The Dominion. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1942. HEARTENING NEWS FROM THE WESTERN DESERT

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 36, 6 November 1942, Page 4

The Dominion. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1942. HEARTENING NEWS FROM THE WESTERN DESERT

The news of the latest development in the battle ht the Western Desert is indeed heartening. Though it contains, also, a promise of perhaps even more satisfying results to come, it would be well to heed the cautionary statement by the 8.8. C. correspondent: “Don’t think it is all over. The fighting isn’t anything, like done.” To this he adds the observation that “the tide is turning.” Taking the various points in the reports of the British success so far achieved, those words may be taken to present a fairly accurate interim survey of the position at the time of writing. In sum, this represents a heavy-blow to the enemy, and might even, if the pressure of the British onset can be maintained at its present effectiveness, spell ultimate demoralization and' disaster to the Axis plans in North Africa. This conceivably could well happen if the enemy were given no time to strengthen positions behind which to reorganize his battered forces and make a stand. It would be surprising if the German commander, with experience of the rapid movements of modern desert warfare, had not selected defensive positions nearer his base as a precautionary measure. The reported death of the general who was said to have taken command of the Axis forces in* North Africa during Rommel’s absence, and the capture of another 'experienced leader, will be a severe blow to. the enemy, but the heavy losses sustained by his armoured divisions may have a crippling effect, • . . From the general note of restraint which has fnarked the reports of General Montgomery’s offensive since it was first launched, it .may< be assumed as satisfactory and encouraging that the results claimed in this latest phase of the battle are well within the mark The inspiriting message from His Majesty the King will nerve the Eighth Army to greater effort. Not only the Mother Country but also the Empire and the Allies are watching hopefully this sustained attack. New Zealand people will join heartily in the congratulations which have been extended to the British commander on the successful advance made by his forces. ____________ '