ISLAND OF ELBA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25565, 19 June 1944, Page 5

ISLAND OF ELBA

INVASION BY FRENCH FORCES SHOCK BATTALIONS LAND (Rec. 8.30 p.m.) RUGBY, June 17. Elba has been under assault since 1 a.m. on Saturday by French troops, writes a correspondent from Elba. The enemy opened heavy mortar fire against landing craft approaching the main beaches in Campo Bay. British naval beach parties quickly established communications, and sailors, wading at times chest deep in water, aided the troops ashore. The troops, who met no opposition on this beach, clambered

up steep rocks to proceed to the attack. French shock battalions landed' first to wipe out the batteries of heavy guns on both sides of the bay. The craft had to penetrate over 2000 yards between heavily defended cliffs to reach their objective. Every landing ship was flying the French Tricolour as a tribute to our Allies.

Strong resistance has been encountered in several parts of Elba, and prisoners have been taken. The island of Pianosa, eight miles south of Elba, has been occupied by a French Expeditionary Force, including commandos and colonial troo'ps, who were transported to Elba by the British and American navies, says an Algiers correspondent. Some French craft, with British and American warships, provided sujfix>rt for the assault troops. The Mediterranean Allied Air Force, with the support of a French squadron, gave protective coyer. The Naples correspondent of the Associated Press says it is officially announced that the French forces have captured the Island of Elba.