3 D1- WASHINGTON DC JAN 11 OPNAV FROM STATE: RESTRICTED FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM AMERICAN CONSUL AT MALTA; QUOTE 4 JAN 11 4 PM YESTERDAY BRITISH CRUISES WITH CONVOY OFF PANTELLERIA SANK ITALIAN DESTROYER OF VEGA CLASS. ILUSTRIUS ATTACKED BY MORE THAN 40 GERMAN DIVE BOMBERS FROM SICILY WITH CONSTANT BOMBING FOR 7 HOURS. TORPEDO ATTACKS MISSED BUT THOUSAND POUND BOMB MADE A HOLE IN FLIGHT DECK MORE THAN 20 FEET SQUARE AND FOUR OTHER BOMBS STRUCK VESSEL. MORE THAN 20 AIRPLANES DESTROYED AND ABOUT 100 KILLED. DAMAGE TO VESSEL CONSIDERABLE. FLEET AND ARM DESTROYED SIX GERMAN BOMBERS AND PROBABLY THREE OTHERS. DESTROYER GALLANTRY STRUCK MINE OFF PANTELLERIA LOST BOW TOWED TO MALTA. CONVOY ARRIVED SAFELY. AMERICANS ALLEN OF ASSOCIATED PRESS AND LT COM HERTMAN ON BOARD ILLUSTRIOUS ESCAPED INJURY SGD HENRY ACTION......38 10/11..12...13....16...NAVAID..OPNAV |