THE MEDITERRANEAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24526, 7 February 1941, Page 7

THE MEDITERRANEAN

SWEPT BY BRITISH FLEET ENEMY STILL IN HIDING CHALLENGE TO LUFTWAFFE ißritish Oflicial Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electrif Telesraph -Copyright) RUGBY. Feb.. 5. A press correspondent aboard a British battleship with the Mediterranean Fleet states:— "Our powerful Eastern Mediterranean battle fleet once again put to sea to try conclusions with the enemy Taking up the gauntlet flung down by the Luftwaffe on the decks of the aircraft carrier Illustrious in the epic sea duel of last month, the commanding officer (Admiral Cunningham) issued a stirring signal to all the ships, saying that, whether Italian or German, these pests must be shot out of the sky. The German and Italian air challenge failed to hinder our activities in any way. Units have a highly-important mission in the Central Mediterranean, and the light forces along the Libyan coast maintained uninterrupted operations. Practically the only incident was that caused by some mines, which came so close that we sometimes had to alter our course sharply to avoid them. We completed our covering operations uneventfully and carried out our exercises well within the range of the enemy aircraft without producing a reply from the. enemy. "Our fighter patrols have possession of the sky. and soon we shall be back

again at our base-for a brief respite somewhat disappointed with the lack of action, but with undiminished faith in our Mediterranean domination. " We had hopes of meeting the enemy early ip the voyage when an enemy spotting plane was believed to have reported our presence.' We were then in the neighbourhood of ' bomb alley,' the scene of intense bombing in the past That news was broadcast throughout the ship, and everyone was on the alert, and seeing that the element of danger in enemy bombing no longer existed we felt confident. The morning, however, dragged on. without ■ any attack." \