BERBER’S RECAPTURE

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 March 1941, Page 7

BERBER’S RECAPTURE

DRAMATIC DESCRIPTION

EARLY MORNING ASSAULT

[BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.]

RUGBY, March 18.

The recapture of Berbera by means of combined land, sea, and air operations is described to-day in a cablegram from Aden, which states: At about midnight on March 15/16, the liberating fleet crept darkly and silently toward the Somaliland coast. The night was calm, and the moon, sometimes obscured by clouds, dimly showed the long low line of the foreshore, with the mass of mountains beyond. The convoys of troops were protected by warships. Previously, British aircraft had photographed the whole position, revealing the Italian plan of defence. The assault was skilfully planned, therefore, to force the Italians to divide their already-depleted and demoralised forces. As a result of this, the plan was most successful. Two landings were to be made at places most unfavourable for the defenders. The western landing was entrusted to picked Indian regiments, supported by engineers and artillery, while the eastern landing was to be carried out by a force of Somalis and Arabs, specially raised for the purpose at Aden, and officered by English. The loyalty of the Aden Arabs is well known, but nothing during the past seven months has more deeply impressed those in contact with the Somalis in Aden—many of whom are exiles—than their implicit faith in ' Britain’s power to liberate their land from Fascist, ursurpations. So they eagerly enlisted in the special force, whose completely-successful attack is now known.

Just before zero hour, one of the British warships crept in as near to the coast as possible, and lowered tiny skiffs. In one skiff were three men, under the command of a lieutenant. Their task was to mark the landing beach, without being detected by the enemy. A signal flashed the success of this operation, and

EXPECTATION GREW TENSE.

Suddenly, at zero hour, the dim peace of the land and water was ripped and shattered by the flash and thunder of naval gunfire. Away on the right, the west wing force went into the assault, and the way had been paved for the Somali force to land and advance along the shore towards Berbera, about two miles distant. It was learned later that the greater part of the Italian forces had left the town, under cover of darkness, just before the British approach, but they left a large enough number to make it necessary for,us to crush them with force.

Machine-guns and field guns tried to hold up the advance of the Somali forces, but the accuracy of the British naval gunners, in the murky light and with only an occasional flash to give them their aim, was amazing. Later, .it was discovered how accurate that gunnery had been. The enemy positions and guns were all abandoned headlong before the searching destruction. The Somali and Arab force was now advancing. Then came the news of the success of the major attack on the west wing. By 9.20 a.m. the operation was completely successful, and it was all over. Berbera was once more in British hands. Our casualties were negligible, and we had taken more than 100 prisoners. Even during the bombardment, inhabitants of Berbera came running out to meet our forces. They came waving Union Jacks and Somaliland flags, which they had hidden from the Italian authorities, against this great day.

HEIGHTS CAPTURED.

RUGBY, March 18.

In connection with the operations at Keren, it is reported that the British forces have captured two heights, overlooking Keren.

ITALIAN ATTACKS FAIL.

RUGBY, March 18.

A Cairo communique states: There is nothing of importance to report in Libya. In Eritrea, yesterday, the enemy delivered a series of determined counter-attacks against positions we recently captured. These attacks were everywhere repulsed, with heavy losses to the Italians, who also left over 800 prisoners in our hands. Operations continue to develop successfully. Pressure by the Imperial and patriot forces is being successfully maintained over a wide area upon the retreating Italians in Abyssinia, while our troops are extending the area of their occupation. The British forces’ operation from a number of bases in Italian Somaliland is continuing.

ITALIAN ADMISSIONS

RUGBY, March 19.

While there is no further news of the British column advancing from the north down the Red Sea littoral towards Keren, attacks from the west have been renewed, and in the- past day or two the British forces have captured a further 700 or 800 prisoners. The Italian High Command admits that a new British attack on Keren resulted in “violent” fighting, and in considerable Italian losses. The Italian General Lorencini, it states, has also been killed in action.

(Recd. March 19, 12.45 p.m.). LONDON, March 18.

An Italian communique states: The battle in the Keren sector continued violently. Our troops repeatedly counter-attacked, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, whose attacks were repulsed. Our losses were very heavy. General Lorencini died a hero’s death, leading his battalion. An R.A.F. raid on Tripoli damaged houses, and caused some casualties.

ADDIS ABABA

LONDON, March 17.

With the capture of Berbera, British imperial troops are steadily closing on Addis Ababa from thirteen points. Troops from Berbera are moving towards Jigjiga from the east, and South. Africans are attacking frop the south.