NIGHT ATTACK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 July 1942, Page 3

NIGHT ATTACK

ON NEW ZEALAND TROOPS GUNS TAKE HEAVY TOLL OF ENEMY. WAR OF MOVEMENT IN DESERT. (Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) WESTERN DESERT, July 11. A resolute approach through heavy artillery fire was made early last night on the New Zealand positions by part of battalions of the German 90th Light Division, which is constituted on lines similar to the New Zealand Division. Shells burst among truck loads of infantry as they came within range of our guns, but the approach was carried out regardless of what must have been a heavy cost. At the same time enemy artillery sought out our gun positions and a brisk exchange followed. The infantry halted at about 2000 yards, but was not engaged by our troops, who during the night moved a short distance to more favourable positions. Swift and frequent moves to meet the constantly changing situation have been made by the New Zealanders. These moves are always something of an ordeal with the ever-present menace of air attacks during day time and the eerie feeling of the enemy’s proximity at night. More often than not planes sighted are our own, but with the sound of every distant drone thoughts leap to the security of the slit trench now left far behind. .M.ore practised ears might detect a friendly one, but to most no plane is deemed friendly till it has passed without dropping anything. Relief is not complete when the destination is reached till a slit trench is dug. Flares that at another time would be appreciated as things of beauty at night cause apprehension, usually quite unwarranted. Our patrols maintain a close watch on I the enemy’s activities, ensuring safe passage for convoys.