BRITISH EIGHTH ARMY’S ADVANCE INTO TUNISIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 February 1943, Page 3

BRITISH EIGHTH ARMY’S ADVANCE INTO TUNISIA

Now Sixty Miles Beyond Border APPROACHING MARETH LINE POSITION QUIETER ON AMERICAN FRONT ' / LONDON, February 18. The British Eighth Army has driven over 60 miles into Southern Tunisia in two parallel thrusts and is now squaringup to the Mareth Line proper. At one point they have reached Medenine and at another point Foum Tatahouine, 30 miles furi ther inland. With these places firmly in its hands—and it is believed the enemy is now retreating from them—the Eighth Army will hold two key points from which any frontal assault of the Mareth Line can be made. The fighting between the American and Axis forces in Central Tunisia quietened down yesterday, following the American withdrawal to take up positions on the hills beyond Sbeitla, Kasserin and Feriana, places which the Germans occupied yesterday. Allied light bombers attacked targets over the battle area, especially when they found a five-mile stretch of road packed with enemy transport. At least 35 lorries were destroyed. " Heavy Allied bombers flew across the Mediterranean and pounded key enemy airfields in Sicily. Correspondents now reveal that the German attack in Central Tunisia on Sunday was made with terrific impetus. Two armoured divisions were used in the face of much lighter American forces, which had only been in the area about a fortnight. All the same, the Americans gave such an account of themselves that the enemy advance cost them heavy casualties. The fact that the American losses in men and equipment were substantial was stated by Mr H. L. Stimson, U.S.A., Secretary of War. Many enemy tanks had been destroyed by German dive-bombers. He described the battle as a serious local set-back, which should not be minimised but still less should not be exaggerated.