PUSHING ON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 November 1941, Page 6

PUSHING ON

OPPOSITION BRUSHED ASIDE NEW ZEALAND PROGRESS WESTWARD. GENERAL FREYBERG’S POLICY. (From the Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) (Received This Day, 11.20 a.m.) CAIRO, November 26. While part of the New Zealand Division is engaged in mopping-up and consolidating in the Bardia and Gambut vicinities, New Zealand forces have made steady progress westwards and have now joined with the South African and British troops in the Sidi Rezegh area, where the main battle is still being fought. The New Zealand forces met with considerable opposition, but with effective air and tank support they continue to advance. The tank support accorded the New Zealanders is described as substantial. Major-General Freyberg has maintained, the policy of pushing on and brushing aside opposition. This makes for a rapid advance, but cleaning up is necessary. The New Zealand forces have had continuous fighting since their advance into Libya began.

Asked what was the extent of. the opposition encountered, a military spokesman in Cairo said: “Not what the New Zealanders would consider very much.” Describing the battle, the spokesman said the greatest degree of confidence prevailed. He said further that Major-General Freyberg was achieving his main object, which was the destruction of the enemy forces.