Smashing Blow at Rhodes

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 259, 1 November 1940, Page 7

Smashing Blow at Rhodes

Aerodromes, Barracks and Dumps Bombarded United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, October 30. It is learned in Athens that British naval forces made an onslaught on Rhodes, largest of the Italian Dodecanese islands, at an unspecified date. Three times they attacked the aerodrome at Maritza, destroyed a transport depot, hangars, offices, and a dozen aircraft, and twice they bombarded the aerodrome at Garpathos. The British also destroyed .a coastal aerodrome, ammunition dumps, petrol stores, wireless equipment and barracks. Petrol dumps at Lipida aerodrome were damaged. The flames were visible from Samos, a Greek island many miles farther north. A large number of Italian troops were killed and injured. It is officially announced that the Br-Yish Navy has mined the two main approaches to Athens. The German radio stated to-day that, before the Italians took action, Admiral Cunningham, Commander-in-Chief of the British Mediterranean Fleet, made all arrangements and sent an expedi.ion from Egypt to Greece. British planes, artillery, and antiaircraft guns were concentrated at Alexandria and the Suez Canal in readiness to embark, the radio added. The Athens correspondent of the Associated Press says thaft the Italians to-day continued their heavy attacks along the western sector of the Greek front, apparently driving towards Janina (also spelt loannina). The heaviest fighting is occurring on the road to Janina. The Greeks are slowly withdrawing towards their main defences according to plan. Artillery has been used on a large scale, although the Italian mechanised units are almo'fc useless. The Italians, says the correspondent, are attempting another approach to the Janina road from the west, but have made little progress. There is no indication that the Italians have encroached upon Yugoslavian territory. Information reaching military circles in London indicates that the main Italian attack which has so far developed in Greece is along the coast from Konispol. As far as can be ascertained at present, the Italian forces comprise two infantry divisions. The Greek outposts on that coast have retired, and, up to mid-day on Tuesday, the Italians were reported to have reached Philastronis, eight kilometres inside the Greek frontier. The Italians have not yet employed any armoured divisions in these attacks, nor have they come up against any prepared positions. On other parts of the Greek ba.ttlefront, there have been only local skirmishes—at Kakavia, on the road from Argyrokastron, and in the Fiorina region. There is no confirmation in London that Italians have landed on Corfu, and there are no British troops on Corfu. To-day V Italian communique states: "Our troops continued tneir advance in Greek territory and everywhere broke the 'resistance of the enemy rearguard.” The Italians claim to have penetrated five miles into Greece. Seven Italian troopships were seen making their way towards Aibania.