Severe American Lossse In Tunisia

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 42, 19 February 1943, Page 3

Severe American Lossse In Tunisia

LXIX

Eighth Army Reported in Action Against Romnnel

(New Zealand Press Association.—Copyright.—Rec. 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 18. Detailed reports of the Axis action resulting in the capture or Sbeitla, Kassarme and Feriana dwell on the severe reverse that American armoured units suffered. The Associated Press correspondent in Algiers describes it as a crushing defeat and adds that reports indicate that Rommel s forces captured considerable American equipment, including Sherman tanks. Reuters correspondent in Tunisia says the Americans, during the third day of the attack, were forced to withdraw because of the thrust coming up behind them north of the Faid-Sbeitla road. The Americans have withdrawn to the mountains below Tebessa. The famous Twenty-First Panzer Division participated in the Axis thrust, supported by the Tenth Panzer Division from von Arnim's forces. The ridge of hills to which the Americans have fallen back between Feriana and Tebessa to regroup can be defended. Fighting has slackened for the time being, but the Germans are likely to move across Ousseltia Valley in an attempt to control the western ridge, thereby straightening the line along the series of ridges. The Associated Press- says the general feeling in Algiers is that the Germans for the time being have gone as far as they desire. The Allies are expected to withdraw to the centre in order to straighten their defence line. Reports from the fighting zone indicate that the German attack destroyed so much American armoured strength that a successful counter-attack in the near future is not likely. Another report says that about one-third of the American casualties were at Sidi Bousid. Casualties were heavy on both sides. One American combat group destroyed 20 enemy tanks in the first days of the operations. The United States Secretary of War, Mr. Stimson, stated that, exclusive of the fighting in Tunisia, the total casualties in the United States Army numbered 41,858, of whom 3443 had been killed and' 25,684 missing. Most of the latter were missing from the Philippines campaign and were believed to be prisoners of war. Mr. Stimson added that the United States forces had suffered serious local setbacks in Tunisia. It was important that these should not be minimised, and still , more important that they should not be exaggerated. Casualties Reported to Have Been Heavy on Both Sides Berlin radio announced that the British attacked the flank of the Axis forces in southern Tunisia. "While the Americans were withdrawing in partial disorder and abandoning considerable equipment British motorised units, strongly supported by tanks and motorised batteries, came into action against the northern wing of the attacking German and Italian forces," the announcer said.

Captain Sertorius, speaking over Berlin radio, declared that the Germans have entered the oases of Tozeur and Nefta and reached the Algerian border westwards of Nefta. These great successes, however," he added, do not influence the fact that the enemy in North Africa is numerically and materially superior and will sooner or later do his utmost to wrench the initiative from the Axis." The Associated Press points out that Rommel is now comparatively free to turn his attention southward against the advancing Eighth Army. It is considered unlikely that Rommel will jeopardise his success by trying to penetrate the difficult mountain area protecting Tebessa. Straggling American units fighting their way back from behind' the German lines have modified the first reports of losses, but accounts agree that American armoured units in four days of fighting suffered severely and lost 4000 square miles of territory. General Cairoux Predicts Early Success in Tunisia Addressing a Press conference in Cairo, General Catroux, Fighting French High Commissioner in Syria, declared: ihe enemy will be completely cleared out of Tunisia within two months. The military situation is satisfactory, despite recent setbacks. Only those who know the nature of the country of Tunisia realise the Allies great efforts. Reuters Cairo correspondent says forward patrols of the Eighth Army reached Medenine without opposition, strengthening the belief that the enemy does not intend' anything more than delaying rearguard actions until he is installed behind the Mareth Line. . The German news agency states that the Eighth Army s attack against the south flank of Rommel's forces, which was expected for days, started yesterday on a broad front. It is notable that the British infantry were supported only by artillery. It is obviously intended not to risk large employment of tanks because the approaches to the German and Italian positions are especially strongly mined and it would be difficult for the British to replace tank losses. British infantry, in waves, stormed German and Italian mountain positions. The territory offered no cover, and welldirected artillery fire inflicted heavy losses. Land mines also caused considerable casualties among the enemy.