AXIS ATTACK IN EGYPT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 September 1942, Page 3

AXIS ATTACK IN EGYPT

SCALE OF OPERATIONS NOT YET DEFINED Coaeeutrated Air Onslaught on German Transport NUMBER OF ENEMY PLANES DESTROYED MEDIUM-SIZED TANKER TORPEDOED IN MEDITERRANEAN LONDON, September L Reports from Egypt indicate that fighting continued today. Correspondents report heavy fighting at the south end ci the El Alamein front, where strong Axis columns moved forward to the attack early yesterday morning. Full details of the situation are not yet available and it is not clear whether the Axis attack is the long-expected offensive or a reconnaissance by strong forces to test the British defences. The Axis has maintained an almost unbroKen silence about the flare-up. Correspondents state that the main attack came when enemy tanks reached the minefield and crept round the foothills. They were quickly engaged by light British forces which had prepared for the attack. Dust storms restricted air operations but later bombers reopened their attacks on enemy transport and all through last night the R.A.F. was in action against enemy concentrations. Fighters destroyed at least seven enemy aircraft and smashed others on the ground. A clash occurred between British and enemy tanks when the Axis forces attacked on the central front. The attack was repulsed and the Allied line is firmly held. The situation is described, as being fully under control. There has been no renewal of the attack in the central sector. Torpedo-carrying aircraft sank a medium-sized Axis tanker in the Mediterranean and raked an escorting vessel with gunfire. An Italian fighter was destroyed without loss to the British planes.