DESERT VETERANS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 March 1943, Page 3

DESERT VETERANS

OF THE EIGHTH ARMY IN THEIR STRIDE AGAIN ‘“WITHDRAWAL” ADMITTED BY ENEMY. SECOND ROUND HAS BEGUN. I (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) LONDON, March 27. The Eighth Army is in its stride again, according to Reuter’s Algiers correspondent. Lieutenant-General Montgomery’s desert veterans have regained the initiative, driving forward in the face of powerful German counter-blows and have reached Field-Marshal Rommel’s main defences in the Mareth Line. Meanwhile, the desert force which outflanked the Mareth Line from the south is attacking the defences of El Hamma, west of the Mareth Line. The Algiers radio stated that fighting in the Mareth Line was increasing in intensity. The Eighth Army had further improved its positions. Infantry are engaged in violent combats, but the battle is dominated by artillery duels. The Berlin raido says that Axis forward defenders in Mareth have withdrawn to the main line according to plan. Operations against the enemy defences in southern Tunisia continue satisfactorily, but no details of the fighting are being given at the present stage of operations. It is not yet known whether yesterday’s successful attack in which many prisoners ’were taken was in the Mareth area • or on the flank near El Hamma. MANY PRISONERS TAKEN. A North African communique states: “Operations on the Eighth Army front continued yesterday with satisfactory results. In one sector, our forces carried out a successful attack, and Operations are proceeding according to plan in spite of stiff enemy resistance. Many prisoners were taken. “In the Gafsa-Maknassi sectors there was local activity. No major attacks developed. “In the north on the First Army front, oui’ patrols were active, making reconnaissances in force, inflicting casualties and taking some prisoners. “Allied pressure is continuing east of Gafsa. Rommel’s fortified positions are being continuously attacked with heavy-calibre bombs, while German tanks and armoured forces in the rear are being severely harassed.” The German news agency says British and American troops are increasing preparations for an offensive against the Ousseltia and Pichon fronts. British crack troops who had arrived only a short time before from Britain, were observed in the Medjez el Bab area, "also artillery whose range-finding indicates that powerful attempts at a break-through may be expected.” The German commentator, Captain Sertorius, says the enemy launched new attacks. “The second round in the battle of Tunisia has begun,” he said. PERTINENT REMINDER EL ALAMEIN PRECEDENT. LONDON, March 27. The Exchange Telegraph Agency’s Algiers correspondent recalls that before the El Alamein battle General Alexander said it was part of correspondents’ martyrdom to be well informed and yet to be unable to reveal their knowledge for fear of helping the enemy. The correspondent adds: “It may be recalled that not till the ninth day of that battle did General Montgomery smash through the German lines. There is still plenty of time for history to repeat itself, as it certainly will.” MOUNTING SCORE KILLS BY kEW ZEALAND AIRMAN. LONDON, March 27. A New Zealander, Squadron Leader Colin Gray, D.F.C., piloting a Spitfire in Tunisia, shot down two enemy planes within three days, making his total kills 19|.