HEADED FOR TUNIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1943, Page 3

HEADED FOR TUNIS

ALLIED ARMIES CONVERGING From South and West and Areas Between FIRST ARMY 35 MILES FROM CITY 4 POWERFUL AIR ATTACKS BEHIND ENEMY LINES LONDON, April. 13. The Eighth Army’s patrols are pushing on from Sousse and are still in contact with some of Rommel’s rearguard. Further north, the First Army has made more progress in the Medjez el The latest reports from Tunisia indicate that the Eighth Army is pushing steadily forward towards Enfidaville. A message from Allied Headquarters states that Allied troops have smashed their way through meagre enemy rearguard defences to the south of Enfidaville, and another place, both about 50 miles south of Tunis. Earlier news stated that the Eighth-Army’s patrols, moving northward from Sousse, were still in contact with some of Rommel’s rearguard. On the Eighth Army’s left flank, troops of the First Army and Americans are pushing north in parallel drives, from 30 to 40 miles inland, in a north-westerly direction. They are moving along the area astride the inland road that runs to Pont du Fahs. Further north, French forces are thrusting along a ridge of hills which points towards Pont du Fahs. Further north still, General Anderson’s men in the Medjez el Bab area have deepened the salient they have driven into Von Arnim s defences. This Allied force is the closest to Tunis, which is only about 35 miles away. Correspondents suggest that the next phase of the battle may be a pause, while the Allied forces, especially those of the Eighth Army, are regrouped and bring up sufficient strength to batter their way through to Tunis and Bizerta. In the rear of the advancing forces, Allied troops are still rounding up more prisoners. The Eighth Army has taken at least 20,000 prisoners since the break through on the Mareth Line. Up to noon yesterday the First Army had taken 2,260 prisoners and others are coming in all the time. The Allied air force has again been busy blasting the enemy further ahead. An enemy airfield 20 miles north of Enfidaville was heavily attacked. Many hits were scored among buildings and dispersed aircraft. One pilot counted 19 separate fires.