STEADY MOPPING UP

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20635, 10 December 1941, Page 5

STEADY MOPPING UP

DOMINION COLUMNS TOBRUK AND BARDIA (From the Official War Correspondent with the N.Z.E.F.) (Reed. Dec. 10, 10.30 a.m.) CAIRO, Dec. 8. Sections of the New Zealand forces are still fighting in various areas. Part of our force is at Tobruk, where it is engaged on the new outer perimeter, and others in the Bardia sector, where mobile columns are operating. It is said that several determined enemy attacks have been beaten off by the New Zealanders in the Tobruk circle and heavy casualties have been inflicted on the enemy. Artillery is engaged and is using some of the weapons and material captured from the Germans, and the high standard of New Zealand artillery is again emphasised. The Bardia-Tobruk area appears to be clear of the enemy, and no Germans have been seen on the inter- - mediate roads during the last 24 hours. The New Zealand dressing station which was captured by the Germans at Sidi Rezegh has been found and the wounded are being evacuated. The artillery has also recovered some guns from this area.

The main occupation of the New Zealanders at present, apart from the force of Tobruk, is clearing the northern sector, where many prisoners have been taken and much material captured. This is particularly so in the Gnmbut area, which place the New Zealanders took in the first days of the lighting. The enemy had petrol, food ammunition and stores hidden in many wadis, and these are proving useful to "our forces.