DRIVE IN LIBYA

Evening Star, Issue 23864, 19 April 1941, Page 9

DRIVE IN LIBYA

STING OUT OF NAZI ATTACK DEFENSIVE ATTITUDE ADOPTED HEAVY R.A.F. RAIDS MAINTAINED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 18. The German drive in Libya has stopped in the meantime, and it is apparent that they have taken up a defensive attitude in the Tobruk and Solium areas. It is too early yet to state whether they plan to continue their drive in the immediate future. A communique from R.A.F. headquarters at Cairo states that British bombers are continuing their heavy attacks on targets in Cyrenaica. CAN OFFENSIVE BE RESUMED? (British Official Wireless.) lIDGI3Y, April 18. (Received April 19, at 10 a.m.) Reports received from Libya military circles here indicate that the German drive is at tiiis moment halted. This must be regarded as temporary until further developments show whether it will or can be renewed. ■ INITIATIVE NOW WITH BRITISH LONDON, April 19. It is stated that the initiative in the Solium and Tobruk areas now rests with the British,,and that the German advance has been slowed up; in fact, no further ground has been taken. British troops continue to inflict heavy punishment and have taken many prisoners and much equipment. HAND-TD-HAND FIGHTING MORE ENEMY TROOPS CAPTURED LONDON, April 18. (Received April 19, at 1 p.m.) British patrols have again been active in the vicinity of Tobruk, also in Solium. Many casualties in men and vehicles were inflicted on the enemy, who is experiencing the dash, determination, and fighting qualities of the Imperial troops in hand-to-hand encounters., A further five officers and 72 other ranks were captured.