TOBRUK BATTLE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20625, 28 November 1941, Page 5

TOBRUK BATTLE

LEAD BY N.2. UNITS VIGOUR AND SPEED AFRICANS ON FLANK (From the Official War Correspondent with the N.Z.E.F.) (Reed. Nov. 28, noon.) CAIRO, Nov. 26. With New Zealanders as the spearhead of the attack the battle near Tobruk is now being fiercely fought. .South Africans are fighting side by side with the New Zealanders. Launched with vigour and speed this morning the attack is one of many phases. At midday to-day Imperial troops had the Germans on the run in the area south-east of Tobruk, only a few miles from the outer perimeter of the Tobruk defences. The New Zealanders and South Africans are driving onward from an area about 20 miles south-east of the town. Further east a big tank battle is in progress. Down on the border south-west of Solium, the Indians have captured

Libyan Omar on the border wire fortifications. A very large number ‘ of prisoners were captured in and around Liyban Omar. Capuzzo is held by New Zealanders. The battle near Tobruk now rages Troops coming down out of the Tobruk defences harass the Germans from the north and the New Zealanders from the south. The South Africans are driving northwards and north-eastwards.

Much will depend on the battle of tanks which is being fought about 20 miles due west of Bardia with fine air support from great flights of Royal Air Force bombers and desperately determined fighting on the part of our troops. The New Zealanders are confident that they will make history. There is great optimism amongst the New Zealand division.