OUTGENERALLED AND OUTFOUGHT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 119, 13 February 1941, Page 7

OUTGENERALLED AND OUTFOUGHT

Berganzoli’s Tribute LONDON, February 11. “The British were stronger than ourselves and we were beaten by their superior force, determination and staying power,” said General Bergonzoli in an interview with the British United Press after the Battle of Soluk, south of Benghazi. “Thrice we tried to break through the ring of steel the British had thrown round us, closing our door of escape to Tripoli,” the General said. “We nearly succeeded in escaping, but in the end we had to admit defeat. “We had not believed that the British armoured units could cross the desert with such lightning speed. Our air forces had given no indication of their presence and we were taken completely by surprise when we found ourselves out-marched,' and out-generalled and our escape cut off.” General Bergonzoli denied that be deserted his troops at Bardia. “After the Australians entered the town 1 went to the shore and hid in a cave and I finally managed to get through the British lines to Tobruk,” he said. The Italian General Tellera. who commanded the Italian army in the fierce 36-hour battle preceding the capture of Benghazi and died of wounds, was buried with full military honours at Benghazi.