SOME ADVANCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 170, 30 April 1943, Page 3

SOME ADVANCE

ON THE FIRST ARMY FRONT.

•AMERICANS’ FURTHER PROGRESS

ENEMY VESSELS SET ON FIRE

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, April 29. A communique issued in North Africa states: “There was very active patrolling yesterday on the Sth Army front. Fierce fighting took place on the Ist Army front north-east of Mecljez el Bab, where we made some advance and where the enemy launched two strong counter-attacks. The first was repulsed with heavy loss to the enemy in infantry and tanks, but the second forced our leading troops to make a slight withdrawal.

In the south the French made further local gains. “The American 2nd Corps in the north made further progress and gained some important ground. “Mitchells escorted by lightnings yesterday directly hit two ships in the Sicilian Straits, leaving one of the vessels on fire. Seven of a formation of intercepting enemy fighters were shot down.

“Kittyliawks, escorted by Spitfires, blew up a ship in the Gulf of Tunis and left three others on fire. They 'destroyed five enemy aircraft.

“Light and fighter-bombers continued their attacks on enemy positions and transport, destroying vehicles and starting fires. Fighters, maintaining patrols and sweeps in the forward area, shot clown five enemy planes. One enemy plane was destroyed Tuesday night. ‘'From all operations two of ours are missing..”