IN THICK OF FIGHT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 170, 21 July 1942, Page 5

IN THICK OF FIGHT

Gunnery Major's Experiences In Egypt GUN-POWER COMPARED Rec. 2 p.m. LONDON, July 19. Sent to the Middle East to report on the guns, a major who is a gunnery expert,, fought in the recent battles in Egypt, was wounded by enemy fire, taken prisoner and wounded again by cur fire. He escaped and reached an Indian position, where he was held for two days as a suspected spy. He finally landed in England on a stretcher. In an interview he said the Germans admit our fighting qualities and have the highest opinion of the Australians and New Zealanders as assault troops, but are not impressed by our tactics and strategy. Our 3.7 in anti-aircraft gun is superior to the German mass-produced SSmm, which is a poor replica of ours. The success of the 88mm guns depends entirely on clever use of it. Until recently the 3.7 in was simply an antiaircraft gun, except where an individual unit commander displayed initiative.

"A friend of mine, after having two teeth knocked out by a barrage, went quite mad and used the 3.7's against everything," said the major. "He did a huge amount of damage, and was so successful that he was awarded the D.S.O. Unfortunately the habit does not appear to have spread. Probably the other commanders still have all their teeth."