THE WITHDRAWAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 89, 25 January 1943, Page 3

THE WITHDRAWAL

ITALIANS SENT BACK FIRST.

I PRECIOUS ARMOUR THROWN IN. EFFORT TO CHECK PURSUIT. fN.Z. Press Association— Copyright). (Rec. 12.5 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 24. The latest operations in and around Tripoli were described by a wireless commentator who said there is no doubt that 1 Marshal Rommel has withdrawn the bulk of his troops out of Tripolitania. According to correspondents at the front he had sent most of the Italians,back first, this time, though elements of many Italian units were taking part in the fighting. It had also been thought worth while to throw in some precious remaining armour to hold back the Bth Army while evacuation went on, but the streams of transport from Tripolitania into Tunisia, had already had about the most merciless pounding in the whole history of the war and it looked from the map as if Marshal Rommel would find it difficult to make any sort ot stand until the Germans reached the Mareth line in Tunisia.

The commentator also said there were a few armoured tussels with the enemy rearguard yesterday but in fact they.looked much like a chase. . In Tripoli itself, the people were quiet and troops entering the city found things much as i*eported by aerial reconnaissance. The damage in the town was comparatively light but considerable devastation around the harbour area. —-British Official Wireless. ENEMY LACKS AIR SUPPORT.

ALLIES MOVE INTO AIRFIELDS. X #

PENNING GERMANS TO COAST. (Rec. 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 24. Glowing praise for the men vno captured Tripoli is given in the London press. All eyes are now turned on Tunisia, where it is hoped the weight of the victorious Bth Army will soon he felt. Commentators observe that the defenders of the African bridgehead, if they succeed in joining forces with Marshal Rommel, will suffer a disastrous lack of support in the air that is necessary to protect essential sea communications. As the Royal Air Force Command in the Middle East moves into the aerodromes of Tripoli, the enemies penned in the narrow coastal strip will feel this lack more and more. Meanwhile it is assumed that Lieu-tenant-General Dwight D. Eisenl)owei (Allied Commander-in-chief in North Africa), while the British and French screen his front , is organsiing the Americans as a striking force which, when the aerodromes are ready to received thq full, Allied air strength, will svnehronise the offensive with that of General Sir Bernard Montgomery. The preparations are expected to take a little time yet, but with a view to the earliest possible opening of the isni,«j’ pean campaign hopes are expressed that the enemy will he driven out of Africa by the spring. —British Official Wireless.

AMERICAN PLANES IN ACTION.

DIRECT HITS ON TRANSPORT. (Rec. 12'.5 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 24. A United States communique issued at Cairo states: “United States fighters and fighter-bombers of the 9th United States Air Force, operating from the bases at Tripoli and the vicinity continued yesterday to strike the enemy withdrawing to the west. Numerous direct hits on moving transports were observed. Vehicles were set on fire by ground strafing. All our aircraft returned.” *