PRESSING ITALIANS

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

PRESSING ITALIANS

ETHIOPIAN POSTS FURTHER CAPTURES ADVANCE BY PATRIOTS (Elec. Tel. Copyright,—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. noon. RUGBY, Nov. 25. A Nairobi communique states: “In the south-west sector of Abyssinia our forward columns continued to advance and captured Tadda, only seven miles from Gondar. Our artillery is shelling enemy positions from the aerodrome at Azozo. “In the north Patriots from Om Ager, after two days of fighting, captured an enemy post, the whole garrison of 100 being either killed or captured. The Patriots occupied a camp in which 40 prisoners were taken. “In other sectors operations are proceeding favourably. “Through the vigilance of a South African Air Force pilot and his gunner a well-camouflaged camp and a large mobile Italian force, probably under the command of Colonel Torrelli, was observed on a hill near Azozo, south of Gondar, on Monday motning. The South African Air Force immediately bombed and machine-gunned the enemy, who had not had time to dig in. Many direct hits were observed. In the afternoon trenches were observed. They had been dug with great rapidity as a result of the morning’s attack.” Reduced Garrison British forces advancing on Gondar from the north-west have luring the past week cut the road from Debra Tabor at Zagagi, 15 miles from Gondar. It is now known that the garrison of Feraber, which surrendered on November 21, consisted of 3 600 whites and 700 natives.

It is believed that the garrison in the whole Gondar area is now reduced to between 12,000 and 13,000. In the west a column has carried out a strong raid on lomariam, southwest of Chelga, causing heavy casualties and encountering strong opposition. It is believed that this attack drew strong reinforcements from Gondar and these have now been contained in the lomariam area.