THE ENEMY ENGAGED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 89, 26 January 1942, Page 4

THE ENEMY ENGAGED.

NEW THRUST TO EAST IN LIBYA. HEAVY ATTACKS BY THE R.A.F. LONDON, Jan. 24. General von itommel’s forces, according tb press messages from Cairo, are noifr engaged with the main British forces, including tanks and artillery, in a triangular area formed by Agedabia, Antelat, 40 miles to the northeast, And Saturn, 20 miles east of Antelat.

It seems that General von Rommel’s offensive has as its main object in pushing SO far from his base the interruption alld destruction of the preparations the British are making. The Axis talum ns now engaged here have split Up ahd are operating in an area in which the British had dumps of stoles and equipment. It is believed that more than half the Axis total strength is engaged, and whife sbiile taiiks in use have been in actibn earlier in the campaign reinforcements must have been- received. A great risk would seem to be taken by the Nazis in advancing so far, as there may well be difficulties in maintaining supplies. To-flay’s communique issued by British General Headquarters in Cairo says: “Yesterday several enemy columns, each with tank component, were engaged by our mobile columns in the triangle between Agedabia, Antelat and Saunu. The results of the fighting,. ivhich coveted a very large area, are iiot yet known, but our air forces did gfeat execution with bombs and low-flying attacks on groups of enemy mechanical transport at and about Agedabia.” The Royal Air Force communique reflects the heavier land operations now in progress. It states: “During yesterday oik* aircraft were constantly in action in the battle area, of Libya. A force of enemy tanks and motor transport on the Agedabia-Ante] at track ttas successfully attacked. Our fighters also raided enemy supply columns south of Agedabia. Many motor transport vehicles were destroyed or badly damaged, and a petrol trailer has set oh lire. Other fires were seen to break out in enemy columns.

“On Thursday our fighters shot down a Messerschniitt 110, damaged another ehdmy aircraft, and successfully rnachirte-gunned cliemy motorised units West of Agedabiri. “The harbour and the Spanish quay at Tripoli were again attacked by our bombers during Thursday night, and a naval vessel at the Karaniarili mole and l another ship, probably a flak ship, were hit and a fire was started at the Spanish fort. The naval vessel was burning throughout the attack and the flak ship was silenced Our aircraft also machine-gunned enemy motor transport vehicles approaching the town from the east.

“Enemy aircraft have continued their raids on Malta. Our fighters intercepted enemy formations and severely damaged a nhmljer of Junkers 88’s and escorting fighters. “From these and other operations three of our aircraft are missing.”