TWICE AS FAR AND TWICE AS FAST

Evening Star, Issue 24918, 16 July 1943, Page 3

TWICE AS FAR AND TWICE AS FAST

TROOPS OUTRUN TRANSPORT PLANNING RUGBY, July 14. " The invasion of the south-eastern tip of Sicily," says a Press correspondent, " has become the pursuit of an almost non-resisting enemy. In three days the assault force has gone twice as far and twice as fast as planned. The armoured spearhead by midday to-day (Monday) was at Palazzolo, 30 miles from the landing beach, and .was expected to be miles further north-west by the end of the afternoon. " When the shock forces swarmed ashore early on Saturday they brought with them scarcely enough transport for the progress expected. That transport is still inadequate now that the invaders have assumed the role of pursuers of the world's fleetest retirers, and to-day I saw men foot-slogging along. Under the blaze of the noonday sun they are going slightly wearily. They are feeling the heat, and must be starting to tire as they plod on, but their spirit and morale are as good as ever. ■ "Italian non-resistance," the .correspondent continued, "reached a new peak when they abandoned 24 field guns following the start of an infantry attack on their positions. Though well placed along a line commanding the heights, they fired only a few token rounds. Then some gunners fled and some gave themselves up, and the guns wore captured by the attacking infantry without a single casualty. "Axis air activity is still relatively slight in this sector, especially during the day. The Axis air forces missed a great chance. Great concentrations of shipping no longer cluster on the beaches as at the start of the invasion. Here is an indication of the enemy's failure to seize chances—one.tank-land-ing ship was stuck fast on one beach and was moved only after three days' effort to pull her off. During the whole time not one attempt was made to attack the ship." The correspondent adds: "The Pachino airfield was found ploughed up. but it is quickly being brought back to usable condition. AXIS STRENGTH. " It is now becoming possible to form some estimate of Axis strength in Sicily and the total armour available to the enemy. This includes some Tiger tanks. The majority are Italian tanks. The past two days have seen a steady trek hack to the farms and villages of civilians in numerous donkey carts. It is interestinn; to note that the men smile aud salute m British fashion. Children laugh and cheer and give the ' V ' sign. Hut most of the. women are seriousfaced and undemonstrative. Some raise the hand in the Fascist salute. Lorry loads of prisoners—nearly all cheerful—-

come in, many of the men singing. There is no doubt we caught the local troops off their guard, but it is impossible to believe that the majority ran without even putting on their garments, as would seem to be indicated by the large number of Italian uniforms scattered all over the place.