CAPTURE OF AN ARMY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 7, 20 October 1941, Page 5

CAPTURE OF AN ARMY.

ITALIAN FORCE AT BENGHAZI.

Surrender to> small numbers

(Roc. 12.10 p.m.) LONDON', Oct. 19. ’ Men of the Royal Artillery, who after being many months on the Western Desert are now safely back in England, relate interesting experiences. A typical one is that of Lance-Bom-bardier \V. 'Malloy, aged 24, who lias vivid memories of the action at Benghazi. According to an agency message Lance Bombardier Malloy saw 16 British tanks and a few Bofors guns compel the surrender of 87 Italian tanks, and 800 British and Dominion troops capture an Italian general and an army of 45,000. “After half an hour's fighting,” said Lance Bombardier Malloy, “they put up the white flag. When the Italian general saw how few we were he burst out crying. He said his men had no proper equipment. He gave me his regimental sash. I have it here in my kitbag and am taking it home. An Italian naval officer who was with the general said, to us ‘A very bad show. The British moved too quickly. You surprised us.”—British Official Wireless.