ENEMY SHORT OF FOOD AND WEAPONS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 193, 16 August 1941, Page 7

ENEMY SHORT OF FOOD AND WEAPONS

ON LIBYA FRONT

Germans Avoiding British Tank Forces United Press Association.—Gopyrig-lu. Rec. 1.30 p.m. LONDON.. Aug. 13. The German adventure in Russia has not entirely cut off Axis supplies to the Western Desert, but prisoners taken recently give evidence that there is a shortage of weapons among the Axis forces, says a special correspondent in the Western Desert.

The Italians complain bitterly that they are often half-starved and seldom properly equipped, although the Germans are well fed. Apparently there has been some disorganisation of Axis supplies, probably due partly to the concentration of effort on Russia, but vigorous and constant action by the British Navy and the R.A.F. against enemy convoys has also had a marked effect. The enemy recently tried to overcome the difficulties by using Bardia as an unloading point, although it is only 50 miles from the most advanced British troops. One ship entered Bardia, but the immediate action of R.A.F. bombers forced it hastily to steam off without unloading.

Strong British Reinforcements

The correspondent says the enemy is still better equipped than the Empire troops. The question of the supply of arms is still supreme in Western Desert strategy. It is revealed the German tanks outnumbered the British by nearly two to one in the last major engagement two months ago. Since then new tanks have arrived from Britain in increasing numbers and American tanks have also arrived. The German presumably have received a few reinforcements. Recently the enemy has been -chary of tank engagements, suggesting that their inferiority in this regard is precarious.

A British headquarters Cairo communique states: "During the night of August 13-14 a fighting patrol from Tobruk surprised an enemy strong point, killing the entire garrison of 12. Following up this success the patrol penetrated still further and engaged strong working parties of the enemy with grenades and light machine-gun fire. In other sectors our artillery brought heavy and effective fire to bear on two other working parties of the enemy. Although heavy dust storms yesterday interfered with our movements outside Tobruk. our patrols were again active in the frontier area."

Cricket At Tobruk Despite the stern conditions in Tobruk, time has been found to play an occasional game of cricket, says the Australian official war correspondent. The game has never been played under more odd conditions. In a recent game between an Australian team and a British battery, routine orders were issued on the conditions to be observed. The orders said: "Play will be continued except through interference bv air raids until six p.m. Plav will not cease during shell fire." They also provided that umpires should carrv loaded rifles and that medical arrangements be made and an ambulance be in attendance. "Bush Artillery" Beginning humbly with the efforts of two Queensland sappers firing a captured Italian gun, the Tobruk "bush artillery" has become a definite feature of the military activity in the fortress, writes the Australian official war correspondent. Manning several varieties of Italian guns, the crew has become quite efficient in the science of gunnery in spite of the primitive methods of aiming and ranging that must be used.

The "bush artillery" is stationed well forward in the perimeter. The guns are generally aimed • by. one member of the crew standing about 15 yards behind a gun and taking a sight on the area to be plastered. His comrades then man-handle the gun in the direction he indicates. Generally their ranging shots are wide, but they soon get on to the target. Enemy guns have made a number of attempts to put them out of action, with no success.

These Australian-manned guns have become well known throughout the garrison. It has become quite general for commanders of British batteries, when asked for support, to answer: "That will be a ioo for the 'bush artillery'." Through the call goes and the men rush to their guns.

EXPERTS PLEASED American Aircraft Do Well In North Africa DESERT DUST AND HEAT Rec. 2 p.m. RUGBY, Aug. 15. In the few months they have been operating in the Western Desert, under the most gruelling conditions, Glenn-Martin Maryland aircraft have proved their striking power and have shown that they have capabilities, not only as bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, but also as escorts and fighters, states the Air Ministry News Service.

A South African officer commanding a bomber squadron flying the Marylands, which has had considerable experience with this speedy American bomber for several months. said: "The aircraft have stood up to the conditions in the desert extremely well, and have surprised even American observers who came out to check them over with the experts. Despite the sand and heat i the engines have behaved perfective