AREA OF 1600 SQUARE MILES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20629, 3 December 1941, Page 5

AREA OF 1600 SQUARE MILES

CENTRE CHANGING ALMOST DAILY

BRITISH DIVIDING FORCES OF AXIS

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 3, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 2

The situation in the main area of the Libyan battle, roughly contained in the triangle bounded by Sidi Kczcgh, Bir el Hamid and El Duda, is very confused. According to informed circles in London it appears that the British counterattack to iron out the German penetration at Sidi Rezegh was only tcmporai’ily successful and hard fighting is going on. In the frontier area the British attack on positions at Libyan Omar—one of three places named 'Omar in this part of the country—met with determined resistance. The British troops made some progress, but the present position is not known. To-day’s Middle East communique states: “In this fluid battle which has ranged on the main front with local fluctuations over an area of some 1600 square miles since November 90, the centre of gravity has altered almost daily as our and the enemy’s tank concentrations have massed for attack and counter-attack.

“Yesterday the enemy threw into the battle all the available armour on a comparatively narrow front. Very heavy fighting throughout the day in the area of Sidi Rezegh and Bir el Earned resulted in a junction between the German forces which advanced from the south and south-west with those originally disposed about Zarran. In the frontier area operations for the elimination of centres of resistance are continuing. Support by Air Force “During yesterday’s battle our air force again closely supported our ground troops by continuous attacks on enemy armoured vehicles and mechanised transport about and cast of Sidi Rezegh. Many direct hits were obtained.” The Daily Telegraph’s correspondent at Libyan headquarters says ,t-he losses in men and material continue in our favour. This is becoming more marked as further heavy armoured reinforcements are being thrown into the fray. The Allies also are benefiting from the display of individuality which has-always distinguished the Briton from the Teuton. One Panzer prisoner paid a tribute to the Tobruk defenders and to the effectiveness of the British bombers. As far as can be ascertained Genera 1 Rommel’s divisions are being more and more split up into what might be described as commandos. Like small British units they arc frequently out of touch with one another, but carry on lone ventures impeding and damaging the enemy wherever possible.