STRONG SUPPORT IN AIR

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

STRONG SUPPORT IN AIR

NUMBER OF SORTIES ALMOST A RECORD

(8.0.W.) RUGBY, October 24. ‘‘The Sth Army with strong air support attacked last night.. Fierce fightins has developed and is continuing. In these words today’s Cairo communique announced the offensive operations, which follow days and nights ot ceaseless and intense activity by the Royal Air Force. The communique continues: the Allied air forces during Thursday night and yesterday continued their pressure on enemy landing grounds in the forward area. In combat yesterday we destroyed eight enemy fighters and damaged many others. The enemy continued his fighter-bomber tactics over Malta with negligible results. Our fighters shot down one aircraft and two others were destroyed by ground fire. Four of our aircraft failed to return, but one pilot is safe.’ A naval communique from Alexandria says: “Our coastal forces carried out an attack on enemy coastal positions near Mersa Matruh last night. Our forces were attacked by enemy aircraft, but all returned safely. No casualties were sustained. One boat received superficial damage. KUFRA OASIS RAIDED The Kufra Oasis has been twice raided by Axis planes, states a Fighting French source in London. Bombs were dropped on the village and aerodrome, but little damage was caused. A Junkers 88 was hit and probably destroyed. An agency correspondent with the Bth Army has sent the following cablegram about last night’s attack: "In perfect moonlight General Sir Harold Alexander and Lieutenant-General Montgomery started their offensive at 10 o’clock last night when our troops smashed through the enemy's defences at several places. Beyond this fact it is impossible at this early stage to indicate the success or the scale of the operations. The Royal Air force was again most conspicuous over the battle area, with medium bombers and naval aircraft making a great effort, their sorties reaching almost record figures. Fighter-bombers continued their attack on the El Daba landing ground, bombs bursting among dispersed enemy aircraft and tents. Many fires were started and we shot down six Messerschmitt 109's and two Macchis. Medium bombers and naval aircraft made another successful attack on El Daba landing ground, extinguishing searchlights and destroying tents and buildings, as well as numerous aircraft and vehicles before carrying out strafing operations." ROMMEL S DEFEAT RECALLED The attack is so far seen in Txmdon only against the background of the past, four months of the campaign—since the Bth Army halted in its retreat on Egypt. It is considered that FieldMarshal Rommel’s attack on August 30 was made with the expectation of getting into the Nile Delta. ’I he attack was admirably dealt with and FieldMarshal Rommel suffered a defeat, since when no movement of importance has taken place. For four months, therefore, the opposing armies have been preparing lines both for attack and defence. Military observers here consider that no spectacular advance should be expected. The only possible attack is a frontal attack. The Alamein front is a bare 40 miles in extent, with firm flanks resting on the Qattara Depression and the sea. Jhe (icrntaii is extremely thorough and his defence preparations lack nothing in ingenuity and care and must be strong and deep.