BATTLE OF LIBYA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20624, 27 November 1941, Page 6

BATTLE OF LIBYA

UNITS REINFORCED TANKS AND INFANTRY (Elec. Tel. Copyright-—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 27, 1.40 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 2G. The military spokesman in Cairo said that the New Zealanders’ advance to Sidi Rezegh was slowed down as a result of finding a number of enemy pockets consisting ol' lorryborne infantry which they mopped up. As a result of fierce counter-attacks the Germans to-day were not so closely encircled as they were four or five days ago, but this was of little importance. “The present position offers an equally-good opportunity to destroy the German armoured forces as previously,” he said. “The British reinforcements include tanks and infantry. The Germans are desperately trying to bring up reinforcements. “Mainly as a result of their speed American tanks suffered the lowest proportion of knock-out casualties. Destroy the enemy tanks was the order given to everybody in,the field and all are now following it. The battle will be won by persuing this objective, but hard fighting is ahead. Seven Supply Ships Sunk

It is authoritatively stated in London that naval forces have sunk seven enemy supply ships or troopcarriers since the Battle of Libya began. The Dominion navies contributed ships to escorts which safely shepherded British supplies for the campaign. The supplies placed : a tremendous strain on (the British naval resources. Long hauls round Capetown from places as far off as New Zealand and Australia were included.

The German diversionary force is falling back westwards under the pressure of our mobile columns, reports the Daily Telegraph’s Cairo correspondent. Although the action also menaced the southern flank of our forces lying opposite the German coastal positions, it was primarily intended to draw off the British forces from Sidi Rezegh. The column failed to do this as a result of the disposition of the British forces. General Rommel’s tanks had no time, even if they so desired, to return for a new Sidi Rezegh battle. A German communique states: “Counter-attacks in North Africa are bringing further successes. Positions on the Solium front are being held, despite enemy attacks. We frustrated fresh attempts to break out of Tobruk.”