BRITISH TANKS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20625, 28 November 1941, Page 7

BRITISH TANKS

LIBYAN DESERT RELENTLESS ATTACKS SEA AND AIR WARFARE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 27, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 26, It is understood in Cairo that the second great British tank offensive has begun, says the Daily Express correspondent. The British are reported to be making a new wide encircling movement westward around General Rommel’s remaining groups in the Sidi Rezegh area in order to outflank and cut off tl*e enemy from the bases at Gazala and Derna. The military correspondent of The Times describes the German movements across the frontier as extremely bold. “The enemy, rhay consider the column has executed its task if it causes some confusion to our communications even if it is destroyed in the process,” states the correspondent. The extent to which the, relentless naval, and air attacks , during the past months on the Axis sea routes between Italy and Libya are now bearing fruit was discussed in naval quarters in London to-day, . The enemy is prevented from bringing across all reinforcements, and supplies while the crucial battle is in progress.

Imperial Sea Routes Open

“In the week since the British attack Started we have, in, addition to sinking seven supjfly ships, set fire to a schooner, and probably sunk a cruiser and. a destroyer,” said a spokesman. “On the other hand, much longer Imperial routes remain open.

“Nearly every man of the Imperial forces taking part has travelled to the Middle East by sea. Though some aircraft have been flown to the theatre of war all their ground staffs and equipment have gone by sea.

“In addition the Navy has assured supplies to the Tobruk garrison for many months under constant heavy bombing from the Axis bqses in Crete and has also relieved the troops of the garrison and brought tanks into the fortress. The navy is now assisting the land operations by bombardment of the coast.” Large, quantities of Axis petrol went up in smoke from, blazing tankers or gushed from bullet-riddled containers, in.. the Cyrenaican desert after a. low-flying raid by the Royal Air .Force on Monday. The Air Ministry . news , service i describes how bombers searched great, stretches of roads leading east and west fof enemy transports; carrying fuel and stores along 1,000 miles of communications. Tremendous havoc was wrought by bombers which attacked a long convoy of lorries, many of which were severely damaged 1/y bombs and machine-gun fire. Two tankers blew up with tremendous sheets of flame.

On Monday night a strong formation of bombers carried out another destructive raid on Benghazi.