CAMPAIGN IN TUNISIA

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23810, 2 December 1942, Page 3

CAMPAIGN IN TUNISIA

Threat To Tunis And Bizerte PARATROOPS SEIZE AIRFIELD (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.! ißcc. H p.m.) LONDON, Dec, 1. The British land forces in Tunisia arc driving a wedge between Bizerte and Tunis, and are extending the wedge on belli sides to menace both the naval base and (he capital. A British United Press correspondent at Allied Headquarters in North Africa reports that British paratroops on Sunday occupied an aerodrome considerably ahead of the British Ist Army advancing on Tunis. The aerodrome was not held by (he enemy. The paratroops’ mission was to capture supplies and prevent the Germans from using the aerodrome. The Ist Army, supported by American armoured units, is advancing slowly through heavy minefields under air strafing. The Germans are reported to be putting up a well-planned and skilful defence. The Allies are finding bridges mined and defended with machine-guns. Light and medium tanks are being used by the Germans. The Allied attack on Bizerte is proceeding at least as well as that on Tunis, but no details are available. “The campaign appears to be fast approaching a climax, with an air blitz, which is the forerunner of the land assault, launched against Tripoli and Tunis and Bizerte.” says the “Daily Mail." "The entire coastline between those major bases comes under the shadow of- our bombers and fighters. While the heaviest fighting is at present loss than 10 miles from Tunis. General Anderson is equally well placed for an attack on Bizerte His troops arc solidly established at Maleur, 22 miles from the naval base.” The Algiers radio says Allied aircraft attacked Bizerte last night. Fighting East of Jedcida

Monday's communique from Headquarters in North Africa states; “Fighting in Tunisia continued on the eastern side of Jedeida. a road and rail junction 13 miles west of Tunis. Allied bombers made a night raid on the docks at Bizerte. and bursts were seen on the target. Our fighters patrolling the forward areas destroyed four enemy aircraft. One of our fighters is missing." News of fighting on the eastern side of Jedeida indicates that the Allied forces have pushed beyond the town, and that they may be nearing the suburbs of Tunis. Reuter’s correspondent with the Ist Army states that Lieutenant-General Anderson is sending forward small, compact bodies of hardy assault troops, and is making skilful use of the terrain to split the Axis defences. A wedge is now being deepened towards the shores of the Gulf of Tunis. Determined efforts arc being made to reduce the city of Tunis before turning against Bizerte. The Germans have already been forced to fall back to improvised inner defence rings round the two cities, thus hampering their freedom of action. When the coast mad is cut Bizerte will be isolated except by sea. The Paris radio rcoorts that Allied forces are shelling Tunis and that heavy fighting is going on near Bizertc. In Southern Tunisia the Italians have been given the task of defending the coastal link with Tripolitania.