SAFELY OVER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 August 1940, Page 5

SAFELY OVER

THE BRITISH DEPARTURE FROM SOMALILAND

BRILLIANT REARGUARD ACTION.

WHOLE OF FORCES REACH ADEN.

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. August 19. A communique issued in Cairo today states: "After fighting a brilliant rearguard action against picked Italian formations, supported by tanks, artillery and aircraft in overwhelming strength, all of the British force in Somaliland was successfully evacuated from Berbera' last night.” The whole of the British forces evacuated from Somaliland have now reached Aden, Daventry reports. HITLER’S MESSAGE “GREAT VICTORY IN EAST AFRICA.” BERLIN, August 20. Hitler telegraphed to Mussolini: “I and the German people most heartily congratulate you and your army on your great victory in East Africa.”

COMMENT IN BRITAIN MINOR GAIN BY ITALIANS. LONDON. August 20. Little surprise has been caused here by the announcement of the withdrawal from British Somaliland, which has been a British Protectorate for 60 years. All the newspapers agree with the War Office statement that, while the Italians have won some prestige, they have gained very little from a strategic point of view. It is pointed out that for the purpose of trying to control the Red Sea, if they could achieve such success, the Italians are already well placed by having Eritrea, and that the occupation of British Somaliland is not likely to help much. ITALIAN CLAIMS MUSSOLINI CONGRATULATES TROOPS. (Received This Day. 10.30 a.m.) ROME, August 20. A communique states: “Italian forces have occupied Berbera, a section of which was set on fire by the British troops before embarking. An entire well-armed company of the Camel Corps surrendered. An Italian battalion made a surprise attack on Galabat, capturing ammunition and prisoners. “The enemy bombed Geledi, Mogadishu and Berbera. There were no casualties and only slight material damage was done. The enemy bombed a hospital at Dern. One person was killed and 22 were injured. An unidentified submarine is believed to have sunk after colliding with one of our mine barges, off the Dodecanese Islands.”

Signor Mussolini telegraphed an eulogy to the victorious troops. Telegraphing to the Duke of Aosta Mussolini said: “All our soldiers have given superb proof of valour and endurance. The next step in advance will be made after a brief pause.” The Italian News Agency claims thal Italian bomber formations raider Malta this morning.