BITTER SKIRMISHES IN EGYPT

Southland Times, Issue 24236, 20 September 1940, Page 5

BITTER SKIRMISHES IN EGYPT

Effort To Delay Advance CAREFUL PREPARATIONS BY ENEMY (United Press Association —Telegraph Copyright) (Received September 19, 8.5 p.m.) 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 bitter skirmishes, in which the Italian casualties have been very heavy. The Italian advance reveals careful preparation. Water-carriers, supply wagons and troop-carriers are pressing hard on the heels of the tanks. Squads of sappers are hastily repairing the crater-strewn tracks. Artillery units are rushing up cannon on lorries and mounting them at vantage points along the route. The Royal Air Force has already been in action against two regular divisions, but there are strong Italian forces in reserve. It may be a day or two before a large scale land action occurs. Individual initiative and bravery are enabling the British to score many local successes against immensely superior forces numerically. The enemy’s lines of communication are lengthening every yard of the advance, whereas ours are diminishing.