Italy.
 
      
 
 
Many bursts were observed on targets and fires and large explosions 
      were caused at both Marelli factory and Fiat aircraft factory.
 
      
 
 
All our aircraft despatched yesterday returned safely. Majority 
      obliged to abandon tasks owing to unsuitable weather, but one 
      bombed a ship off Northern Holland, result unobserved.
 
      
 
 
Last night 49 aircraft were despatched against industrial, 
      railway and oil targets and docks in Germany with "Gneisenau" 
      at Kiel as special target. Aircraft were also sent to Italy and 
      on mine-laying operations. All except one have returned safely. 
      Reports awaited.
 
      
 
 
3. 
German Air Force.
 
      
 
 
During the night of August 25th/27th, 3 enemy aircraft were 
      destroyed; German bombing resulted as follows.
 
      
 
 
London area, damage negligible. In Birmingham area a sustained 
      and intensive raid lasted 4 hours; A.R.P. services fully extended 
      and maintained; casualties so far reported are 1O killed, 51 
      wounded; various serious fires were started but were all under 
      control by morning. 3 factories were seriously damaged, the effect 
      on production not yet estimated; morale and cheerfulness of public 
      outstanding. At Coventry industrial damage was slight; production 
      not interfered with. Other industrial damage in East Yorkshire 
      has not hindered production.
 
      
 
 
Yesterday only about 75 enemy aircraft were operating over 
      British Isles. One more bomber was destroyed by our fighters.