TUNISIA BATTLES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 27, 2 February 1943, Page 5

TUNISIA BATTLES

NORTHERN AREA

(Rec. noon.) RUGBY, February 1

The Germans attacked British positions on the Pont dv Fahs-Robba road yesterday. They used some of the new Mark VI tanks, and our artillery knocked out two of the "Tigers," which weigh 62 tons and carry 88-millimetre guns. Four other tanks were lost by the enemy in the attacks, which were repulsed with a slight loss of ground

American troops counter-attacked the enemy holding the Faid Pass, but found the enemy had blocked the pass at the western access and had artillery overlooking the approaches, and also had dive-bombers to support the artillery and infantry.' Heavy fighting ensued. The last report indicates that the attack is continuing.

An American force moving on the main Gafso road to Maknassi encountered strong German opposition at the small town of Sened. Reconnaissance units bypassed Sened, cutting the road in the rear of the German^force and threatening to cut them off. Throughout the day British, and American fighters gave active support to our troops; and bombers made attacks on enemy tank concentrations. In the first attack they destroyed three tanks which were being unloaded from car-

riers, and set the carriers on fire. In the second attack they dropped bombs on dispersed tanks. Bombing raids were also carried out on Bizerta and Gabes. At Bizerta, Flying Fortresses sank a large vessel, and damaged several others, started large fires, and destroyed eight enemy aircraft which attacked them. Marauders bombed the Gabes airfield and set many aircraft on fire, including six large transports. Bostons attacked troops and vehicles in. the Faid Pass, and destroyed six buildings and a water-tower at Bouthaid, east of Faid. Lightnings set tanks ablaze on the road east of Maknassi, while Bostons scored hits on the railroad in the same neighbourhood.

The American Twelfth Air Force destroyed twelve enemy planes; five of ours are missing. Spitfires shot down three Messerschmitt 109'5.—8.0.W.