RETREATING AGAIN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20804, 6 June 1942, Page 3

RETREATING AGAIN

ROMMEL_ FORCES ALLIED SUCCESSES . "ALL IN GOOD HEART" (By Telegraph—Press A*an.—Copyright.) (Noon.) LONDON, June 5. The latest Cairo despatches indicate that General Rommel has abandoned his attempt to storm Bir Akheim and is attempting to escape westward, covered by a Panzer rearguard. The Axis retains formidable forces for the next stage of the Libyan battle. During the lull in the Battle of the Gap, the Gerfhans are bringing up reinforcements, while the Imperial forces are harassing, supply lines. British dynamiters are blowing up scores of damaged German tanks to prevent the Germans from’ recovering and repairing theip. The British forces recovered and rapidly repaired many of our ■ disabled tanks,' ■ An agency correspondent ’with the Eighth Army reports-i that' Wednesday whs a quiet day, both’ sides'occupying' the' same : positions as before! The only fighting was again in the neighbourhood of Bir Akheim, where Italian troops and German tanks and Stukas were again repulsed. It was clear that the Free French forces had shown : themselves worthy of General Ritchie’s telegram to their General Kowriig, saying: “You are an example to us all.” “Splendid Success” The Allied Commander-in-Chief in Au^ta^yafiSifcft'Thomas '•Blarii‘ey,-.v i ’haS: .'Gt|iiii;alf Claud6 AilcH-; iiileck:' “Warmest cofigratulations to General Ritchie and all ranks of the; Eighth Army on the splendid success. The Australian army has watched the' progress of the battle with the greatest interest and confidence.” General Auchinleck sent , a reply of thanks, adding: “The battle is not yet over, but all ranks are in great heart.” The Royal Air Force Middle East cormnunique states: “Our fighters were again in action over the Bir Akheim region yesterday. Enemy divebombers were intercepted on two occasions. Nine German planes were destroyed and one probably destroyed. Our aircraft also successfully attacked enemy motor transport vehicles and over 100 casualties were inflicted on enemy personnel.

“On Wednesday night our bombers raided the landing grounds at Tmimi and’ Dema and objectives in Catania. Torpedo-carrying planes located and attacked a large enemy merchantman escorted by destroyers and aircraft in the eastern Mediterranean. The ship was sunk and subsequently a hospital ship was observed rescuing survivors. “Six of our aircraft are missing, but two of the pilots are safe. Three pilots ..reported missing after a combat over Bir Akheim on Wednesday have returned to the base.”