SEVERE LOSSES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 April 1941, Page 5

SEVERE LOSSES

SUSTAINED BY ENEMY FORCES ha Attack on Tobruk TOLL TAKEN OF TANKS AND PERSONNEL. DEVASTATING R.A.F. RAID ON TRIPOLI The Biitish force at Tobiuk has repulsed a German tank and. infantry attack, the B 8.0. reports. A War Office communique states that yesterday morning enemy infantry, supported by tank;', launched an attack on Tobruk. At one point about 20 tanks crossed the outer defences. An immediate counter. ,attack was launched by British tanks, as a result of which ths enemy were ejected, after very severe losses had been inflicted both in tanks and personnel. The situation was completely restored. British fences arc in contact with and inflicted considerable casualties cm advance enemy detachments in the vicinity of I'Zclhim. An R.x'k.F. Middle Hast communique reports that on Sunday night. bombers raided the harbour at Tripoli. Bombs straddled tbo Customs house, power station and shipping-. One large vessel was seen to bo burning fiercely. In Cyrenaica bombers and fighters dispersed enemy convoys in various areas. A successful attack was made on a motor transport convoy on a road near Solium. ITALIAN ROUT IN ABYSSINIA In Abyssinia, the 8.8. C. states, the pursuit of the defeated and disorderly ensmy forces continues. Many prisoners are still coming in. British and South African aircraft continue to harass the fleeing Italian forces. Smith African plans destroyed eight enemy planes at one place and at another four more on the ground and continue to pound the retreating- Italian army west of Addis. Abahk. The retreat of this Italian force of about 5,000 is also hampered by the first Abyssinian rains. Tt is thought that there were many casualties.