SOME LOCAL SUCCESSES FOR GERMANS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 120, 24 May 1941, Page 5

SOME LOCAL SUCCESSES FOR GERMANS

MR. CHURCHILL’S STATEMENT ENEMY HAS ONE AIR FIELD STILL UNDER BRITISH FIRE Rugby, May 22. Making a statement in the House of Commons on the situation in Crete the Prime Minister, Mr. Winston Churchill, said: ‘‘This is a somewhat indeterminate moment in the battle for Crete at which to make a statement and I can only give a very provisional account. “Fighting is continuing with intensity, and although the situation is in hand the Germans have gained some local successes at heavy cost. They are using many air-borne parachute troops and these are being increased daily. “The position at Heraklion is that our troops still hold the aerodrome, although the Germans are in what is called occupation of the town, which probably meqns that they are ensconced in certain buildings in the town.

“In the Rethymno district there is no report of any particular fighting, although an attempt by the enemy to take the aerodrome nearby yesterday was successfully held. "In the Canea-Suda Bay sector heavy air attacks in the early morning of yesterday were followed by further parachute landings, which were heavily engaged by our artillery and machine-guns.

"At Melema aerodrome, 10 miles west of Canea, it appears the enemy is in occupation of the aerodrome and of the area to the west but the aerodrome is still under our fire. Elsewhere the coastline of this sector remains in our hands.

“Fighting is going on and deepening in intensity, and- will certainly con tinue for some time. “Last night the enemy began to try sea-borne landings, but a convoy making for Crete was intercepted by our naval forces. Two transports and some caiques—Greek boats —which probably contained troops intended for landing operations were sunk and an enemy destroyer which was escorting the convoy was also sunk. “During the day there were much larger attempts made by the enemy to carry an army into Crete, and a convoy of 30 vessels was discerned this morning by our forces and was presumably attacked, although my information stops at that point. The convoy turned away towards an island of the Archipelago and was being attacked by our destroyers and light forces, but I have not received any further information as to what happened except that there has been much fighting during the day. “Enemy air forces attacked our ships which were attacking the convoy but 1 ai| sorry I have no definite information of the result. I feel, however, that it can hardly be other than satisfactory in view of the naval forces which we dispose in the Mediterranean zone." Replying to a member's suggestion that an expression of admiration and confidence should be sent to the British troops in Crete, Mr. Churchill added:—

“It is a strange and grim battle that is being fought. Our side has no airforce because they have no aerodiomes—not because they have no aeroplanes. The other side has very little —or no —artillery or tanks. Neither side has any means of retreat. It is a desperate, grim battle and I certainly will send the wishes, encouragement, and approval of the House to those men who are fighting what is undoubtedly a most important battle, which will affect the whole course of the campaign in the Mediterranean.” —8.0.W.