RACE IN EGYPT

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 264, 6 August 1942, Page 5

RACE IN EGYPT

Both Armies Preparing (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.— Copyright.) LONDON, August 4. The great desert race between General Auchinleck and Marshal Rommel to reinforce their' respective armies with men and material continues. In the past few- days patrols have intercepted numerous German working parties laying mines, digging gun positions, aud wiring. Rome radio declared that both sides were preparing for the Battle 'of Egypt. Numerous ships were arriving daily from Italian and Libyan ports with fresh reinforcements, and General Auchinleck was also receiving *a stream of reinforcements from the Near East and Middle East. “General Auchinleck will not be able to stem the overwhelming attack which the Axis forces will launch at the opportune time,” the radio said. General Ereyberg was on parade lor the first time today since he was wounded at El Alamein six weeks ago. Plaster on his neck shows where he was wounded. He looked remarkably fit when he reviewed some New Zealand troops. A Cairo communique states that apart from patrolling there is nothing to report from the land forces. There was air activity on a reduced scale in the battle area, but two Messerschmitt 109’s were damaged in combat. Fighters over Malta successfully fought oil two enemy formations which were attempting to raid the island. . Fighter-bombers carried out two attacks on motor-vehicles and tents on the Egyptian front. Bomber aircraft were over Tobruk in force on Sunday night. Explosions were seen among petrol installations at the north-west corner of the harbour, and a large fire was started on the waterfront. Other bombers raided lighters and coastal shipping in Bardia and Solium, and a large tire, accompanied by explosions, was started in the latter port. Six R.A.F. aircraft are missing, and three of the pilots are safe.

CAIRO COMMUNIQUE Increased Air Activity LONDON, August 5. Increased air activity in the desert is reported in today’s Cairo communique, which says that during Monday night there were patrols in all sectors of the El Alamein front, and yesterday artillery activity in the northern and central sectors. Enemy concentrations in the central sector were attacked by Allied fighters, who maintained their offensive patrols, two MelOO’s being shot down. Enemy shipping at Bardia was attacked, and m the Eastern Mediterranean a direct hit and two near misses were scored on an enemy merchant ship. Air octivity over Malta was on a reduced scale.