INDIANS IN TUNISIA

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 85, 10 April 1943, Page 6

INDIANS IN TUNISIA

important battle role PROTECTED N.Z. FLANK (N.Z.E.F. Official .News Service) CAIRO, April 7. The Indian Division, which is fighting in the forefront of the Battle of Tunisia with the Eighth Arm}-, played an important part in the 'operations against the Mareth posi-j tions. It operated with conspicuous dash and vigour, and its patrol work was of the highest order. Gurkhas [ used kukris to good effect at night. | It. is officially announced from j Algiers that the Indian Division is j fighting alongside two British, and j one New Zealand Divisions, and: Greek and Fighting French troops, j The Indians co-operated by protect-: ing the flank of the New Zealanders I in Matmatas. and secured a gorge, enabling reinforcements and supplies to be rushed through for the New Zealanders, who were making a flank attack against Rommel's positions. Before securing the pass, the Indians had to take two mountain peaks, which were known to be held by the enemy. After heavy fighting in the j dark on crags 15,000 feet up, the j positions were occupied. Further I progress was impeded by demoli-! tions. Heroic work was done by sappers, who cleared the road of rocks and mines. The enemy retreated from their post and over 400 prisoners were taken by the j Indians. . i Once again Indian troops had played their part in a smashing victory over Rommel, as in the past at El Alamein and other places.