SUPPLY BATTLE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 28, 1 August 1942, Page 5

SUPPLY BATTLE

EGYPTIAN FRONT

ATTACK CONTINUED ON AXIS ROUTES

LONDON, July 31

Today's Cairo communique reports only harassing operations in Egypt by night patrols. The 8.8.C. reporter says: Although there may be a lull in the land, fighting a great battle is raging behind the front which we have got to win—the battle for supplies. No One doubts the great effort the Axis is making to build up another striking force, and it is up tb us to wear down that force as fast as he can build it up.

The Allied Air Forces are carrying on with the campaign against Axis supply lines. Wednesday night's heavy attack on Tobruk was made by R.A.F. medium bombers, and was concentrated on enemy supply ships in the harbour. Extensive damage was done to ships and docks, and at the same time Bardia was attacked.

American bombers have been across the Mediterranean to attack a harbour in Greece where Axis supply ships were prepai-ing for the North African voyage.' Last night a combined force of R.A.F. and United States bombers carried out a heavy raid on Tobruk. A big load of bombs was dropped among the ships and quays. Visibility was not good, but the attack was most successful.

There is plenty of evidence that Tobruk is now being used as the Axis main forward "base to bring in muchneeded supplies.

In a broadcast to the United States it was stated that > American tank crews are now in Egypt, passing through the last stages of'a regular training programme to fit them for desert warfare. They are preparing to go into action soon? alongside British and Imperial troops. Training is being carried out a few miles behind the front.