THE NEW ZEALANDERS’ ADVANCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 November 1941, Page 6

THE NEW ZEALANDERS’ ADVANCE

Slowed But Not Stopped by Opposition 'NUMBER OF ENEMY POCKETS MOPPED UP DESTRUCTION OF GERMAN TANKS PROCEEDS (By Telegraph. —Press Association. —Copyright.) (Received This Day, Noon.) LONDON, November 26. A military spokesman in Cairo said, the New Zealanders advance to Sidi Rezegh was slowed down as a result of their finding a number of enemy pockets, consisting of lorry-borne infantry, which they mopped up. As a result of fierce counteiattacks, the Germans today are not so closely encircled as they were four or five days ago, but this is of little importance. The present position offers equally as good an opportunity as previously to destroy the German armoured forces. . British reinforcements include tanks and infantry. The Germans are desperately trying to bring up reinforcements. Mainly as a result of their speed, the American tanks suffered the lowest proportion of knockout casualties. ‘ ‘ Destroy enemy tanks ’ ’ was the order given to everybody in the field, and all are now following it. The battle will be won by pursuing this objective, but there is hard fighting ahead. It is authoritatively stated in London that naval forces have sunk seven enemy supply ships or troop-carriers since the battle in Libya began. The Dominion navies have contributed ships to the escorts which have safely shepherded British supplies for the campaign. Their supplies placed a tremendous strain on British naval resources and involved long hauls round the Cape from places as far off as New Zealand and Australia. A German communique states: “Counter-attacks in North Africa are bringing further successes. Our positions on the Solium front are being held. Despite enemy attacks, we frustrated fresh attempts to break out of Tobruk.’’