HARD BLOW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 November 1941, Page 6

HARD BLOW

STRUCK AT THE ENEMY IN LIBYA The New Zealand Capture of Gambut FURTHER RAPID PROGRESS MADE TOWARDS JUNCTION WITH TOBRUK FORCE (From the Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) (Received This Day, 11.55 a.in.) CAIRO, November 24.. . . With the capture of Gambut, the New Zealand Division has struck hard at the enemy as the Eighth Army conl ™ues ’its drive into Libya, Gambut was the enemy s chief supply dump in the-area and the enemy troops m the Haliaya ana Sidi Omar zones are now virtually cut off from supplies. The water pipe from Bardia has also been cut, and with th. Indians attacking from the east and the New Zealanders to the west, in the rear of the enemy m the Halfaya area are putting up a great fight. It is described as a most extraordinary action” by military circles. Details of the fight ng; a few, as communication is possible only by piano. 1 , . ’ however, that a considerable amount of nand-to-hand fighting probably has taken place, as both sides lose tanks m the “gigantic dogfight” and infantry are brought into act J, on ’ The New Zealanders now control all the roads from Gambui. It is thought that the objective of the New Zealanders is to join with the force from Tobruk. It is emphasised that the enemy is not endeavouring to extricate his forces at, P iBSBn ’ but is fighting with determination to find out which side is superior, but the New Zealanders are moving rapidly, undei improved weather conditions.