PROGRESS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 November 1942, Page 4

PROGRESS

HRT WHOLE OCCUPATION ' AREAS IN AFRICA LITTLE LAND RESISTANCE EXCEPT AT ORAN. SOME NAVAL AND AIR FIGHTING. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.15 a.m.) RUGBY. November 9. Operations in Morocco and Algeria are continuing over the whole area, says a London spokesman at the Alilecl Force Headquarters. It is confirmed that the Americans landed at four places on the Moroccan coast—Safi, Casablanca, Fedala and Mehediya—and also at several places on both sides of Oran and Algiers.

Sufficient forces were landed to overcome all possible opposition, though it was- hoped there would be none. Towns were taken from the rear when necessary. There was some naval and air resistance.

It is understood that some United States forces came direct from the United States and others from Britain. There is no confirmation of enemy reports that Gibraltar has been raided, or that the French fleet has left Toulon. A correspondent at Allied headquarters reported early today that: “Operations proceeded yesterday against virtually no opposition from land forces, but there was fairly heavy opposition at some points, especially in the Western Atlantic, from French naval units'' and shore batteries.

The Americans are sweeping forward rapidly from landing points in the Oran and Algiers areas, and supply ships and transports are swiftly unloading. The first few hours saw the American forces take three vital aerodromes, after smashing heavy resistance from shore batteries at Cape Matifou, defending the Algiers harbour. The Americans are now proceeding inland, at most points without resistance. Landing places on the Algerian coast included Sidi Feruch and Aintaya. A correspondent says heavy resistance, from French naval units and coastal batteries, is continuing along the Atlantic coast. The British fleet, under Admiral Cunningham, which is covering the entire operations, has suffered no losses except those of two small craft which (as reported yesterday) were lost in forcing an entry into Oran Harbour. Most of their personnel "reached the shore. There was some bombing of the convoys at the start by Axis planes, but there was no intense air activity, and no activity by the French Air Force. The only serious land resistance occurred in the Oran area. The success of the op.eration so far, adds the correspondent, is conclusive proof that the Axis Powers were caught completely unawares. General Clark and his staff are moving forward to advanced operational headquarters. The American penetration of the interior continues; and heavy American air reinforcements have arrived in the Algerian area. FIGHTING IN PROGRESS PRINCIPALLY AT ORAN * & CASABLANCA. ALLIED TROOPS SWARMING ASHORE. (Received This Day, 1 p.m.) LONDON. November 9. Fairly stiff fighting is proceeding in a number of places in French North Africa, principally at Casablanca and Oran, but the British and Americans are swarming ashore at almost‘all the desired points. Three columns of American troops, reported to be about a battalion strong, supported by fifteen tanks, have converged on Casablanca from adjacent landing points. Fighting is also going on at several points inside Casablanca. Two American torpedoboats were sunk by gunfire when a number of torpedo-boats attempted to force the harbour. The British and Americans have not attempted a frontal attack on Oran. They landed to the east' and west, cutting the roads and railways and sealing off the port from reinforcements. British and American fighter planes, operating from Gibraltar, from carriers and from seized landing grounds, are patrolling the coast in strength, beating off attempted Axis aerial intervention. Allied fighters broke up a German formation attacking Algiers, which the Allies are rapidly transforming into a base. Two American ships are reported to have been set cn fire. The occupation of Agadir, Mogador and Safi is progressing. The Jean Bart was damaged at Casablanca but her guns are still in action. Two shiploads of women and children, refugees from Dakar, arrived at Casablanca on the eve of the attack, suggesting that the. Allies prevented a leakage of information, for which reason Vichy is most confused about the Allies’ intentions. VICHY REPORTS CLAIMS & SOME ADMISSIONS. (Received This Day, 11.25 p.m.) LONDON, November 9. The Vichy representative in Paris, Count de Brignon, has admitted that the battleship Jean Bart was hit during a naval engagement. Vichy sources claim that Vichy troops have pushed back the Americans at El Mehedia and also are holding off American forces at Port Lyautey. Losses were severe at both these places. Control has been re-es-tablished over the road and railway between Rabat and Port Lyautey. A fresh French battalion has landed at Fort Lyautey and reinforcements are on their way to Sidi Fedhala. Describing the surrender of Algiers, , the Vichy radio said several destroy■>ers lay off Algiers while large war’<ships appeared on the horizon. The ■-Union Jack was hoisted over the Quayside, but the Tricolour remains -over the Admiralty. and also over the Government buildings. Large crowds witnessed the arrival of the AngloAmerican forces. The British and American military chiefs are now holding conferences in Algiers. According to the Oslo radio General Weygand is en route to North Africa, to take over the military command. The Vichy radio stated that troops in East Algeria and also in Tunisia are now under the command of General Barre. Troops west of Algeria and also in Morocco, are under the command of General Juin. who is under the control of General Nogues. An attack against Tunisia is expected, said the radio, adding that Admiral Esteva ;is organising its defences. Berlin radio despatches from Vichy say it is probable that Admiral Darlan and General Juin have been taken pri-. sone_r.