FORGES IN LIBYA

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1942, Page 5

FORGES IN LIBYA

ENCIRCLED INDIANS BREAKAWAY

(Rec. 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 2. British forces in Cyrenaica are now in contact with General Rommel's forces east of Barce, but no battle has yet developed. A Cairo communique states: "Our 4th Indian Division is conducting its withdrawal in the Jebel Akdar area, east of Barce, in close contact with the enemy, who are following up this movement in considerable strength.

"On January 31, at Maraua, the 11th Indian Infantry Brigade carried out a successful counter-attack in which many casualties were inflicted on the enemy. Yesterday the same brigade again counter-attacked and checked the enemy in the Slonta area.

"In tb,e area north-east of Msus our mobile columns continue their offensive activity. Yesterday an enemy mechanised column was engaged, and four vehicles were captured, with some prisoners.

"Throughout the course of yesterday's operations our air forces continued to render effective support to the operations on land, while our bombers during the night of January 31 and February 1 attacked mechanical transport columns in the area of Ag-heila-Jedabaya, starting a number of fires. "The 7th Indian Infantry Brigade, which was covering Benghazi before our evacuation of the town and the port, has now returned to its base east of Cyrenaica almost intact as regards fighting personnel. VERY DIFFICULT OPERATION. "During the night of January 28-29, when the decision to evacuate Benghazi was taken after the encirclement of the area by strong Axis forces, this brigade decided to'break out southwards. This operation was successfully carried out in the face of abnormally difficult conditions. Surrounded by German and Italian tank formations which were strongly supported by motorised infantry, the 7th Indian Infantry Brigade boldly.broke through, inflicting casualties and taking prisoners in the course of their march over 200 miles of desert, in most of which enemy columns were operating. "Necessary engineer and other units to carry out a prearranged demolition programme in Benghazi had perforce to be left behind at that placed and it is feared that they were unable to effect their withdrawal." AIR OPERATIONS. A Royal Air Force (Middle East) communique states that enemy supply columns in the Misurata, El Agheila, and Jedabaya areas were effectively bombed during Saturday night. A number of vehicles were seen1 to be blown up, and many others were seriously damaged. Several petrol lorries were set on fire. j

"During Sunday," the communique states, "our fighters maintained patrols throughout the day. Enemy transport, whenever seen, were machine-gunned.

"Tripoli was raided on Saturday night." Many hits were obtained on a motor transport depot,, w^here fires were started, and one heavy bomb which hit the Spanish fort caused a violent explosion.

"On the same night other bombers attacked some enemy naval vessels at Buerat el Hsun. One of two merchant vessels which was torpedoed by naval aircraft during Friday night was again sighted on the following night. It was stationary, and on fire.

"Malta was again raided by the enemy on Saturday night. There was some damage, and a small number of casualties.

"From all these operations none of our aircraft is missing."—B.O.W.