GAINED IN THE AFRICAN CAMPAIGNS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 February 1941, Page 5

GAINED IN THE AFRICAN CAMPAIGNS

Important Italian Posts Captured in Somaliland HARD FIGHTING IN THE KEREN AREA MANY AIR AND LAND ATTACKS Brilliant new successes by British forces in Italian Somaliland. are reported by the 8.8. C. A communique from Nairobi states that two important Italian posts have been captured. One of these is Afmadu, 80 miles from the Kenya border, and the other is on the Juba. River. On Tuesday, South African forces attacked Almadu. After a heavy raid by the South African Ail - Force on Monday, a large proportion of the Italian garrison fled and the operaton was carried out without loss to the British forces. Five armoured cars were captured. On Thursday evening the other position, on the Juba River, resisted strongly, but the operation was completed successfully. Much material and four armoured, cars were captured. A communique issued by General Headquarters in Cairo states that operations for the reduction of Keren, in Eritrea, are proceeding, the British troops continuing their penetration of difficult country. In Abyssinia, co-operation continues with the patriot forces, which are steadily extending their spheres of control. The Emperor Haile Selassie has just concluded a triumphant tour at the head of his army. In other areas there is no change in the situation. It is stated in London that hard fighting is going on at Keren, which stands sixty miles north-west of Asmara. British planes bombed the railway station and also enemy troops, A message from Bombay reports the arrival of another batch of Italian prisoners—2oo officers and 3000 men. There are now 15,000 Italian prisoners in India. A R.A.F. Middle East communique reports that on Wednesday night, for the third night in succession, heavy bombers of the R.A.F. carried out an attack on a harbour in the island of Rhodes. Several fires were started and were still burningwhen the aircraft loft. ° It is now reported that a further 14 unserviceable enemy aircraft were found at Benina, the airport of Benghazi, making 100 in all, and 40 at Berka. During the last few days Benina has been raided by enemy aircraft, but very little damage has been done. Benghazi was also raided by aircraft believed to be German and some damage was done to civil buildings.