Dodecanese Action

Northern Advocate, 7 May 1945, Page 2

Dodecanese Action

(Rec. 1.10 p.m.) LONDON May 4. A Cairo message says that com mando raids have been carried out on the Aegean Islands for several months past by British and Greek forces. The most recent operation occurred on the night of May 1-2, when Allied commandos landed on Rhodes.. Vehicles, communications, gun positions and wireless stations were destroyed The enemy was taken by surprise and suifered casualties. Four daring assaults were made under cover of darkness by Greek raiding forces under Greek and British officers. The raiders were landed by Allied naval craft and attacked small German forces on the small island of Alimnia. west of Rhodes; and at Himarasse, Ncti and Foca on Rhodes itself. Though the Germans still hold some Aegean Islands including Rhodes and the western end of Crete, Allied navies and air forces have complete control of the Aegean Sea. The Germans are completely cut off and unable to interfere with" Allied shipping. Such aircraft as they possess on the islands were unable to take off in offensive action as they were carefully watched. The Navy Joins In An Allied naval communique reports that the British destroyers Kimberley and Caterick and the Greek destroyer Crete supported raiding forces which landed on Rhodes and Alimnia on the night of May 1-2. The operation was successful. Three enemy gun positions on Rhodes were liquidated and all ammunition, vehicles, stores, huts and tents destroyed. A small enemy vessel was sunk off Alimnia and jetties and stores on the island were set on fire. We took more than 50 prisoners and killed at least 30.

A considerable number of. enemy craft from Pola and Trieste are surrendering at Ancona. Members of crews so far taken prisoner total more than 1000.