REACHED IN ARMOURED BATTLE IN WESTERN DESERT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 June 1942, Page 3

REACHED IN ARMOURED BATTLE IN WESTERN DESERT

Both Sides Under Terrific Strain ENEMY BLASTED IN GAPS CUT THROUGH MINEFIELDS ROYAL AIR FORCE PLAYING GREAT PART LONDON, May 31. The great tank battle in Libya is at its climax after five days of ferocious fighting. Correspondents express the opinion that neither side can be expected to undergo the terrible continuing strain and loss of sleep for more than another 48 hours. Authorities in London are of opinion that the battle has not gone according to the Nazi plans. Captured documents show that the Germans planned to deliver the critical blow within four days, but British tanks and 25 pounders smashed the enemy timetable. . The Germans have made desperate efforts to shorten their communications by cutting through the British minefields separating their panzer divisions and supply depots. Two small gaps in the minefields were made by the enemy, but these are being pounded continuously by British guns and aircraft. The value of the support given by the R.A.F. cannot be over-estimated. An increasing air attack has been kept up on enemy supply columns and over 200 enemy vehicles were destroyed yesterday. British pilots are making deadly use of Kittyhawks filled with bomb-racks. These planes dive at a speed far exceeding that of the enemy dive-bombers to release their bombs and then resume duty as fighters. A Cairo statement says the situation is not unfavourable to the British forces.