INCESSANT AIR ATTACKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25385, 17 November 1943, Page 3

INCESSANT AIR ATTACKS

BRITISH TROOPS ON LEROS

(Rec. 1 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 16. The British forces on Leros Island were under heavy and incessant air attacks yesterday, but they continue to hold their positions. In support of the troops Allied bombers from the Middle East attacked the islands of Rhodes and Crete. Leros is divided into three parts by two narrow necks of land about one mile across. The northern neck, between Alinda Bay and Gurna Bay, was seized by German sea-borne parties from both sides, and by parachutists landing in the middle. Landings were also made on the eastern jside of the northern part in the neighbourhood of Clidi ridge, and on Appetici, a promontory which projects beyond the town of Leros on the eastern side of the central part of the island. Leros town is still in Allied hands, but the island is cut into two sectors by the Germans on the northern isthmus.

German air domination from neighbouring bases on Cos, Rhodes, and Crete continues to impose a heaw handicap on the British forces, whose bases are a long way off. “ Long-range fighter sweeps and bombing attacks were carried out by the R.A.F. over the 2Egean area and over Leros throughout yesterday,” states a Middle East communique. “ Explosions were caused at Cape Pantalia, Alinda Bay, and Gurna Bay. Fires were started at other points. One Heinkel 111 was destroyed by the long-range fighters. Our bombers attacked shipping in Suda Bay. Fighters on offensive patrols over Crete attacked many military targets, and the Heraklion airfield was bombed last night. Heavy bombers also attacked Maritza airfield on Rhodes during the night. Nine of our aircraft are missing.”