LULL BEFORE STORM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 March 1943, Page 4

LULL BEFORE STORM

CONDITIONS ON MARETH LINE EIGHTH ARMY MASSING. ALLIED PLANES MASTERS OF TUNISIAN SKIES. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright),. (Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, March 16. Reports from Algiers still say that dll is quiet on the Mareth Line; but this quietness, According to the British United Press, ap- ' pears to be the lull before the storm. A German spokesman stated that General Montgomery is regrouping his forces before the Maretli Line. The Algiers radio decided that British and American planes are now masters of the Tunisian skies. More planes are arriving arid are building up air strength ?.t remarkable speed, but are holding back their hardest blows for the day when the Allies show their strength. The radio reported that French troops advancing towards Gafsa continue to consolidate their positions. A Reuter correspondent says that after a few days’ lull, the First Army reoccupied a wooded ridge foul 1 miles eastward of Tamara. Allied troops found the enemy had withdrawn from the ridge. It is thought that recent British activity made it too uncomfortable for the Germans, who have gone back to high ground protecting the Sed Jenane Road. The First Army is now pushing on towards Sed Jenane. TANKS & GUNS MOVING tTP IN READINESS FOR ATTACK. itoore tanks and guns are moving up for the Eighth Army, in readiness for. the coming offensive, a correspondent states. Mass formations of light bombers are attacking enemy formations just behind the Mareth Line.