AXIS ATTACKS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 54, 5 March 1943, Page 3

AXIS ATTACKS

TUNISIA SECTOR

Severe Punishment Sustained

For Small Gains

Rec. 1 p.m

LONDON, March 4,

German attacks in the Sed Jenane sector of Tunisia forced the Allied forces to withdraw their line four miles. Reuters correspondent in North Africa says that Axis infantry attacked in considerable strength from the north-east towards Sed Jenane and took severe punishment. Confused fighting is still going on in the vicinity of the railway station of this tiny village, with the British battling to again throw back the Italians and Germans.

The British counter-attacked all yesterday in the region north-east of Beja. Fighting is continuing as the British drive northwards towards the Mateur-Beja Road. American patrols, pushing south and east in pursuit of the Germans falling back from Feriana, have at last made contact with them at a point three miles below Faid, while Italian patrols were met and dispersed near Moulares, about 30 miles west of Gafsa.

About 400 or 500 Axis infantry attacked Eighth Army elements six miles east of Mareth, but were repulsed. Edge Oft German Morale The Exchange Telegraph correspondent at Algiers says the recent fighting in Tunisia has plainly shown that the edge has been taken off German morale. Signs of discouragement can be observed and are probably due to heavy losses and disappointment over withdrawal after an advance well into Allied territory.

In northern Tunisia fighting continued in the area around Sed Jenane, where the enemy gained some ground at the expense of very severe casualties, says the North African communique. Attacks in other areas were successfully repulsed. Enemy infantry advancing east of Mareth area were successfully engaged and repulsed by light armoured forces. The enemy has reinforced infantry with tanks in this area. * Bombers and Fighters Active Our bombers attacked the airfield at Tunis and made raids on enemy landing grounds in Gabes area. Hits were seen on all targets; particularly among grounded aircraft. In the northern sector medium bombers attacked enemy ground targets. Our fighters were active throughout the day in this area and destroyed a number of enemy vehicles.

In the southern sector fighters and fighter-bombers were active, attacking road transport and other targets. Three enemy aircraft were destroyed in combat and three of ours are missing.

R.A.F. headquarters at Malta states that yesterday fighters destroyed a Junkers 88 over the sea. Reconnaissance aircraft destroyed a Junkers 52. Last night R.A.F. torpedo bombers attacked a convoy in the Central Mediterranean. One hit caused a fire in a large supply ship.

During daylight yesterday United States heavy bombers attacked Messina. All returned safely.