EGYPT INVADED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1942, Page 4

EGYPT INVADED

BRITISH MAIN FORCES ON LINE OF MERSA MATRUH Defence of Frontier Never Contemplated FRONTAL ASSAULT BY ENEMY AWAITED MOBILE UNITS AND AIRCRAFT INFLICTING HEAVY LOSSES ON INVADERS LONDON, June 25. Strong enemy forces are more than (50 miles across the Libyan frontier into Egypt. Our own forces are further east, in a line running south from Mersa Matruh. Both sides, in a temperature of over 100 degrees, are preparing for the next major battle. The Mersa Matruh line is a naturally strong one, with the Mediterranean on the north and marshy ground 40 miles to the south. Both flanks of the British forces are protected and this will compel the enemy to make a frontal assault. Enormous and rapid troop movements preceded the takingup of the present positions. There was no intention of holding the Libyan frontier. Our troops fell back to a point where the strongest defence could bo put up. Our armoured and mobile forces in the south have inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, while aircraft are making low-level attacks every mile of the way. The heaviest air raid yet recorded has been made on Benghazi. Over Malta last night four enemy bombers were shot down, one by gunfire and the others by fighters. One pilot bagged two planes.