BOLD EFFORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 December 1942, Page 3

BOLD EFFORT

BY ALLIED COMMANDO UNIT ENEMY LINES PENETRATED. TO WITHIN FOUR MILES OF BIZERTA. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, December 21. Unofficial reports from Tunisia suggest that Allied forward troops are thrusting deep into positions beyond Mejez el Bab in preparation for the expected battle. Morocco radio reports activity on the southern sector in Uftnisia, held by the French. Numer- * ( ous patrols are closely contacting the ' enemy. The “Daily Telegraph’s” special correspondent from commando headquarters in North Africa reports a successful raid by a commando unit which for three days disorganised Axis supply lines in Tunisia, penetrating within four miles of Bizerta. A young colonel who planned and commanded the raid described it as a “textbook classic.” Half the unit was drawn from United States task troops. The unit secured temporary mastery of 125 square miles of enemy-held territory. The mission began at dusk when they embarked at a small port and arrived at their destination. In a heavy swell the men jumped overboard into deep water and each required three “Mae Wests’ ’to keep buoyant. The unit split up into parties, acting independently, and occupied two _ road junctions north of Mateur, in spite of heavy opposition at one. There they remained, blocking one of the enemy’s main supply lines, till dislodged by a strong German force. The commandos performed other exploits and their operations extended over five days. The Madrid correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says that lease-lend arms and equipment for a French African army of at least 300,000 are en route to North Africa from the United States. The first shiploads have already arrived. General Giraud and his staff have prepared plans which General Eisenhower has approved. The army is being drawn from French, Algerian, Moroccan, and Senegalese regiments, and also the Foreign Legion.