AXIS FORCES SHOW STRONG RESISTANCE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 177, 29 July 1942, Page 5

AXIS FORCES SHOW STRONG RESISTANCE

STH ARMY'S ATTACK

Rommel Troops Reported To Be Entrenching

British Official Wireless Rec. noon. RUGBY, July 28. The British attack in the northern sector of the desert battle, on Sunday night, which appears to have been strictly localised, is described by an observer broadcasting from the battle zone as having followed the line of earlier assaults by bringing pressure to bear on localities from the coast to Qattara Depression, where the enemy is doing his utmost to entrench firmly. Enemy positions in the north were found to be strong, and based on these they put up strenuous resistance to the attack which was made by United Kingdom, Australian and South African troops with tanks in support. The air force played a lively part in the attack with light bombers and fighter-bombers. In spite of its comprehensive nature, the operation was restricted to the north, and according to latest reports did not affect other sectors of the line. Severe fighting developed yesterday with daylight, and there were heavy artillery duels, In which the British field guns played a valuable part. The enemy used dive-bombers in numbers against our forward troops, and although these had to suffer bombing the R.A.F. intercepted one large formation of Stukas with fighter escort. Stukas Intercepted They shot down one Stuka and one Messerschmitt without losing any machines. Another Messerschmitt was shot down elsewhere on the battlefield. Our bombers and fighter - bombers attacked enemy tanks, motor transport and gun positions that were threatening our movements. These guns were shooting at one of our brigades which was temporarily isolated on a ridge exposed to the enemy. A strong battery of enemy artillery was lying three miles from me brigade's position, and a message was wirelessed back to the R.A.F. asking help. Within an hour of the call a force of fighterbombers flew over and attacked the enemy gun positions. Bombs fell right among the enemy guns and reports received immediately from the brigade verified the accuracy of the bombing. Off the Egyptian coast fighters again attacked westbound barges and transport on the Mersa Matruh-Sidi Barrani road. Tobruk Successfully Raided The Cairo communique states: "Following attacks on enemy positions in the northern sector v by our troops on Sunday night, severe fighting developed yesterday, including heavy artillery duels. In support of the land forces, our light bombers and fighter-bombers attacked the enemy in the north sector. A formation of escorted Stukas were successfully attacked by our fighters. Three enemy aircraft were shot down in the day. Last night our medium bombers successfully attacked targets at Tobruk, and enemy landing grounds in the El Daba area. Our night fighters shot down two Heinkels 111 which attempted to raid the Canal zone.

"There was an increase of air activity in Malta. Thirteen Axis aircraft were destroyed and others damaged in combats, most of which took place before the enemy had been able to drop bombs."