PROGRESS MADE BY BRITISH

Southland Times, Issue 24884, 26 October 1942, Page 5

PROGRESS MADE BY BRITISH

Fast Advance Not Expected

(Rec. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 24. Following a terrific air blitz on the enemy positions the Bth Army launched an offensive in Egypt last night, when our troops penetrated the enemy defences at several places. The Navy attacked Mersa Matruh, Field-Marshal Rommel’s main supply port, while British tanks and infantry were movmg up to the attack. Except for a British United Press report that the Bth Army struck at Alamein there is no indication of the extent of the front on which the attack is developing. Military writers point out that the Allies’ immediate objective is the capture or destruction of Axis strong points 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 Bth Army are estimated at at least 12 German and Italian divisions, four of which are armoured.

GREAT AIR POWER Reuter’s correspondent at air headquarters on the Egyptian front says Britain’s vast new desert army is witnessing an unforgettable sight. Score after score of British and American planes are roaring over to ground-

strafe the Axis forces far and near. The power of the combined Allied forces has been gathering for weeks like a dark cloud. Now it has fallen like a tempest on the sprawling Axis army in North Africa. The Luftwaffe puts up vigorous opposition over its own territory, but it has not shown itself able or willing to retaliate. It is two days since a fighter-escorted bombing raid was attempted against our forward landing grounds and that was a feeble effort which anti-aircraft guns alone beat off. The Allies’ present air offensive is assuming bigger proportions than the onslaught which stopped Feild-Marshal Rommel more than three months ago. Rome radio said the air engagements yesterday over the Egyptian front were the biggest yet in the Mediterranean sector. More than 400 planes met in successive battles.