TARGETS IN ITALY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 236, 3 September 1943, Page 5

TARGETS IN ITALY

TRANSPORT HARASSED AYEESA HEAVILY BOMBED (N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright.) (Rec. 10.25 a.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 2. Although Middle East heavy bombers were able to attack airfields in the heel of Italy, the North-West African Strategical Air Force was grounded yesterday by bad weather for the first time in two months, reports a correspondent at Allied Headquarters.

Light and medium bombers continue to harass enemy communications in the toe of Italy, while Wellingtons bombed Aversa railway yards (15 miles north of Naples), where great damage was done. Spitfires of the desert air force escorted by Bostons, Baltimores, and Mitchells on these and other operations, but did not encounter an enemy aircraft. A Cairo air ■ communique says: R.A.F. heavy bombers on Tuesday night attacked tho airfield at Grottalgio (near Taranto). Cloud prevented accurate assessment of the damage, but bursts were seen on the south-west corner of the aerodrome. It is officially stated that the total United States casualties in Sicily were about 7500 killed, wounded and missing. The Allies capured 200 tanks, 1250 fiold guns, and large supplies of equipment. The total Allied casualties are estimated at 25,000.—Official Wireless.