ATTACK ON GAZALA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 December 1941, Page 5

ATTACK ON GAZALA

IMPORTANT ENEMY SUPPLY

CENTRE

STRONG DEFENSIVE POSITION. BRITISH ADVANCE SPEEDING UP. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, December 14. According to military circles in Cairo the rapid and vigorous British advance sweeping around Gazala will probably cut off a fair proportion of two Italian infantry divisions. These divisions hitherto covered the north-western corner of the Tobruk perimeter. They withdrew under pressure of the Poles from Tobruk and the British forces sweeping in from the south. Gazala, an important supply centre, is now endangered if not already in our hands. The N.Z.E.F. Official News Service reported from Cairo yesterday that New Zealand forces are again in action as the British advance in Cyrenaica speeds up. Enemy forces in strong defensive positions at Gazala are completely encircled by the New Zealanders, who are attacking. Gazala is a strong point of the enemy, defended with anti-tank guns, tank traps and all the elements designed for stout defence. The New Zealanders, now accustomed to frequent climatic changes, are enjoying fine weather for this latest operation. The N.Z.E.F. Official News Service reported from Cairo on Friday that New Zealand forces operating in the Tobruk region were pushing westward to Gazala and were making steady and determined progress against the withdrawing enemy forces. The s fighting was of the long-range, mobile 'type. The main New Zealand forces are not engaged in this vigorous northwest push, but New Zealanders are an important element in the spearhead of the thrust.