ROMMEL'S MOVE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 135, 10 June 1942, Page 5

ROMMEL'S MOVE

PANZERS DIVERTED Offensive Against Allies' Flank United Press Association.—Copyright. Rec. 1.30 p.m. 'LONDON, June 9. The Daily Express Western Desert correspondent says Rommel, while keeping substantial holding forces in the Knightsbridge area and Devil's Cauldron, is switching all his available panzer units to the south in an attempt to blot out Bir Hacheim. British and P'rench motorised forces are attempting to make contact with the garrison from the south. Indian reinforcements have reached Bir Hacheim. The Daily Telegraph Libyan correspondent says that about 100 German tanks were massed within sight of Knightsbridge yesterday, but were thinning out as Rommel was drawing strength for new assaults against Bir Hacheim. Although the Axis attacks on Bir Hacheim so far have been repulsed, there are signs that the enemy means to concentrate on this thorn in his side. The persistence of Rommel s attacks against Bir Hacheim shows the importance he attaches to the elimination of this strong point, which is blocking the supply route for his Cauldron forces. The present Axis convoys are making a long detour south of Bir Hacheim. The centre of activity having shifted to the southern end of the British line, there was a complete lull yesterdav over the main battlefield for the first time since the opening of the campaign.