BATTLE OF EGYPT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 June 1942, Page 4

BATTLE OF EGYPT

WITHDRAWAL FROM MERSA MATRUH NO FIGHTING IN THE TOWN. AXIS ATTACK ON COASTAL PLAIN. LONDON, June 29. The British troops left Mersa Matruh before the enemy entered it. There was no fighting in the town. It is stated that it was not a case of the loss of a fortress, nor was there any defined line. The enemy suffered heavy casualties in the battle. The Axis forces have now reached a point 1,100 or 1,200 miles from their main base in Tripoli. They will now have to attack a coastal plain, barely 50 miles wide. In this plain the British and Allied forces are concentrated with armour and guns.

BRITISH REPORT AND SWEEPING ENEMY CLAIMS. VERY DIFFERENT STORIES TOLD. (Received This Day, 1.20 p.m.) LONDON, June 29. It is reliably stated in Cairo this evening that the British abandoned Mersa Matruh. A special German communique from Hitler’s headquarters stated that the Germans and Italians, in face of tough enemy resistance, stormed and captured the strong Mersa Matruh fortress, took prisoner 6,000 British troops, destroyed 36 tanks and numerous batteries, and captured a large amount of wax' material. The ordinary German communique, referring to Egypt, says: “We again defeated the British southwards of Mersa Matruh and drove them further eastwards. The British lost heavily in tanks. The German and Italian air forces effectively attacked British defence positions and bombed retreating columns.”

OPPOSITION DEMAND IN SOUTH AFRICAN UNION. DEBATE WANTED ON NORTH AFRICA. (Received This Day, 12.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 29. In Cape Town Dx - Malan has issued a statement, demanding a special session of Parliament, to discuss events in North Africa. BY-PASSED ’BY ENEMY TOWN OF MERSA MATRUH. ACCORDING TO BRITISH CORRESPONDENT. (Received This Day, 12.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 29. The British United Press correspondent with the Eighth Army confirms that on Saturday night the enemy reached the coast road at Garawla, east of Mersa Matruh, thus cutting off the town. The by-passing of Mersa Matruh was accomplished by the Fifteenth Panzex - Division and the Ninetieth Light Infantry Division, while Italians kept guard west of Mersa Matruh.