MORE AIR SUPPORT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 19, 23 January 1943, Page 5

MORE AIR SUPPORT

LONDON, January 22. It is stated that the speed of the advance into Tripolitania has probably accounted for the recent Axis offensive activity in central Tunisia. A correspondent says the enemy is probsbly trying to drive a wedge between the First Army and General Leclerc's troops, and at the same time to deepen his own positions and give more room, for Rommel's remnants coming up from Tripolitania. Sharp fighting is reported from the central sector of Tunisia, where the Germans north of a sector near Pont dv Fahs are now being held. Allied troops are said to be holding the high ground between the two thrusts. Further south General Giraud's troops have had to give a little ground in the face of another strong enemy thrust. Allied troops and aircraft are moving up to give a hand in' this sector. Allied aircraft in Tunisia have shot down 25 Axis planes during the last two days at the cost of three to us, while with the help of naval aircraft they have sunk two enemy supply ships off Tunisia and damaged others. In central Tunisia Allied land forces are now gettting more air support. Warhawks and Spitfires are sweeping into .action near Pont dv Fahs, and Boston bombers have also been attacking the enemy. In the northern area, Allied troops in the last fejv days are reported to have destroyed 17 enemy tanks and to have shot down seven dive bombers.