INDIAN DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1943, Page 3

INDIAN DIVISION

DOING DASHING WORK IN TUNISIA IMPORTANT PART IN MARETH BATTLE. ASSAULT ON MOUNTAIN PEAKS. (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.) CAIRO, April 7. The Indian. Division is fighting in the forefront of the battle of Tunisia with the Eighth Army. The division played an important part in the operations against the Mareth positions. It operated with conspicuous dash and vigour, and its patrol work was of the highest order. The Gurkhas used their kukris to good effect at night. It is officially announced from Algiers that the Indian Division is fighting alongside two British and one New Zealand divisions, and Greek and Fighting French troops. The Indians co-operated in protecting the flank of the New Zealanders in Matmatas, and secured a gorge, enabling reinforcements and supplies to be rushed through for the New Zealanders making the flank against Field-Marshal Rommel’s positions.

Before securing the pass, the Indians had to take two mountain peaks, which were known to be held by the enemy. After heavy fighting on crags 15,000 feet up, in the dark, the positions were occupied. Further progress was impeded by demolitions. Heroic work was done by sappers, who cleared the road of rocks and mines.

The enemy retreated from the post, and more than 400 prisoners were taken by the Indians. Once again Indian troops had played their part in a smashing victory over Rommel, as in the past at El Alamein and other places.