SITUATION IN SOMALILAND

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21192, 15 August 1940, Page 8

SITUATION IN SOMALILAND

“SERIOUS BUT BY NO MEANS CRITICAL” ENEMY ATTACKS STRONG BRITISH RESISTANCE (Official Wireless) (Received August 15, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, August 14 Described as serious but by no means critical, the situation in Somaliland was the subject of comment in authoritative quarters today, when further details of the fighting there on August 11 and 12 were made available. Italians in superior numbers attacked on a wide front with great vigour and determination, their infantry being supported by tanks and preceded by low-flying bombers. In the first attack the only Italian success was when a British platoon was outflanked. Later attacks made by the enemy were driven back at all points except one. Here penetration was made and two guns captured from the British force. This was the only place where the attacks were not successfully resisted. It appears that even here the situation has been partly restored. The enemy, however, is throwing in large forces in an endeavour to reach a quick decision. It is authoritatively announced, in connection with the position in Somaliland, that our troops are resisting strongly the Italian attacks which have been made on a wide front. The penetration which the enemy made seems to have been partially restored.

On the coast a small enemy column reached Lukhaiyah, 100 miles from Berbera.