The Libyan Ferry
The recent succession of terrific R.A.F. raids on Naples, in which bombs of the heaviest weight fell on shipping in the harbour, on docks, storage-depots and the railway-station, is not without a special significance. It was the culmination of a mounting crescendo of blows which are being dealt ceaselessly on what remains of the Libyan ports of Tripoli and Benghazi, on
'aerodromes and convoys on roads, and on Sicilian and South- Italian ports; and of blows no less damaging dealt by aircraft, submarines and surface-vessels on the Italian ships which are endeavouring to take reinforcements and supplies to the German and Italian armies. And now have come these shattering assaults on the largest of the ports from which the enemy attempt to slip across the waist-line of the Mediterranean to Africa, and where they are stated to have concentrated specially large numbers of men and supplies for shipment. The R.A.F. appear to have caught them at the moment when embarkation was beginning, and to have left the port and its environment in a sorry condition. To the 25 per cent. outright losses which, Admiral Cunningham says, the Navy inflicts upon the transports, must be added the losses inflicted by our bombers. At all points en the hazardous sea and land routes from Italy to the African front the Germans and the Italians are subjected to harrying which is causing cumulative losses equivalent to severe defeats in battle. The effect of these has been to weaken their Libyan army in numbers, equipment and, presumably, also in morale, and will be felt if battle should be joined on the front near Sollum.
