ERITREAN FRONT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 30, 5 February 1941, Page 8

ERITREAN FRONT

PURSUIT OF ITALIANS

STAND MAY BE MADE

HEAVEN-SENT DEFENCE SITE

<By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) (Received February 5, 2.45 p.m.)

LONDON, February 4.

The British forces in Eritrea are daily inflicting new blows on the Italians. Troops from Agordat are approaching the gates of Keren, one of the important rail centres in Eritrea, and the R.A.F. has heavily pounded the station which is at the top of the cliff-like escarpment of the 6000 ft uplands. The Italians, unless they are completely demoralised, are likely to attempt a big stand in this heaven-sent defence position.

Sudanese armoured units form the spearhead of the British drive, while heavier forces are mopping up isolated centres of opposition. The road from Agordat is thick with guns, armoured cars, and lorry loads of troops protected by British fighters and anti-air-craft batteries. The forces from Barentu are advancing steadily.

.One enemy post manned by natives stoutly held out urftil it was surrounded, but the main body of the Italians is treating. Scores of Abyssinian soldiers are deserting to the British.