The Dominion. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1941. THE GREAT BATTLE IN THE DESERT

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 51, 24 November 1941, Page 6

The Dominion. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1941. THE GREAT BATTLE IN THE DESERT

At the time of writing all the indications in- the reports from Egypt of the progress of the great battle now raging in Cyrenaica are most encouraging. On every sector of the British offensive, which extends over a wide area, the position is regarded as satisfactory, lhe clash between the armoured divisions of the Imperial army and those of the enemy—which have been divided at Sidi Rezegh by a clever stroke of generalship —has resulted in hard fighting. The British encircling movement apparently has entrapped in the Sidi Omar-Bardia-Tobruk triangle important enemy forces now making desperate efforts to break through, but thus far without success. This, the main tank battle, is regarded as the key to the situation. The enemy’s counter-attacks have been well held, and the British initiative gained from the surprise that was sprung upon him when the offensive was launched has been successfully maintained. There is news also that New Zealand troops have entered Fort Capuzzo. The capture of this celebrated enemy strong-point, which has changed hands so often since hostilities commenced in the Western Desert with the entry of Italy into the war, may be significant of the progress being, made on other sectors. Another interesting sidelight of the battle is the determined effort, of the besieged men of Tobruk to break through to a junction with the Imperial forces pressing forward from the other side toward them.. The Navy and Air Force are playing their part in full co-operation with the land forces. This effective co-ordination of the three arms was an important factor in the brilliant success achieved by General Sir Archibald Wavell a year ago. It is being applied with even greater calculated intensity in the present operations, and with, it will be hoped, as disastrous results for the enemy. Already his losses in tanks are regarded as having definitely weakened his position.