RAPID RETREAT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20661, 12 January 1942, Page 5

RAPID RETREAT

ROMMEL’S FORCES EVASION OF BATTLE ATTACKED FROM AIR (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Jan. 12, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 11. A Cairo Headquarters communique states that the withdrawal of the enemy towards El Agheila continued yesterday. South and west of Jedabaya our columns attacked detachments of the enemy occupying positions covering the main enemy line of retreat. Elsewhere, the enemy withdrawal was so fast that our advanced elements were not able yesterday to bring them to action. Our air forces again provided protection throughout the area of operations and also continued their attacks against enemy supply and transport columns. Enemy positions in the Halfaya area were heavily bombarded by the Lorraine Squadron of the Free French Air Force and units of the Royal Navy. The R'.A.F. Middle East communique states that throughout yesterday concentrated attacks were made on enemy mechanised vehicles in the El Agheila area and on the road from Jedabaya to El Agheila. Many direct hits were obtained as well as a number of near misses, which must have caused severe damage to mechanised vehicles. The previous, night enemy tanks and mechanised vehicles on and near the road between Mersa Brega and Ras el Aali were bombed and machinegunned with effect. Attack On Halfaya.

The attack on the enemy positions at Halfaya continued throughout yesterday in better weather and a number of direct hits were obtained. Little opposition was encountered. The enemy bombed the landing ground at Gambut yesterday but did no damage. From these and other operations one of our aircraft is missing.

South African sappers at Bardia saved a huge enemy underground ammunition dump, the largest in the Western Desert and authoritatively stated to contain enough rounds for three months under siege conditions. The existence of the dump was known to our forces and the South Africans reached it before the enemy could blow it up. An unnamed general of the Afrikn Corps, broadcasting over the German radio, said: “The British are superior in tanks and artillery. We are amazed at the vast number of their tanks. In the fighting around Jedabaya, troops from Britain proved tenacious fighters. During recent nights and days we were not left in peace for a moment; the Tommies never let us rest.”