making .pew progress, especially in the central and southern sectors," despite; lively enemy activity l . It is officially reported that the Greek forces entered and occupied Santo Qauranti this morning.

ITALY’S NEW GENERAL.

ROME, December 6. Marshal Badoglio has resigned the command of Italy’s forces. General Ugo Cayallero succeeds Marshal Badoglio.

EIGHT ITALIANS SHOT DOWN

BRITISH FIGHTER SUCCESS

(Received this day at 9.12 a.m.) RUGBY 7 , December 6,

It is confirmed that in an air battle between a formation of R.A.F. fighter aircraft and a large number of enemy fighters, Cr. 42’s and G 505’s, in SouthWestern Albania, on December 4th., eight enemy aircraft were definitely shot down and destroyed, and seven others severely damaged and seen to be in difficulties. Several more were also damaged. All our pilots and aircraft returned to their bases.

GREEK SUCCESS CONFIRMED

(Received this day at 10.20 a.m.) RUGBY, December 6.

Athens lias officially announced that Santi Quaranta was occupied by the Greeks.