FIERCE FIGHTING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 160, 17 April 1943, Page 3

FIERCE FIGHTING

FOR HIGH GROUND IN TUNISIA.

ADVANCES ON ALL SECTORS. » STRONG AIR OFFENSIVES. t (N.Z. Tress Association —Copyright.) LONDON, April 16. A communique issued at Allied Headquarters in North Africa to-day, says: “On the Ist Army front the enemy fought fiercely for high ground in the Medjez el Bab' area. All his counter-attacks were eventually beaten off and we still hold the high ground. “On the Sth Army front patrol activity continues along the Enfidaville line.

‘Wellington bombers attacked airfields in Southern Sardinia on Wednesday night, and medium bombers raided enemy airfields in Tunisia. Bad

weather restricted air operations yes- , terday, but fighters made sweeps on patrol, and fighter-bombers attacked enemy tanks and vehicles. Two Axis aircraft were destroyed.” ‘The Allied forces in Tunisia are advancing in all sectors,” reports the Algiers radio. “Contact was made with the Afrika Korps in the Enfidaville area on a line running to Pont du Fahs. Allied air operations have reached a pitch seldom seen.” The Vichy radio says: “The Ist Army, after an attack supported by tanks, made a fresh advance in one sector. The Allies are now meeting well-knit Axis forces on a narrow front, and their progress is seriously impeded. The Allies’ air offensive,, however, surpasses anything so far experienced. It is mainly aimed at cutting off Axis supplies from across the Mediterranean. The Axis forces will have to fight hard and courageously to hold their positions.”