STIR OF FIGHTING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 January 1943, Page 4

STIR OF FIGHTING

IN SOUTHERN TUNISIA FRENCH ADVANCE FROM CHAD. CONQUEST OF FEZZAN. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.40 a.m.) RUGBY, January 12. An Allied North African communique states: “Active patrolling by both sides continues in the area between Bouarada and Goumbellat. . Spitfires, on sweeps over forward areas, destroyed an enemy fighter. A P 38 aircraft shot down three Axis transport planes on, the Tunisian coast. A small force of B 17 aircraft attacked targets near Gabes. An escorting P 38 destroyed an enemy plane. Two of our aircraft are missing from these operations.” Announcing that a force operating from Chad had occupied Murzuk, General Leclerc’s headquarters stated: “The conquest of Fezzan has now been achieved. Troops under the command of Colonel Ingold occupied Murzuk, the capital of Fezzan' ana Nebha, a main military base. In both cases almost the entire garrison was taken prisoner. Further north, our advanced elements have made considerable progress. , They met and engaged an enemy motorised force. After a lively battle the enemy withdrew, leaving on our hands an armoured car and much booty.”