Telegram received from London 
 
      dated January l7th, 1941.
 
      
 
 
1. Naval. His Majesty's destroyer Woolston, escorting a convoy 
      sighted 3 enemy E boats off Harwich at 2045 hours yesterday and 
      drove them off before they could attack the convoy.
 
      
 
 
2. 
Mediterranean.
 Heavy air attack made on Malta p.m., 
      January 16th, "Illustrious" apparently the main objective, 
      hit aft but not seriously damaged, "Perth" near miss 
      and received bad shaking, M.T. ship "Essex" badly damaged. 
      Total of 70 aircraft made 2 attacks first by JU 84's, second 
      by JU 87's, escorted by Italian fighters. Dive bombing attacks 
      driven well home. Our fighters shot down or damaged several machines. 
      A/A guns ditto, and some by indirect guns not known but total 
      claim is nine certain, three probable and two possible.
 
      
 
 
3.
 Convoys.
 Two convoys totalling 58 ships have arrived 
      in home waters from Canada without loss. There were 17 tankers 
      and 15 cargoes of steel.
 
      
 
 
4. 
Royal Air Force.
 Night of January 16th/l7th. 86 
      aircraft were sent out, of which 81 went to Wilhelmshaven docks. 
      The remainder carried out light attacks on oil plants and on 
      shipping. Five heavy bombers are missing.
 
      
 
 
5. 
German Air Force.
 Night of January 16th/17th. 183 
      enemy aircraft operated over the country, of which 130 were over 
      Bristol area.
 
      
 
 
6. 
Home Security.
 Night of January 16th/17th. Bristol, 
      Avonmouth were attacked early and a number