STEADY PROGRESS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 November 1941, Page 5

STEADY PROGRESS

NEW ZEALAND CAPTURE OF GAMBUT _' HARD FIGHTING IN MAIN BATTLE. UTMOST RESOLUTION ON BOTH SIDES. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.40 a.m.) RUGBY, November 24. Steady progress by the New Zealand forces, culminating in the capture of Gambut, is particularly reported in a Middle East communique, issued at Cairo today, which states: “The main battle between the British and German forces has continued in the area about Sidi Rezegh. This battle, which is being fought with the utmost resolution by both sides, has been in progress, without cessation, for over 48 hours. Meanwhile the New Zealand forces, which captured Sidi Aziez and Capuzzo, have continued their move westwards and have captured Gambut, an important enemy supply centre half-way between Tobruk and Bardia. “In the Sidi Omar area, Indian troops continue their .operations in rear of enemy defensive positions, which at present are cut off from the west. The British forces from Tobruk are consolidating the ground they have taken. They report the capture, among other material, of a number of enemy field guns. “In connection with the tank battle, our Air Forces continued their successful bombing and machine-gunning attacks on enemy armoured forces and mechanical transport connections in the battle area.” A FINE WEAPON THE AMERICAN TANK. GENERAL AUCHINLECK’S VERDICT. ’ LONDON: November 24. The American .supply envoy, Mr Averell Harriman, broadcasting from the Middle East, said: “When the first American tanks were unloaded I inspected them with General Auchinleck. An American sergeant drove the general in a tank to demonstrate it, and General Auchinleck on his return said, ‘lt is a fine weapon, manoeuvrable and sturdy. How many can you send?’ “Many have arrived in the intervening months. Your pilots also have confidence in the Marylands and Tomahawks.

“The hearts' of all Americans are with your troops in the desert fighting. We hope and pray that our tanks and planes are serving them well, allowing us to claim a share in the critical battle.

“The American air officers instructing the Russian pilots told me they adapted themselves quickly to the American planes.”