HIGH N.Z. MORALE

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

HIGH N.Z. MORALE

DRIVE ALONG COAST DESPERATE AXIS UNITS BID TO STEM THRUST (Reed. Nov. 27, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 25. The Germans and Italians investing Tobruk left their entrenchments on Monday and moved eastwards along the escarpments in a desperate attempt to stem the New Zealanders’ advance along the coastal road, says the British United Press correspondent with the Bth army. As the German troop and transport columns race across the desert Royal Air Force bombers and fighters are roaring overhead and spraying men and machines with a deadly fire. British planes in waves of 50 to 100 maintained the offensive throughout Monday, landing long enough only to refuel and reload.

The New Zealanders’ morale is particularly high since the capture of Gambut.

Breakfast Provided

The British United Press correspondent in t Cairo, quoting a New Zealand war correspondent, says the Germans at Capuzzo were preparing breakfast when the New Zealanders captured the fort. The Germans fled and the meal was enjoyed by the New Zealanders. The capture of Capuzzo resulted from a brilliantly-conceived encircling movement. A brigadier on the previous night pushed close to Capuzzo - and paved the way for the final assault. The following force was prepared to crash through and force the victory, but this proved unnecessary. Capuzzo was gained without striking a blow. Meanwhile, other New Zealanders pushed forward to cut the road between Bardia and Tobruk. While the Maori Battalion occupied Bardia, a combined Indian and New Zealand attack was made against a big concentration of transports at Ghirba.