ATTACKS ON MALTA

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24250, 16 April 1942, Page 8

ATTACKS ON MALTA

MORE PLANES DESTROYED RAIDS ON REDUCED SCALE LONDON, April 15 The latest Malta communique states that a British" night fighter which chased an Italian fighter to within 10 miles of the Italian coast caught and destroyed it, and then returned to its base. Enemy attacks were on a reduced scale for the second day in succession. The Germans lost three aeroplanes for certain and four more were damaged. Although German fighters machinegunned aerodromes and gun sites on the island spasmodically throughout the day, there were only two bomber raids. The* harbour area was bombed. There were some civilian casualties and damage to property. Five German bombers were destroyed over Malta in the 24 hours preceding, 5 p.m. on Monday by anti-aircraft batteries, which had been in continuous action. German and Italian claims thai many anti-aircraft batteries have been damaged are untrue.

CALM OF THE PEOPLE AN AUCKLANDER'S PRAISE (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) CAIRO, April 14 High praise of the people of Malta is given by an Aucklander who is an engineer on a merchant ship which visited the island before the start of the big blitz. "It was worth the risk of the trip for the reception they gave us," he said. "Although there were many raids life on the island was much as usual and we were entertained nearly every night at private parties. It was wonderful to gee the calm with which the people w«?nt about their business between raids. The convoy was attacked on the way over and there were several near misses for our ships, but no damage or casualties. The ship, well known in New Zealand waters, now voyages chiefly between England and Egypt. The Aucklander c-ynl the skipper, who is from Dunedin, are the only New Zealanders aboard. Many New Zealand soldiers have enjoyed their hospitality, both in England and Egypt.