BATTLE OFF TUNISIA

Otago Daily Times, Volume 25205, Issue 25205, 20 April 1943, Page 3

BATTLE OFF TUNISIA

74 AXIS PLANES DESTROYED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Rec. 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, Apl. 39. In an air battle off the coast of Tunisia yesterday Allied planes gained their greatest victory since the start of the campaign. To-day’s communique from General Eisenhower’s headquarters states that a large formation of Junkers 52 transport planes with a strong escort of Messerschmitt fighters on their way from Tunis to Sicily were pounced on by Spitfires and Warhawks. Fifty-eight of the Junkers and 16 of the enemy fighters were destroyed for the loss of seven of our own fighters. The formation, which consisted of 100 large transport planes, with- an escort of fighters, was spotted just after leaving the Tunisian coast on its northward journey. The Warhawks dived on the Junkers planes as a single unit, while the Spitfires attacked the Messerchmitts. After a terrific battle the whole formation was scattered. Some of the transports tried to get back to Tunisia and made deliberate crash landings, while others caught fire both in the air and on reaching the ground. Some of the Messerschmitt escort evaded the Spitfires, only to fall a prey to the American Warhawks. The 74 enemy planes shot down are believed to be the greatest number ever destroyed in a single battle. The victory gained by our planes shows what will happen to Rommel if he attempts a mass evacuation. Five more enemy aircraft were destroyed during the day in fighter sweeps over the forward area. Flying Fortresses attacked the harbour installations at Palermo and the airfields in Sardinia, while on Saturday Liberators raided the port of Cattaneo. The last decisive battle in Tunisia looms nearer after heavy Allied air and patrol activity along the whole arcihaped front covering Tunis and Bizerta. The Algiers radio reports that the British continue to advance north-east of Medjez-el-Bab and enemy resistance has weakened. The French forces taking part in the operations have increased the pressure against the enemy. Patrol activity is particularly intense in the Eighth Army’s lector. General von Arnim is still receiving strong reinforcements. According to the Paris radio, the Axis forces have heavily blocked the road from Pont du Fahs to Tunis. Machine-gun nests, batteries, and tanks are in position, ready to hinder the Allied advance.