TUNISIA AND ITALY

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 April 1943, Page 5

TUNISIA AND ITALY

ALLIES’ BLITZ DEVELOPING

LUFTWAFFE’S WORST DAY

SCORES OF PLANES LOST

LONDON, April 6. Italy and Germany are now getting a foretaste of the tremendous aerial bombardment of which the Allied leaders warned them. The Allies, especially the British, are at last seeing the fulfilment of the promises of the wholesale blasting of the Axis countries which were made m the days when the Luftwaffe, except for British fighters, dominated the skies and even the Italians came west expecting to enjoy the bombing of London. Now, while British-based British and American bombers and fighters in a round-the-clock offensive are plastering an ever-growing list of German industrial and transport targets, U-boat construction depots and bases, American Flying Fortresses have struck the first blows against Italy from airfields in North-west Africa, and there is further development of the R.A.F- offensive from Malta and other air bases. The British and American air forces are thus converging against the European strongholds for the forthcoming terrific blitz which every nerve has been strained to inaugurate and maintain, and in which they are challenging the Luftwaffe to a decisive combat intended to “soften” the enemy as a prelude to an eventual counter-stroke by land. The British and Americans are not only attacking Italian ports and vital sea communication lines essential lor supplying Tunisia, but are also striking heavily against the Luftwaffe which, despatches from Allied Headquarters in North Africa emphasise, had yesterday its worst day since the Battle of Britain. Luftwaffe planes on the ground wore blasted when nearly 300 were caught on acre dromes in Tunisia and Sicily, and scores were left smok’ug and shuttered alter incessant, day-long attacks. Luftwaffe transport planes—sitting birds for modern fighters—were shot down in the Mediterranean, leaving a

TRAIL OF BLAZING POOLS

Luftwaffe machines were also blasted over Tunisia. It is conservatively estimated that the Axis lost at mast 100 planes —and possibly many more —in 24 hours, compared with .186 on the famous Sunday over Britain in September. 1940. Amazing numbers of Axis planes were discovered parked on three Sicilian aerodromes, 100 at Bocadodifalco, 80 large planes at Mino, and 100 fighters, transports and bombers at Borizzo, suggesting that Kesselring, the Axis Air Chief in the Mediterranean, had carried out a major concentration designed to offset the Allied air superiority in the coming battle for Tunisia. Concentrations of 100 aircraft at one airfield within the Allied bombers’ range are very contrary to German custom. However, they were made at aerodromes which are not usually used as large bases, and Kesselring probably banked on their escaping the Allied reconnaissance.

The British United Press correspondent at Allied Headquarters states that the Luftwaffe is already extended in the Mediterranean and cannot stand such losses. The Germans are trying to lie low and build up their strength, but henceforth they must come up fighting. If they stay on the ground they will be smashed. It is remarkable that so few fighters are apparently available for incredibly vital points. Flying Fortresses dropped stick after stick of bombs straddling 50 to 70 aircraft at Bocadodii’alco. Pilots are confident that they put out of action a large number of planes. Buildings were also hit and were seen burning when the Fortresses were 60 miles away returning to their base. Enemy fighters, without avail, tried to intercept the Fortresses. Two German fighters and one Italian were shot down.

Mitchells, escorted by Lightnings, re-enacted the scene at Borizzo, bombs falling in rows among grounded aircraft and aerodrome buildings . Six German and two Italian fighters were shot down when they came up. More Fortresses attacked Mino, where pilots reported at least 30 Axis planes destroyed. Commenting on the possibility ol greater damage, the British United Press correspondent says that nothing is harder to estimate than the damage done to aircraft on the ground, as a shell fragment tearing a vital spot might be as effective as 11 the plane were burning or a wing blown off. Scores of Axis aircraft were found thus put out of action in Libya during the Eighth Army’s advance. , , The shooting down of 18 Junkers transports is the most spectacular’ combat in the Tunisian air war. Lightnings were patrolling when They spotted a strongly-escorted formation 45 miles from the coast. Twentyfive minutes later there were _ 18 flaming patches of water. Explosions suggested that the transports were flying petrol tankers taking fuel to Tunisia for the Luftwaffe.

SHIPPING LOSSES

Lightnings which shot down six Stukas and seven fighters of the transports’ escort, had a full day. They escorted Mitchells, which caught the Axis sea convoy in the Sicilian Straits. Bombers diving thorugh intense ack-ack sank a destroyer and set fire to three supply ships and two barges. The Allies’ air forces, flying a record number of 1000 sorties in the daytime, also intensively attacked Tunisian airfields at Alsauconniere, Eldjem, Sidi Ahmed, and El Ouina, shooting down eighteen fighters. The Allied losses were only twelve. These encouraging results were achieved in addition to raids on SL'ax and Palermo, which were much damaged. Commenting on General Eisenhower’s communique, which for the first time mentions strategic tactical air forces, the “Daily Express’s” military writer says: Long-term strategic strategy is a softening-up process preparatory to an Allied attack against the mainland. That is why the Sicilian airfields are paid deadly attention. For an invasion of Southern Europe, air superiority is insufficient. It is essential to secure air mastery, which is why we are trying to break up the Italian airfields deep in the rear of Tunisia.

RAIDS ON NAPLES

LONDON, April 6. Sunday afternoon’s heavy raid on Naples by 100 Flying Fortresses from North Africa was followed at dusk by another raid from Middle East bases. A communique says direct hits were scored on two of the harbour moles. In another raid, on Palermo, hits were scored on military- buildings in the city area. All the Allied aircraft returned safely. The Flying Fortress raid was the heaviest Naples has yet experienced, states a report from North Africa. Although they had no fighter escort, all the bombers returned. One pilot said that it was almost a sight-seeing trip.

LAND OPERATIONS.

EIGHTH ARMY ATTACKS

RUGBY, April 6.

It is announced from North Africa that the British Bth Army attacked in Wadi Akarit at 4.30 this morning'. The first objectives were captured, and the attack is proceeding according to plan.

ROMMEL’S TACTICS

(Recd. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 6. A correspondent cabling from the Eighth Army Headquarters states that the drive started on a line northward of Oudref and Gabes before the Wadi Akarit, which is a deep natural barIrier affording excellent defensive positions. Rommel is apparently withdrawing his panzers from the Gabes Gap, without awaiting General Montgomery’s expected blow. Reuter’s correspondent with the Fifth Army says that large Axis forces were sighted at dusk, yesterday, moving from the area of the Gabes Gap, after putting up a smokescreen in front of the American positions along the main road to Gabes. The Germans were inactive this morning. American patrols on the El Guettar front, to-day, contacted the enemy at only one point. If the report is correct that Rommel is again exploiting delaying tactics, forcing the Eighth Army to make full preparations for an attack and then retreating the Germans are presumably aiming further to concentrate their strength before accepting battle. The British United Press . reports that east of El Guettar American infantry advanced five ini les along the road meeting little resistance. Patrols on the south side of the Gabes road met light rearguard opposition Heavy enemy traffic was observed withdrawing north-eastward. A large German tank concentration near Djebel Berda was bombed. yesterday, after which it withdrew. The “Exchange Telegraph’s’ military correspondent says that tne events in Tunisia seem to indicate that it would be unwise to expect a quick ending campaign and it also appears that it is foolish to talk now about an Axis “Dunkirk. It must not be forgotten that the Axis is still holding on grimly and haid. The enemy forces probably include the German Army’s best troops and the country in front of us is extremely difficult.

NORTHERN FRONT

LONDON, April 6

There is chiefly patrol activity on the northern sectors although, according to the Algiers }he Ist Army has “advanced beyond Cap Serrat without meeting seri °u s . Af,' sistance.” There has been considerable artillery fire on the Mejez el Bab front, where enemy troops and trans port suffered heavily. Better weaffio has made possible an increase on Allied air activity resulting in many air combats. . , “The Ist Army’s recent advances in mountainous north Tunisia, with mist and rain hampering the use of heavy armour, promise well loi ine future,” says the correspondent ot the “Daily Telegraph at Allied headquarters. “Lieutenant-Genet al Anderson held north Tunisia loi nearly three months with a sketchy force of men and material under the roughest conditions, wncn the were daily baling out tneir dug-ou . and emplacements. To-oay the post lion is altered. Heavy rain has ceased. General Anderson has been strongly reinforced by troops and tanks ana has also received the French Kin Corps, which has been under instruction for the last two months in the use of armour, equipment, and weapons supplied from me Allied pool.”

BRITISH NAVAL ACTIVITY

(Rec. 1 p.m.) LONDONi A pril (J

There is at present great activity at Gibraltar. The Tangier correspondent of the “Daily Express repot u that a great British battle i.eet le.c Gibraltar for an unknown destination in the Mediterranean. fine fleet included three battleships, Rodney and Malaya, three anci«ltcarriers, 35 destroyers and coryeties. 26 motor torpedo-boats, and sMiai submarines. ' The correspondent adds that convoys are entering and leaving Gibraltar almost daily. Concentrations of more than 100 merchantmen and warships are now Irequent.

CAMPAIGN’S DURATION

. LONDON. April 6. z The Tunisian front .is for the mosi part quiet. French lorces nave advanced east ol Cap Seiic.t, < American forces are fortifying Positions in the hills east of El Gueum. No action is reported from, the otn Army’s front. . Informed American milnary chcics are inclined to believe that tne Tunisian campaign will last anyw/neie from six weeks to four monms oi longer, dependent on Axis strategy. The Washington corresponcient or. the “New York Times” says: Il Marshal Rommel decides to attempt to evacuate his troops to Sicily, ana tne Allied campaign goes well in Noru. Africa the war in this theatre Jp 1 ?-; 1 , 1 conceivably end in six or qigm. On the contrary, if the .Allies gew all the bad breaks and Marsnal Rommel makes a last-ditch stand, tne campaign might draw out io z.ugust. Observers are expecting a hare lignt, but there are no signs ol undue pessimism.”

FAMINE IN TUNIS

NEW YORK. April 6. “A near famine exists in the city ol' Tunis. The civilian population ol Bizerta has been evacuated to suburban and resort districts, according to an eye-witness who has arrived at North African headquarters,” says the “New York Times” correspondent, Cyrus Sulzberger. “No meat has been available in Tunis since January. Bread is rationed to 180 grammes a day, and there are long queues constantly at food shops. The Germans have taken over big hotels and establishments, and strict guards prevent anyone from approaching them. After a brief moment of triumph when the Axis troops arrived the enthusiasm of the Italian population vastly diminished and is now replaced by long faces and pessimism.- The Axis wounded are so numerous that civilian hospitals are handling the overflow.”

DE GAULLE AND GIRAUD

NEW YORK, April 6. The-Washington correspondent oi the “New York Times” says: “Responsible observers believe that the postponement of General de Gaulle’s visit to North Africa has arisen from a British decision not to request from General Eisenhower any move which might be associated with Mr Eden’s return to London. It was hinted earlier that one of the immediate results of Mr Eden’s Washington con-

ferences would probably be a change in the British policy towards General de Gaulle, bringing it in line with American policy of opposing the central French authority that General oe Gaulle desires. The American view is that General de Gaulle and General Giraud should unite their forces in the purely military' sphere, and teat the time has not yet come to create a French provisional government. First, because there are apparently si ill political differences between General Giraud and General de Gauile. and second, because recent events ntrye shown that if there is political unity both General Giraud and General de Gaulle will be ambitious for leadership.”

EDEN-DE GAULLE TALK

RUGBY, April 6. The Foreign Secretary (Mr. Eden) received General De Gaulle to-day and it is assumed informed him of what took place during his visit to North America and particularly what concerns the future of France. Much progress has been made in the last few weeks towards unity between the various Frenchmen fighting the enemy. General De Gaulle’s representative at Algiers (Admiral Catroux) has been in close consultation with General Giraud. It is understood that the reasons given by General Eisenhower for preferring to postpone General De Gaulle's' visit to North Africa were concerned with the necessity of concentrating on the impending largescale Allied operations in that theatre of war. It is pointed out in London that his decision, like all steps taken by him as Allied Commander-in-Chief, was made afte>’ consultation with Britain.