SIX POINT THRUST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 March 1943, Page 4

SIX POINT THRUST

AXIS IN TUNISIA ALL EFFORTS FAIL. MANY ENEMY TANKS DESTROYED (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.15 p.m.) LONDON, February 28. Correspondents detailing the most serious attacks in the Axis six-point thrust in Tunisia say that the enemy jabbed along a seventy-mile front from Cap to Djebel Mansour. The Germans attacking in the Beja Mateur Valley made progress at the start but the new Churchill tanks eventually engaged them and destroyed seven enemy tanks. A German attack near Medjez Elbab was brought to a standstill while further south near Goubellat a group of German tanks reached Medjez ElbabAroussa Road but withdrew when they failed to overcome the Allied strong points. German attacks against Bouarada and Djebel Mansour were both dangerous but all the onslaughts failed. General Von Arnim’s blows were aimed agaihst Allied positions which might serve as springboards for a large-scale offensive. The Axis forces encountered tough First Army units, mostly British, who held their ground and hit back strongly. Italians attacked in the Capseratt sector but were beaten back by General Giraud’s men. Reuter’s Algiers correspondent says the total Axis troops taken prisoners since Friday reached 850 and it is known that at least fourteen of the fifty tanks which Von Arnim used Were knocked out, which- are considered heavy losses in proportion to the strength used.