GERMAN ATTACK ON TOBRUK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 April 1941, Page 5

GERMAN ATTACK ON TOBRUK

Heavy Enemy Losses in Men and Material INCLUDING AIRCRAFT AND TANKS SITUATION IN LIBYA REGARDED AS STABILISED The German attack made on Monday on Tobruk was hurled back with the loss of 22 enemy aircraft and 15 tanks, states the 8.8. C. A hundred Germans were killed and 200 were taken prisoner.' Our losses were eight tanks. Communiques issued from Cairo state that enemy aircraft shot down over Tobruk included 19 Junkers 87’s, one Heinkel 26 and two German 50 fighters. Land forces inflicted losses on the enemy during patrol and artillery actions in the Solium area. Well-informed quarters in Cairo state that the situation in Libya has become stabilised. Strong British forces have taken up positions ready to give battle in a strategic area chosen by the High Command. Reports have come to hand of the exhausted state of German prisoners recently captured. Some had been without food or water for two days and could no longer carry out their instructions tc push on as far as possible. Widespread air activity by British planes is reported in North Africa. In Cyrenaica successful attacks were made on enemy troop concentrations, motor transport and aerodromes. Near Bardia, Australian fighters shot down two Messerschmitt 110 ’s and destroyed a Junkers 52 on the ground. The total number of enemy aircraft destroyed in North Africa was 25. Three British fighters and one bomber are missing, Tripoli was again heavily raided on Monday night. Bombs were seen to straddle shipping in the harbour. One ship was set on fire and others were damaged. In Abyssinia, the 8.8. C. states, the pursuit of the remnants of the Italian army continues. British troops are now more than 100 miles from Addis Ababa to the south-west. The South African Air Force continues to harass the enemy and has shot down two more enemy aircraft. South Africa yesterday began a big drive for more troops. It is stated that South African military forces are now likely to have the opportunity of serving in Africa in other areas than East Africa and Abyssinia.