ITALIAN PRISONERS
(N.Z.E.P. Offlclal War Correspondent.) WESTERN DESERT, July 16. Under a major of an Auckland battalion, 60-odd New Zealanders during Tuesday night's attack captured a big bag of prisoners, all Italians. It was an unexpected feat accomplished under remarkable circumstances. The major and 30 men had become separated in the darkness from the battalion when passing through an enemy tank formation. As day was breaking they found themselves in a small wadi, in which was an enemy stronghold. By this time the New Zealand force had been built up to 68 men.
Although the men were reduced to five rounds of ammunition per rifle, it was decided to attack. Their fire was returned and a few casualties were suffered, but a determined bayonet charge settled matters — the enemy surrendered. A number of officers were included in the capture. They lamented when they saw the size of the force which had overpowered them.
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Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 169, 20 July 1942, Page 3
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153ITALIAN PRISONERS Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 169, 20 July 1942, Page 3
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