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MECHANISED UNITS

v IN TOUCH WITH OUTER DEFENCES OF TOBRUK Enemy Aerodrome Occupied CAPTURE OF FORTY DISABLED PLANES HEAVY R.A.F. RAID ON TOWN & NAVAL BASE The latest reports from the Western Desert, a 8.8. C. broadcast states, tell of the capture of the aerodrome of Tobruk. In occupying the aerodrome the British forces found forty enemy aircraft which are described as unserviceable from the effects of R.A.F. bombing.

Tobruk has again been heavily raided, the bombs falling on the foreshore and military targets of the town, but full details of the damage could not be observed. Derna and another enemy aerodrome were also raided successfully. In the Tobruk region British planes shot down a Caproni 42 and another enemy fighter was probably destroyed.

British mechanised forces are already in touch with the outer defences of Tobruk and it is clear that General Wavell is losing no time in following up the victories already gained, though the official report says only that operations are proceeding’ satisfactorily.

Since their offensive was launched on December 9, the Imperial and Allied forces have put Italian forces totalling 94,000 men out of action. Of these 70,000 are prisoners. The enemy forces thus disposed of consisted of three Italian regular divisions, totalling 39,000 men, two Black Shirt divisions (24,000 men), one fully mechanised division of 7,000 men, two Libyan divisions (14,000 men) and roughly 10,000 supply and other troops. These bring the total to 94,000 men and it is assumed that those not taken prisoner are either casualties or men who have been able to escape. A considerable majority of the prisoners taken are Italians and not native Libyans. Much of the vast quantity of material captured in both the Sidi Barrani and Bardia areas is already being used against the Italian forces, but a great deal of it is still being examined and counted.

A naval spokesman in London yesterday said that one of the most remarkable features of the Mediterranean Fleet bombardment of Bardia was the failure of the Italian Navy to intervene. It had an opportunity to do so and if it had used the opportunity the British ships would have had to discontinue the bombardment in order to defend themselves. But for the attack of a few raiding planes, however, the Italians made no move. Italian prisoners commented on the absence of air and naval assistance and admitted that they were disconcerted by the lack of support from their air force. Italian pilots who were captured said there was plenty of petrol, but they had no orders to go up. The Italian Cabinet, meeting yesterday, while the Italian people were being told for the first time of the fall of Bardia. found it necessary to reaffirm Italian loyalty to the Axis. The fall of B*rdia was revealed in a High Command communique two days after the event.

It is also made known that Italy had a deficit! last year of £350.000.000. three-quarters of which was due to war costs.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAITA19410108.2.37.1

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 January 1941, Page 5

Word count
Tapeke kupu
497

MECHANISED UNITS Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 January 1941, Page 5

MECHANISED UNITS Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 January 1941, Page 5

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