British and New Zealand Forces

Evening Star, Issue 24055, 29 November 1941, Page 9

British and New Zealand Forces

DETERMINED RESISTANCE MET Main Axis Forces West Of Tobruk (British Official Wireless.)_ Press Association— By Telegraph—Copyright (Keo. 11-30 a.m.) RUGBY, November 28. A Cairo Headquarters communique states; South-east of Tobruk the British and New Zealand forces which yesterday made direct contact, are forging their way westward in face of determined opposition. At the same time, east of their point of junction, enemy detachments, still in considerable strength, are being engaged. Meanwhile the enemy raiding column, . swelled by German elements which had joined it from a defensive position between Halfaya and Sidi Omar, moved westward with the evident intention of trying to rejoin the main Axis forces engaged in battle west of Sidi Rezegh. This westward movement is being conducted in two main bodies. Shortly after midday yesterday the northern body, which included a number of German tanks, was effectivey engaged 12 miles south of Gambut by our bomber aircraft. It was subsequently heavily attacked by British armoured forces which had been despatched to intercept its return. After two hours of intensive fighting the enemy was reported to have scattered, and a large, number of vehicles was observed moving north-west towards Gambut. Over the whole battle area our Air Forces successfully continued their intensive activities in support of our ground troops. North and north-west of El Adem large concentrations of enemy mechanical transport vehicles were attacked and machine gunned with highly satisfactory results. An expert London commentator, speaking on the Cairo communique, said this afternoon that to the east of Tobruk there remain various pockets of enemy resistance which are being engaged. There is no evidence that the German armoured forces which were to the east of Tobr.uk have broken out in any direction. It now appears that the British have formed quite a distinct line, which is moving in a westerly direction against the considerable main Axis forces, which have always been to the west of Tobruk. The official war correspondent with the N.Z.E.F. states: The New Zealanders have completed contact with-the Tobruk forces. They continue to play an important part in the battle, Advancing west of Sidi Rezegh, and the infantry is turning the tables on the German infantry after Crete and Greece. Air support is excellent. New Zealanders in other areas are clearing pockets of Axis resistance.