FINE RESISTANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 133, 8 June 1942, Page 5

FINE RESISTANCE

FREE FRENCH FORCES

LONDON, June 6.

A French war correspondent, cabling an account of the fine resistance that is being put up by the Free French ! forces at Bir Hacheim, says; "After nine days of almost continuous fighting in great heat and recurrent sandstorms, General Joseph Koenig is weary and powder-blackened, but grimly resolute. "The Free French today are enjoying a brief lull while the battle rages to the north and Rommel regroups his much-mauled armoured forces preparatory to launching further concerted attacks on Bir Hacheim. Senior Free French officers pay a tribute to the Royal Air Force's support, and are confident that the resistance of the French will continue as stubborn and defiant as ever.

"Since the first attack by the Italian armoured division on May 28 more than 1000 Axis tanks, as well as countless planes and guns, have been flung .against Bir Hacheim, Four times General Koenig has been called upon to surrender, and on each occasion he has given the same forceful but unprintable reply.

• "One of the features of the fighting at Bir Hacheim ]|as been the success of the French 75's which were captured from the Vichy forces in Syria last year. They have proved exti'aordinarily useful as anti-tank guns."

The beleaguered Free French forces have sent a message to Air Vice Marshal Coningham: "Bravo! Merei pour la R.A.F." The air leader replied, "Bravo! Thanks for the game."