AXIS ATTACK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 January 1942, Page 3

AXIS ATTACK

POSITION IN CVRENAICA STILL FLUID BRITISH FORCES SEPARATED. ENEMY REMAIN IN MSUS . REGION. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.53 a.m.)' RUGBY, January 28. It is now possible to give a fuller account of the Axis attack in Libya. Axis forces concentrated in the Agheila area advanced along the main road to Jedabaya and the British advanced light forces, east of Agheila, which is mostly in the desert south-east of the road, were thus caught at a disadvan J tage and forced to withdraw. The forces became separated and a series of local engagements ensued over a very wide area. While these isolated engagements continue it is difficult to obtain a clear general picture of the situation, which is still fluid. It is thought that some concentration of the British forces is now proceeding and evidently a certain measure of stabilisation and concentration will be necessary before any counter-measures can be put into operation. It remains to be seen whether the Axis forces intend or are able to advance further from the Msus region, where the head of their advance apparently has been for a day or two. ADVANCE CHECKED RESULT OF R.A.F. STRAFING. LONDON, January 27. It is authoritatively stated in Cairo that the R.A.F.’s strafing, in which the R.A.A.F. also participated, has checked General Rommel’s advance. The “Daily Express” Cairo correspondent reported that pilots with guns blazing roared down to 50 feet over ' moving enemy columns, leaving a train of destruction. Troops dashing to safety were shot down as they ran. The “Daily Mail’s” Cairo correspondent says it is hoped that initiative will again be in our hands in a day or two. Berlin radio announced that German and Italian troops in Cyrenaica were “pursuing the retreating enemy and mopping up small bands of stragglers.”