SOLLUM OCCUPIED BY BRITISH FORCES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 115, 17 May 1941, Page 9

SOLLUM OCCUPIED BY BRITISH FORCES

DESERT THRUST

Harassing Raids By R.A.F. In Libya British Official Wireless. Rec. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY. May 16. The occupation of Solium by British forces is announced by British General Headquarters in Cairo. The communique says that in Libya, as the result 'of limited operations carried out by our covering forces. British troops yesterday occupied Halfaya Pass, Mussid and Solium, inflicting serious casualties on the enemy and capturing a number of German prisoners.

A German cauieO communique earlier stated that strong British forces were thrusting towards Fort Capuzzo and Solium, supported by numerous tanks. Some contingents had penetrated into Solium.

R.A.F. Middle East General Headquarters reports: "Heavy attacks have been made on enemy mechanised units and troop concentrations in Cyrenaica. Yesterday between Solium and Hnlfaya the enemy was constantly harassed by "bomb attacks. Between Bardia and Tobruk British fghters me.chine-gunned motor transports, causing considerable damage, and destroyed ammunition and petrol lorries.

Our fighters engaged and damaged several enemy aircraft. During the night of May 14 and 25. R.A.F bombers raided Bengasi and Geuins. Large fires were caused, and a series of very heavy explosions took place.

"In Abyssinia, in an attack on Amba Alagi, aircraft of the Rhodesian squadron carried out a series °f raids. A fort at Toselli was attacked, ten direct hits being registered.

r, -£ I Z. su PPort was also given to British troops operating in central Abyssinia. The Gondar aerodrome was bombed by Free French aircraft and some enemy fighters on the ground were severely damaged."

In spite of continuous heavy rain further progress has been made in the advance on Amba Alagi, states another report. In the southern areas the important post of Sciasciamanna has been occupied and further prisoners taken.