DESPERATE FIGHTS BY TANKS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20624, 27 November 1941, Page 5

DESPERATE FIGHTS BY TANKS

CONFUSION IN WIDESPREAD CLASHES HEADQUARTERS CAUGHT IN FRONT LINE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Peed. Nov. 27, 11 a.m.) LONDON. Nov. 26. Reports from Cairo state that the Battle of Libya is still racing furiously with heavy losses on both sides resulting in a certain amount of reorganisation. The battle is possibly now reaching a fresh climax. ' It is estimated that there" are now more Italian than German tanks fit for action, says the Daily Telegraph’s Cairo correspondent. Italian tanks. 13-tonners, are not consideiec dangerous. ' While the British continue to hold Sidi Rezegh Axis forces pushed as far down as Sidi Muftah, eight miles south-south-east of Sidi Rezegh, where desperate tank engagements continued throughout the week-end. The force from Tobruk, which is five miles outside the Tobruk perimeter, is reported to lie “comfortable.” The plight of the Axis forces cut off as a result of the New Zealani push must now be serious if the New Zealanders retain their positions. Solium and . Halfaya Pass must shortly fall like ripe fruit. Illustrating the confused nature of the desert tank fighting a special correspondent of The Times in Libya tells how formations of American tanks, with a brigade headquarters supply column, were suddenly attacked near the Sidi Rezegh aerodrome by 80 German tanks. When spotted, the German tanks were mistaken for British and the first warning of the attack came from tracer shells and bullets flying among the headquarters trucks. An officer signalled the transport to scatter, which they did through a hail of artillery and tank shells and machine-gun bullets from the supporting German infantry. Most of the transport got away safely, leaving the artillery and tanks to fight the Germans until dark.