RETREAT CUT OFF

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 January 1941, Page 5

RETREAT CUT OFF

ENEMY NAVAL BASE ALREADY UNDER FIRE / Harbour One of Best on Whole Coast STRENGTH OF GARRISON NOT KNOWN NO HOPE OF REINFORCEMENT THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE WESTERN DESERT. A 8.8. C. BROADCAST STATES, SHOWS THAT GENERAL WAVELL'S FORCES, ADVANCING ALONG THE LIBYAN COAST, HAVE ALREADY GOT BEYOND TOBRUK AND HAVE CUT THE COASTAL ROAD WEST OF THAT PLACE. THE TOWN IS UNDER FIRE FROM THE ARTILLERY OF THE ADVANCED BRITISH UNITS AND THIS. IT IS EXPECTED, WILL MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE MASS OF ITALIANS IN TOBRUK TO RETREAT OR TO BE REINFORCED. THE STRENGTH OF THE ITALIAN GARRISON IS NOT KNOWN. It is also announced that the capture of Bardia was effected at a cost of less than 600 casualties to the British and Australian forces engaged. A communique issued from British General Headquarters in Cairo states that the concentration of British forces in the Tobruk area is continuing. Active patrolling is reported in the Sudan and on the borders of Kenya. There is every indication that General Wavell’s army is preparing to repeat at Tobruk the tactics that succeeded in the case of Bardia. Although there is no information as to the strength of the troops shut up in Tobruk, the capture of the place would present Britain with one of the best harbours on the whole coast. The harbour can be used all the year round ' and has deep water to accommodate large warships. One of the three Black Shirt commanders who deserted their men in Bardia has been picked up, with his staff, wandering in the Western Desert, A search for the others is proceeding. It is thought that they may have escaped in a motor-boat specially provided for the purpose. An Italian High Command communique admitted yesterday that there was patrol and artillery activity between Bardia and Tobruk and that British air raids have been made at numerous points in Eastern Libya and on Tripoli.