LANDING ON ELBA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25566, 20 June 1944, Page 5

LANDING ON ELBA

MOST OF ISLAND CAPTURED (Rec. 11.10 p.m.) LONDON, June 19. Most of the island of Elba has been captured by the French invasion forces, which have been strongly supported from the air. The capital, Porto Ferrajo, has fallen, some prisoners being taken.

An earlier message stated: “The battle for Elba is proving harder than anticipated, but, despice German resistance, we hold more than one-fifth of the island, and are capturing objectives to schedule,” says the British United Press correspondent at Allied headquarters in Italy “ The first element in invasion—surprise—failed. The Germans spotted the French shock troops before they had a chance to land and laid down a continuous barrage from heavy coastal batteries and smaller guns. The original plan provided for the operation of medium bombers, but bad weather permitted the use of only light planes. The Germans thus far completely lack air support. Rear-admiral Thomas Troubridge, R.N., directed the landing from a landing craft.” Reuter’s correspondent at Allied headquarters in Italy reported that the three landing points at Campo Bay, which was the main assault area on Elba, have now become a single beach - head, but it has been a hard fight to secure it.