Evening star., 1941-05-25
Hood Sunk 1900 Feared Dead;
British Pursue Fleeing Bismarck;
R. A. F. S|ashes at Crete Invaders
Island Position
Is Improved,
English Hint
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
CAIRO, Egypt Sunday, May
25.-Long-range R. A. F. fight
erS and big bomberS, once again
helping Britain's "fight-to-the-
death" army in the bitter bat
tie for strategic Crete, smashed
and slashed today at the parade
of German parachutists still
pouring on the bloody island
battle-ground despite terrific
losses.
How the battle would go still
could not be determined as the
fighting went into the sixth day, but
improvement in the defenders posi-
tions since the r. A. F. re-entered
the fray.
The main fighting centered at
Malemi airdrome. where the Nazis
have been attempting to secure a
base to land stronger force.
But the situation throughout
Crete still was serious for the
British, Australian. New Zealand
and Greek troops-for the German
plane ferry service from the main
land continued without a sign of
letting up.
Opportunity to Add Troops.
The British recapture of Gambia
and Retimo gave the empire forces
an opportunity to rush reinforce
ments to men trying to sweep the
Germans out of Malemi-the one
place where they have managed to
establish a foothold.
1t was at Malemi that the most
intense struggle was taking place,
and the fate of that one engage
ment might prove the deciding
factor of the Crete-wide battle.
Even as the Germans held off
the British at Malemi. their fellows
in isolated sections of the island
were not so fortunate and were
being mopped up by the British.
Some of the aircraft in the battle
including big bombers fitted out
as long-range fighters to augment
the fighter forces-flew from Egyp-
tian desert airdromes to engage
the Germans,
In one day these makeshift fight
ers, plus regular bombers, account
ed for IA big troop transports, the
r. A. F. announced-on Malemi air.
drome and on the beaches of
Western Crete.
Withdrew Tuesday.
Confronted with Overwhelming
German air superiority at the be-
ginning of the Nazi invasion Tues
day. the R. A. F. withdrew from
Crete then, but disclosed Yesterday
the action of the big bombers and
fighters.
Equipring some of the bombers
as fighters was necessary because
Crete is out of range of ordinary
fighters operating from such dis
tant bases, $50 or more miles from
Malemi.
These planes, operating entirely
from the mainland, made no attempt
to land on Crete. Their assault fol-
lowed up bombings of airports in
Greece and a base on the island of
MeloS, which the Germans are US
ing as hopp:ng-off places.
The announcement led to specu-
lation whether some of the Amer
ican-built Douglas Dbl bombers
were being diverted from the Near
East. The Dbl is called the "Bos-
ton" when it is used as a light
bomber in day operations and the
Havoc" when fitted for long-range
night fighting
Range of 2,40O Miles.
The HavocS, whose range is 2,400
miles, have been highly effective in
raids on occupied territory in West
ern Europe
The Mediterranean fleet also is
known to be supplied with Amer
ican-built Grumman Martlet fight
ers; with a range of 1,l00 miles.
lney proDaDly are seeing action at
Crete. too, If the fleet is using air.
craft carriers nearby.
In addition to the American
made craft the British Near East
forces also are understood to have
Blenheim " models which have a
1,900-mile range and are usable as
day bombers or fighters.
The Germas have managed to
bring in some artillery and mortars
in their effort to enlarge their foot
hold at Malemi, British sources &C
knowledged, and are continuing to
fly in reinforcements.
The R. A. F. said large numbers
of Junkers 50 troop transports were
attacked Friday on the beach and
$500 CRTTE popp All