BUNA WITHDRAWAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 September 1940, Page 6

BUNA WITHDRAWAL

KENYA POST ABANDONED

TO ITALIANS

BECAUSE OF DEFICIENT WATER SUPPLY. WELLS INADEQUATE FOR LARGE FORCE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.5 p.m.) LONDON. September 3. It is authoritatively stated that tvhen the Italians prepared to advance in force against Buna (in Kenya, south of Moyale), a change in British tactics became necessary. The water supply was only sufficient for a small force and the small garrison confronting the numerically superior enemy could only hold a small perimeter, centred on the wells, and commanded by hills too far away to be included in the perimeter. There is no water in dry weather along the 82 miles of road separating Buna from Wajir, while the road is impassable in wet weather. The garrison therefore risked isolation from its supports. Its main disadvantage was that it could be very easily outflanked. In view of the inherent weakness of the position, the advance guard was withdrawn on August 20, leaving only a small force and a more favourable position was taken up.

FIRE IN ASSAB

BURNING AFTER THREE DAYS. AIR OPERATIONS IN BUNA AREA & ELSEWHERE. (Received This Day, 1.5 p.m.) CAIRO, September 3. A R.A.F. communique states: “Our bombers yesterday again attacked jetties and warehouses at Assab (Eritrea). A fire started on September 1 is still burning fiercely. “The South African Air Force attacked enemy troops and transport in the Buna area. Planes of a Rhodesian squadron extensively reconnoitred other areas.

“A formation of enemy bombers, escorted by fighters.' attempted to raid Malta. No damage was done.”