THE ATTACK IN EGYPT.

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXV, Issue 254, 28 October 1942, Page 4

THE ATTACK IN EGYPT.

The Eighth Army continues its vigorous attack in the Western Desert, and a second heavy hammer - blow has been delivered, with a further displacement of Rommel 's forces. The first phase of the battle, it is explained, is highly concentrated and exacting, with hard slogging operations designed to dislodge the enemy from his defensive zone, with a front of 40 miles and a strongly-organised depth of at least four miles, including one mile of minefields. Rommels' positions have been deeply penetrated, but many days may be required to overrun them and enable the armoured columns to operate in the open, unhampered by minefields. There has as yet been nothing in the nature of major tank engagements. Employing new methods, General Montgomery has reversed the original blitz tactics. The way has been cleared with artillery barrages and strafing from the air, and the tanks have followed the infantry, instead of preceding it as in all previous offensives in the Western Desert. What has happened so far, says one correspondent, is that a break has heen made in the enemy lines, and, with the extension of this breach, it will be the task of the tanks to make the job perfect witlj. a clean break-through. The opening of the offensive has been marked, by brilliant generalship ; and the perfect co-ordination of the land and air forces, and the achievement of all parts of the schedule of operations make inspiring reading.

The representative composition oi the Eighth Army may be noted. It appears in the information that with three British Army divisions are associated Australian, New Zealand, South African and Indian forces, and Fighting French and Greek elements. The New Zealanders, more heavily armed than ever before and again in the forefront, have played a valiant part. The Australians distinguished themselves in being the first to achieve their objective. The South Africans, who gained all their -objectives after er.countering stiff resistance, have brought a particulai resolve to the battle front. "We shall not rest," said General Smuts in a speech at Pretoria a few weeks

ago, "until Tobruk has been avenged and the tide of battle finally turned in North Africa." British, American, Australian and South African airmen are maintaining a non-stop air offensive, and it is reported that "smoke from innumerable fires is rising from the battle area, and where trucks, tents and ammunition dumps were destroyed." American aid in the new Battle of Egypt has been invaluable, and this acknowledgment is not confined to the assistance given by United States bombers and fighter-bombers. Mr Churchill stated last month that, at his request earlier in the year, President Roosevelt provided shipping to transport 40,000 to 50,000 men to the Middle East so that a force would be available which turned in the various theatres in which danger might develop. "Thus, at the critical moment," said Mr Churchill, we had rounding the Cape a very large, well-equipped force, which could be directed immediately to Egypt." None the less, however, need be our appreciation of the fact, just stressed by a B.B.C. commentator, that it is to Britain's own war effort, in the building up and employment of fighting forces, and her huge production of aircraft and munitions, that the great new strength of the Eighth Army mainly owes its substance.