INVADING FORCE OF THREE DIVISIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 222, 18 September 1940, Page 8

INVADING FORCE OF THREE DIVISIONS.

, GRAZIANI'S TASK. Pounded Day And Night By R.A.F. And Artillery. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Reed. 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 17. The occupation of Sidi Barrani has brought the Italian advance 75 miles from the frontier in five days, establishing Graziani at the commencement of'a fine asphalted road running through Mnrsa Matruh to Alexandria. |~ The spearhead of the invading forces, totalling three divisions, is already on 'and pushing along this road. Others are .frantically digging in at Solium and Sidi Barrani, which they intend to use as bases for operations from oases further inland. Italian military authorities claim 'thai Solium is important because it is the only natural harbour between Libya and Alexandria, which is tine Italians main objective. They declare that Solium will afford shelter for the largest naval units of the world and also protection against the treacherous African winds, because it is surrounded by a horseshoe chain of hills. Italian Plan of Attack. The road from Solium runs southward to the oasis of Siwa, to which the Italians apparently intend to advance immediately they have consolidated the coastal invasion, and, indeed, supporting forces are already spreading southward. Two columns, keeping fairly close together, are leading the coastal advance, using medium tanks of 11 tons, with a large number of light tanks, which, however, have proved especially vulnerable to British fire. No major engagement has yet occurred, but air battles under the terrific desert heat and sandstorms rage fiercely throughout the day. Hurricanes and Blenheims hurl themselves down on the tank columns,' troops and transports, artillery pounds the invaders, and warships shell their path from the sea. The Italians are also using bombers and.fighters freely in support of their land • forces. The R.A.F. continues strafing throughout the night as the Italians seek a few hours' rest and endeavour to rush up supply wagons and establish water, fuel, ammunition and food dumps, which are essential if the long lines of communicatior are not to become a liability spe r * 'ure for * Graziani's task. Retreat y* vith the divisions locked under. t'ae Libyan escarpment would be disastrous.

An R.A.F. communique issued in Cairo states: "A series of bombing raids were made on Monday night on enemy motor transports and concentrations east of Buqbuq. Many direct were observed, resulting in numerous fires and explosions. "Against Eritrea there was a successful attack on Asmara aerodrome, a direct hit being scored on the hangar. A formation of enemy bombers approached Malta on Monday, but turned away without dropping bombs on the appearance of our fighters. From all operations British aircraft returned safely."