8TH ARMY TAKES INITIATIVE

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 252, 26 October 1942, Page 5

8TH ARMY TAKES INITIATIVE

ROMMEL'S LINE PENETRATED N.Z. DIVISION AGAIN ENGAGED

P.A. Cable.

LONDON, October 25.

By dawn yesterday advance troops of the 8th Army, which launched a general attack on Friday night against Rommel's forces in Egypt, had penetrated the enemy's main positions at some points. This is the latest official news from Cairo of the British offensive, which began Iwith a great aerial and artillery preparation, supported from the sea by the Royal Navy. In the words of the commander of the 8th Army, General Montgomery, he has finished with standing on the defensive in Egypt and has taken the offensive. The Netw Zealand Division is taking part in the offensive, in which the armoured forces are British, with the support of Australian, New Zealand, South African, Indian, Fighting French and Greek troops. To-day's communique states that the enemy counter-attacked during Saturday, but "our gains were maintained." During the past 24 hours the air forces continued to attack at the maximum, with low level raids in the face of heavy lire and strong fighter sweeps. Military writers say that the Allies' immediate objective is the capture or destruction of Axis strongpoints in front of our lines. These extend 40 miles from the coast and, as a result, a .spectacular initial advance cannot be expected. The forces opposing the 8th Army are estimated as at least 12 German and Italian divisions, four of which are armoured.