TO HIS FORCES IN EGYPT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 July 1942, Page 3

TO HIS FORCES IN EGYPT

“No Troops Could Have Fought Better” CALL ON EIGHTH ARMY FOR SUPREME EFFORT BATTLE OPENED ON ALAMEIN LINE LONDON, July 1. Agency messages from Cairo state that a big battle in Egypt began early this morning at El Alamein, 70 miles from Alexaandria. There is no definite news of the progress of the fighting, but there is no doubt that the main armoured forces are engaged west of El Alamein. Heavy fighting is going on all the way down to the escarpment. A Cairo communique, referring to yesterday’s operations, i stated that the enemy had approached certain of the British positions. The Allied air forces were attacking the enemy’s communications in the rear of the battle area. In an order of the day, General Auchinleck states: M You men have fought hard and constantly for over a month. No troops could have fought better, have had heavy losses and in spite of your efforts you have experienced the disappointment of giving ground to the enemy, owing to his superiority in armoured troops. The enemy ha>s had serious losses, too, and is a long way from his supply base. I call on the Eighth Army for a supreme effort. We are fighting the battle for Egypt, a battle in which the enemy must be destroyed.”