London, Apr. 20.
JURING the week ending at dawn on April 17, at least 57 enemy aircraft are known to have been destroyed in Cyrenaica and 17 over Greece, The total number of British planes missing from all operations in the Middle. Fast, including Abyssinia and Malta, during the same period was 25.
This, it is stated is the measure of the R.A.F's ability to hold its own and take heavy toll of an enemy acting in superior numbers in support of a furious ground offensive.
'A. detailed examination of operations during the week in question reveals that the offensive spirit which enabled the Royal Air Force to win the battle of Britain stil stands them in good stead.
In addition to almost continuous attacks on enemy transport columns in Yugoslavia, Greece and Libya, a number of highly successful offensive raids were carried out during the period.
'A raid on Tripoli, when amedium~ sized tanker wag hit and hits were scored on the Spanish Mole, whence all British aircraft returned safely, was the second night raid on Tripoli during the week, Another outstanding success was a raid on Demo aero-rome on April 10, in which no less than 21 aircraft, either on the ground or in the air, were destroyed.
In the Balkans, an attack by the Fleet Air Arm on Valona on the night of April 14, when a merchant ship of {6,000 tons and an ammunition ship of 7000 tons were both blown up, was outstanding, and it followed a violent fat lack on Sofla's goods yards and warehouses on the previous night.
Havoc left in the wake of the Royal Air Force in day raids included:
Balkan Front pABetat dump ten mile southwest of on Apri 102, Destruction of an important bridge at Famous London Structures Damaged London, Apr, 19, St, Paul's Cathedral "has "again been bombed, the City Temple—the famous Free Church—has been gutted by ire, while Guy's Hospital and the worldwide known department stores of Selfridges and Maples are among London buildings which, it can now be revealed, have been damage in recent alr raids, The Lamb which scarred St, Paul!s fell In the north transept, where it hurled tons of masonry into a nntastle pile of broken columns and stonework, Another bomb fell ina nearby street and the blast swept, round the Cathedral. Almost every pane of glass—vome dating back to the time of Sir Christopher Wren, who built' the Cathedral—has been blown out, Most of the fabric is unharmed. but the north transept wall is pitted with deep holes, The great dome and whispering gallery are un~ affected, The Cathedral, alrendy desecrated und remain so for a considerable bridge over the Vardar river on Opel Te APE teers ste Destruction of it In Cyrenaica on the Tobruk-Gazaia road on 100, vehicles destroyed of ions at an ammunition dump neat sus on. "hori 2a end. tune, The Chelsea Old Church, scene of many fashionable weddings, which contains the tomb of Sir ' Thomas Moore and many ancient monuments, suffered a direct hit and is now in ruins, Showérs of fire bombs fell on Guy's "Hospital, While those threat ening occupied blocks were being smothered, other which fell fan unoccupied three-storied wing, ria" Poudings at 31 sere operations for in aught on, and the wing, which was 100 feet long, was gutted, The Chol "Eat; [historic London home. for military Communications can wel ined lestion in ima pensioners—was "severely damaged by a bomb, and among 33. persons ted was the oldest pensioner, aged Greek, British Forces Continue Withdrawal Only the walls of the City Temple, the only English free church in the City of London, remain standing, The interior is a mass of charred Cairo, Apr. 20. wood, Greek ani Imperial Forces are con Maples was burned out and Selftinuing to withdraw by ridges was also damaged by fire, Fearguards, slates a Jate communique but trading continues on the lower issued by the British headquarters floors. "The world famed auction here. By able handling and deter rooms of Christies also suffered mined fighting, "these rearguard damage—Reuter. have succeeded in delaying the German advance and have inflicted heavy losses on the enemy.
Korizis Committed In Libya, an enemy attack against the defences of Tobruk has been stc-Suicide fully repulsed. Twelve German Athens, Apr, 20. 'M. Alexander Korizis, the tote Greek Premier, committed suicide on Friday, it was Joamed last night. is, In the Sollum area, mobile columns ction, it Is stated, was due to anxiety ud patrols again caused the enemy over the military situation, orions losses and a number of pri-'The funeral of M. Korizis took place toners has been taken, in the Athens Cathedral yesterday In Abyssinia, columns advancing on afternoon, with full military honours, Dessie are now in clove contact with in the presence of King George 11, the enemy, Two hundred prisoners other members of the Royal. family. Jso far have been taken and fighting the Government, the Diplomatic Corps is continuing in Southern Abyssinia, and other outstanding personages. Our pursuit of the retreating Italian The Deputy Premier, M. Codzias, forces is proceeding, helped in in-paid tribute to the late Premier in jereasing degrees by patriot activities, funeral oration, "Huge crowds lined—Reuter, the streets of the capital to watch the funeral procession pass. Despite the gravity of the situation and the recent
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