ALLIED H.Q. IN N. AFRICA: More than 500 tons of bombs were dropped on Rome in today’s [Aug 14] raid by American bombers, it is officially announced. Forty to 50 Axis fighters engaged the raiders.

In the last raid the San Lorenzo yard was heavily damaged and at least for the time being was completely blocked. The Littorio yard was hit at least 50 times and was partly blocked. In the meantime the Italians have been labouring to get them into working order. Waves of Mitchells and Marauders bombed the Littorio yards at almost the same time. Lightnings escorted the bombers. All the aircraft were from the strategic air force and were commanded by Major-General James H. Doolittle, hero of the Tokyo raid and leader of the first raid on Rome. All the planes participating were American.

It is officially announced that American bombers attacking Rome today heavily damaged the two main railway yards there and returned without loss despite strong Axis fighter opposition.

The North African Air Force now gives no special consideration to Rome beyond the usual briefing of crews against hitting religious or cultural institutions in the city.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2018