LARGE ARMY EN ROUTE TO KENYA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 180, 31 July 1940, Page 8

LARGE ARMY EN ROUTE TO KENYA.

S. AFRICAN TROOPS.

British Harass Italians In North Africa.

AIR ACTIVITY CONTINUES. Unite*! Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 38. A message from Pretoria says it is disclosed that the South African troops which have arrived in Kenya are the advance guard of a much larger army going to Fast Africa. It is learned in London that Britssli forces in North Africa have been harassing Italian couvoys bringing stores to Capuzzo. It is estimated that Italian losses in vehicles and personnel exceed the British live to one.

A British Official Wireless message says a Cairo communique states: "On all fronts there were no laud operations to report. There was almost continuous rain in most areas on the Abyssinian frontier."

A comimunique issued in Nairobi states: "To-day our ground forces made contact with strong enemy forces in the Moyale area. Further reports are awaited." Hundredth Raid On Malta. Residents of Malta had their 100 th air raid alarm yesterday, when enemy aeroplanes approached. Heavy anti-ai" craft fire forced the enemy machines to turn back. Enemy bombers, escorted by a dozen fighters, raided Malta earlier in the day. Only slight damage was done. One of the enemy fighters was brought down by anti-aircraft fire, and crashed into the sea.

In Italian East Africa, a bombing and machine-gunning attack was made on the aerodrome at Mille. One Italian bomber was totally destroyed, and two others were damaged. French pilots and crews, operating with the Royal Air Force, carried out valuable reconnaissance work in the Diredawa area.

The Royal Air Force successfully bombed concentrations of enemy troops and camel trains and a post in the neighbourhood of Moyale. Only light anti-aircraft opposition was encountered.

A Rome communique states: "Yesterday Italian 'planes repeatedly bombed an enemy convoy in the East Mediterranean escorted by warship, ainonj which was an aircraft carrier. Various units were seriously hit. One was set on fire and one enemy pursuit 'plane j was brought down. One of our planes I did not return.

"In East Africa our occupation of Kurmuk was extended to the capturing of an entire enemy column with food, arms and ammunition."