GETTING NEARER

Evening Star, Issue 23686, 20 September 1940, Page 7

GETTING NEARER

ITALIAN AND BRITISH ARMIES SOME SHARP SKIRMISHES REPORTED LARGE-SCALE ACTION EXPECTED SOON CAIRO, September 18. The space between the British Army and the Italian army is steadily narrowing. Light British forces have been flung in to delay the Italians, and there have been some sharp skirmishes, in which the Italian casualties have been very heavy. The Italian advance reveals careful preparation. Water carriers, supply wagons, and troop carriers ipress hard on the heels of the tanks. Squads of sappers are hastily repairing the craterstrewn tracks, and artillery units are rushing up cannon on lorries to be mounted at vantage points along the route. The Royal Air Force has already been in action against two of the regular divisions, but there are strong Italian forces in reserve. It may be a day or two before a large-scale laud action occurs Individual initiative and bravery are enabling the British forces to score many local successes against the immensely superior forces numerically. The enemy’s lines of communications are lengthening with every yard of advance, whereas Britain’s are diminishing.' A Royal Air Force communique states that two Junkers dive-bombers were shot down during a raid on Malta, indicating that Germany is reinforcing the Italian air force. ITALIAN VERSION ANOTHER " GREAT FEAT OF ARMS " ROME, September 19. (Received September 20, at noon.) Marshal Graziaui reported tc Mussolini that Sidi Barrani had been occupied when the enemy, “ after resisting inch by inch, were finally upset by the Italian pincers movement. They hurriedly retreated to Msrsa Matruh, destroying munition dumps and salting the "wells. The British lost over half their numerous armoured units.” REPORTS FROM ROME WIDESPREAD BRITISH RAIDS MENTIONED ROME, September 19. (Received September 20, at 12.30 p.m.) The enemy raided Tobruk, Boma, and Benghazi. There was limited damage. The British made air raids on Rhodes and Leros and many tires were started. There were no casualties. The British also raided Kassala, Assab, Yavello, Mogadishu. Dirodawa, Zeila. and Mersataclai. killing seven people and wounding 13.

AIR OFFENSIVE BRITISH BOMBERS BUSY DODECANESE ISLANDS ATTACKED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 19. (Received September 20, at'll.4o a.m.) A Cairo communique issued to-day states: Highly successful air attacks were launched on enemy bases in the Dodecanese Islands. At Maritiza, in Rhodes, fires caused several explosions, which were followed by large fires seen at Calato. Hangars, barracks, the harbour, and jetty were bit at Portolago, and at Leros a fuel store was hit, and the fire which started spread along the coast. All our aircraft returned safely. Continuous raids were launched against the enemy from the western desert. An aircraft was set on fire and buildings were, hit at Tobruk, and large concentrations of motor transport between Solium and Sidi Barrani were set on fire A successful attack was made on about 50 aircraft on the ground at El Mjmi. Bombs fell among the aircraft, and severe damage was caused. Raids were also made on Bomba Bardea and the camp in the CapuzzoSollum area. One of our aircraft is missing Aircraft of the South African Air Force raided the aerodrome at Mogadiscio on September 17 for the sixth time. All the bombs were dropped on the hangars and buildings, and many fires were started, . An attack was also made on Lavello (Abyssinia). One enemy bomber' was destroyed, and considerable damage to hangars and buildings resulted. Three raids were made by R.A.F. bombers on Kassala, and one enemy fighter which attempted to intercept them was damaged. Assab and Diredawa were again attacked, and fires were observed. BATTLE IMMINENT ANZACS IH FRONT LINE MAY MEET ENEMY " AT ANY MOMENT ” MELBOURNE, September 20. (Received September 20, at noon.) The Prime 'Minister, Mr R. G. Menzies, in a speech said the men of the A.I.F. in the Middle East may meet the Italians in combat “ at any moment.” He added that the time was coming when Australia would be asked more and more to reinforce its troops in the Middle East so that that gateway would not be locked to the Empire. SUCCESSFUL BOMBING ITALIAN BASES ATTACKED CAIRO. September 19. (Received September 20, at 9.10 a.m.) A Royal Air Force communique states; “Enemy aerodromes, transports, concentrations, and communica-

tions were again successfully dealt with yesterday. Several hangars were destroyed and planes set on fire at the Benghazi aerodrome. The flames were # seen from .70 miles. Bombs burst among Sidi Barrani gun emplacements. An Italian flying boat was shot down over the Mediterranean, members of the crew were rescued. Eritrean and Somaliland aerodromes and barrack* were successfully bombed. South African Air Force bombers attacked El Wak on September 17 and 18 and the Birkao landing ground on September 13 where three buildings were demolished and set on fire and the wireless station directly hit.” t FREE FRENCH FORCES, CO-OPERATING WITH BRITISH (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 19. (Received September 20, at 2 p.m.)' The air force of the Free French forces is taking an active part in cooperation with British squadrons in tlia operations against Italy in Eastern Africa. In this connection it is learned t!iat four airmen—a captain, a lieutenant, and two sub-lieutcuants—are reported missing.