ENEMY EFFORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 March 1943, Page 4

ENEMY EFFORT

IN NORTHERN TUNISIA TO DISLODGE FIRST ARMY. BEFORE ATTACK IN SOUTH DEVELOPS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 12.20 p.m.) RUGBY, March 4. Reports from Tunisia indicate that the Germans are attempting to drive the British from their positions in the north before the Eighth Army attacks. The British threat to the Mejez el Bab pivot is* not (past, and further enemy efforts to dislodge the First Army and also to prevent the despatch of more troops to support the Allied counterthrust in Central Tunisia, may be expected. A good deal of ground nas been regained all along the “front between Sbeitla and the salt lakes, and the Allies’ impetus has not yet been exhausted. DETAILS OF FIGHTING SIGNS OF FAILING AXIS MORALE. (Received This Day, 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 4. German attacks in the Sedjenane sector in Tunisia forced Allied forces to withdraw on a line of 4 miles. Reuter’s correspondent in North Africa says Axis infantry attacked with considerable strength from the north-east towards Sedjenane and took severe punishment. Confused fighting is still going on in the vicinity of the railway station at this tiny village, with the British battling to again throw back the Italians and Germans. The British counter-attacked all '‘day yesterday in the region north-east of Beja and fighting is continuing as the British force their way northwards towards the Mateur-Eeja Road. American patrols, pushing southwards and eastwards in pursuit of the Germans falling back from Feriana have at last made contact with them at a point three miles below Raid, while Italian patrols were met and dispersed near Moulares, about 30 miles west of Gafsa. The Exchange Telegraph Agency’s Algiers correspondent says the recent fighting in Tunisia has plainly shown that the edge has been taken off the German morale, as signs of discourage, ment can be observed, probably due to heavy losses and disappointment over the withdrawal after an advance well into Allied territory.