FIERCE CONFLICT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 May 1941, Page 5

FIERCE CONFLICT

IN PROGRESS AT TOBRUK Enemy Pressing Violent Onslaught IN EFFORT TO REMOVE THREAT TO REAR SUCCESSFUL COUNTER-ATTACK BY GARRISON LONDON, May 2. The latest news from North Africa shows that fierce fighting continues at Tobruk, against which the Germans launched a violent attack on Wednesday night. A Cairo communique reports that the enemy throughout yesterday were still attacking the outer defences. In one section British troops counter-attacked with such success that the enemy was driven back, losing eleven tanks and suffering many casualties. The enemy is hurling large numbers of tanks into the attack, which is against the west and south-west defences. Large numbers of dive-bombers and fighters are also being used. A Middle East air communique states that three Messerschmitts were shot down in flames by British fighters. The Cairo radio says the Axis forces have probably launched a large-scale attack cn Tobruk, because they cannot advance further into Egypt while Tobruk threatens their rear. In the Solium area British patrols are again active, The R.A.F. continues to bomb enemy objectives in Libya. At Benghazi shipping was attacked and one ship was set on fire. An ammunition dump was blown up.