AXIS FORCED TO DIG IN ON EGYPTIAN FRONT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 175, 27 July 1942, Page 3

AXIS FORCED TO DIG IN ON EGYPTIAN FRONT

POUNDINGS BY R.A.F.

No Change In Positions Of Opposing Armies

U.P.A. and British Wireless Rec. noon. LONDON, July 26. There is no change in the positions of the opposing armies in Egypt. To-day's communique speaks of patrol work in all sectors of the front. During the almost complete lull in the Western Desert of Egypt, according to an observer broadcasting from the battle zone, there were signs that the enemy was digging himself in between El Alamein and Qattara Depression, and thus creating some sort of defensive line. The enemy, however, always does dig in, as much as anything to give himself cover from air attacks. It is pointed out in London that the fact of digging in and minelaying does not necessarily indicate a defensive attitude in the desert. A position is usually mined to hinder the advance of tanks, but the existence of a minefield by no means prevents a defender from attacking. It is learned that a fighter' squadron, renowned for its work in the Battle of Britain, in offensive sweeps and in the defence of Malta, is now operating in the desert. The squadron was associated with the County of London, and mcst of the members are from the London area. The Middle East joint communique states that land operations were confined to patrols and artillery exchanges. Air activity was on a reduced scale. Heavy bombers attacked Tobruk, Crete and the battle area. Barges north-west of Mersa Matruh were attacked by long-range fighters. Three enemy planes were destroyed. X.Z. Troops Sweep Too Far Forward The Daily Telegraph correspondent with the Sth Army states that British tanks went into action in the Ruweisat area through a lane between minefields. They did effective work, but were rather badly battered, although the casualties were slight. Our tanks were unable to get up to the New Zealanders, who had swept forward, driving the Germans out, but were compelled to withdraw in the face of enemy tanks. The Daily Express correspondent says that when British tanks advanced through a minefield German gunners let the first few through and waited until all were in the minefield corridor before opening up. Nevertheless, the British tanks got on their target. The driver of one Valentine tank stated that they advanced 5a miles. German shells bumped the tank from side to side. One shell penetrated the rubber track, but the tank went on until a 55mm shell penetrated the 2in armoured turret and struck the officer in the neck, severely wounding him and also putting the tank gun cut of action. The tank returned to its lines.

The latest German prisoners were mostly metal workers from the Ruhr. They were the first Germans to complain of shortage of supplies, and said they were short of water and ammunition for 24 hours. Torpedo Planes Active British tcrpedo planes, escorted by long-range fighters, attacked a 7000ton merchantman escorted by two destroyers, two E-boats and one F-boat off Cephalonia. Greece, at daylight on Friday last. The ship, which was making for Tobruk with a heavy deck cargo, was directly hit on the waterline by a torpedo, after which there were two explosions, followed by heavy smoke and a reddish blaze. The vessel was later sighted in tow, the forepart being ablaze. The United States Army Air Force in seven daylight raids in the past week heavily damaged the docks and port installations at Tobruk and Bengasi, and also at Suda Bay, Crete. They set fire to six medium-sized merchantmen and one large merchantman.

A Rome communique admits that an enemy raid on Tobruk caused considerable damage of limited importance.