N.Z.E.U. WILL SHARE IN NEXT BIG DRIVE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 234, 3 October 1942, Page 5

N.Z.E.U. WILL SHARE IN NEXT BIG DRIVE

GALLANTRY PRAISED

General Confers V.C. And Reviews Troops TJ.P.A. and British Wireless Rec. 1.30 p.m. LONDON, Oct. 2. The British attack in the central sector on the Alamein front on Wednesday was carried out under heavy tank cover, powerfully supported by artillery and bombers, says Reuter's Cairo correspondent. It was launched against one of the enemy's strongest positions, where the Afrika Korps made its abortive thrust against Egypt last month. Much hand to hand fighting occurred in this latest bulgestraightening operation, which, although local, will considerably strengthen the Allied positions. After all day fighting the Allied troops had consolidated themselves in several Axis positions. The German reaction to the operation has been dive-bombing attacks against British infantry, and considerable artillery fire. The Rome radio announced that the British have taken the initiative on the Alamein front and have been continuously attacking with considerable forces with the object of ending the deadlock in this area. Important Part for X.Z.E.F. "We are preparing for the next round, in which I am sure the New Zeaianders will play an important part. They have alreadv fully demonstrated their gallantry." This was stated by Lieutenant-General Montgomerj', commander of the Sth Army, after conferring the Victoria Cross on the New Zealander, Sergeant Keith Elliott, a few miles from the battle front. The New Zeaianders stood, marched and drilled like guardsmen for the ceremonial parade, which General Montgomery described as a tremendous inspiration.

He said: "Steadiness on parade is steadiness in battle. The New Zealanders will never be anything but steady in battle. It really makes one proud to know we have such men in this armv."

Referring to the New Zealand badge which Lieutenat-General Freyberg had given him to wear on his Australian hat, General Montgomery said: "I wear it prominently. I am tremendously proud to do so." In twelve hours with the New Zealanders General Montgomery travelled ten miles across rough desert tracks and inspected four large parades. He spoke to almost the complete New Zealand fighting force in the field and said the Bth Army was made up of men from the Empire—all hard fighting men but none better than the New Zealanders.

Axis Dive Bombers Strafed

The Middle East headquarters at Cairo announced that early on Wednesday our troops in the central sector made some limited advances in the Munassib area during the day and consolidated new positions. The enemy counter-attacked but was repulsed. On Wednesday night patrol activities continued. Our artillery engaged enemy positions in the northern sector and also in the central sector, where our troops yesterday continued to consolidate their new position.

A large force of medium bombers scored direct hits on shipping at Tobruk on Wednesdav night. In an engagement yesterday between our fighters and escorted dive bombers the enemy was forced to jettison his bombs on his own troops. At least six enemy aircraft were shot down and many damaged. We had no losses. Long-range fighters successfully attacked enemy road transport in the area of Sidi Barrani. From all these operations two of our aircraft are missing. One aircraft reported missing in yesterday's communique has returned to its base.

PRISONERS' JOURNAL

Italians Issue Newspaper In India Camps FIFTY GENERALS INTERNED Rec. 2 p.m. NEW DELHI, Oct. 2. II Correre Del Campo, a weekly newspaper in Italian for Italian prisoners in India, appeared for the first time to-day, with a goodwill message from General Sir Archibald VVavell, Commander-in-Chief in India, who was responsible for the capture of so many Italians. General Wavell stated that the main object of the newspaper is to provide food for talk and thought and thus make the Italians' exile pass more quickly. The newspaper, which has a circulation of 10,000, is edited, with British co-operation, by volunteers drawn from the prisoners. Many thousands of Italians are in prison camps in India, including more than 50 generals.

U-BOAT YARDS HIT

R.A.F. RAIDS ON GERMANY Rec. 2 p.m. RUGBY, Oct. 2. The Air Ministry states that the submarine yards at Flensburg and other objectives on the Baltic coast of Germany were attacked by our bombers last night. Coastal Command aircraft attacked enemy shipping on the Dutch coast. Seventeen of our bombers are missing. The Air Ministry states that a single aircraft of the Bonjber Command yesterday evening attacked the chemical works at Sluiskil, in Holland, and an oil refinery near Ghent. Hits were seen on both targets. None of our aircraft is missing.