VICTORIOUS DRIVE IN EGYPT

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 36, 6 November 1942, Page 5

VICTORIOUS DRIVE IN EGYPT

Enemy Rearguard In Contact

IMPERIAL BLOW HAS WIDE EFFECTS

LONDON, November 5. Continuing the victorious story of the Battle of Egypt, the Cairo headquarters, announcing last night that the Axis army in the Western Desert had been thrown into full retreat with great losses in officers, men, and arms, states in the latest communique today. “The Eighth Army continued to advance over the whole front yesterday. The enemy was still holding out in a few isolated positions in the south. In the north he has a screen of anti-tank guhs and tanks, which is withdrawing before our advancing forces. Throughout yesterday Allied planes continued to harass the enemy withdrawing tilong the coastal road. Allied airmen report that Rommel’s retreat has already become a rout. The "Daily Telegraph’s” military correspondent says that Rommel is unlikely to attempt a serious stand before reaching Mersa Matruh, where he might be able to establish an improvised line;

otherwise, he has ho defence line eastward of the Libyan frontier. Rommel’s tank losses represent nearly half his entire tank strength. ~

Reports which have been received in Istanbul from Greece state that the Germans are rushing four divisions from the Russian front to Rommel. Four train-loads of troops have passed through Athens. , The British Empire and its allies heard last night’s news with jubilation. His Majesty the King, in a message of congratulation, described the success as of ah importance which cannot be exaggerated. In Washington military circles describe the battle as a major Axis defedt. In Russia the news was broadcast at 5 a.m. , _ ; A British divisional commander said that the enemy s 1 64th Division can practically be written off as a division. The 90th Light Division is not so badly hit, but has suffered severely. Panzer Grenadiers were severely knocked about last Sunday in the coastal sector. These three units constituted Rommel’s striking fofee. Our losses in killed, wounded, and missing, represent only a small fraction of the number of the enemy taken prisoner.