GRIM BATTLE RAGES FOR EGYPT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20823, 30 June 1942, Page 3

GRIM BATTLE RAGES FOR EGYPT

BIGGEST YET FOUGHT IN DESERT ALLIED TROOPS LEAVE MERSA MATRUH PREVENTING HAVING FORCE ENCIRCLED (By Telegraph—Press Assn.— Copyright.) (Noon) . LONDON, June 29. ■m. Reports received from Cairo this evening state that the New Zealand Division which was brought back to Egypt from Syria has already taken part in the great battle raging ill the desert in the vicinity of Mersa Matruh. It is also confirmed from Cairo that the British forces have evacuated the town of Mersa Matruh, which the Germans aud Italians had previously claimed to have captured, it is pointed out in London that while the loss of the town was to be regretted .the main consideration had been to avoidJiavmg further forces cut off. South-west and south-east of Mersa Matruh yesterday the biggest battle ever fought in the desert took place and continued .throughout the night in tile light of the full moon. The desert between Mersa Matruh and Solium was further illuminated by the many fires started by the Allied bombing of enemy columns and supplies. A proclamation issued in Cairo asks Egyptians to keep close watch for landings of aeroplanes and the presence of suspicious strangers. An Ankara message states .that Turkish officials are,, regarding the situation in Egypt calmly. The certainty of an . eventual Allied victory is as strong as ever. It is pointed out that Turkey’s attitude dooms to failure any German hopes of obtaining bases in Turkey or a passage for troops. It is reported from Ankara that two German and one Italian motorised divisions are moving from Crete to Tobruk in a constant stream. Small craft and lighters have been brought to Tobruk and Sidi Barrani for landing supplies. Water barges have also been taken to Tobruk. It is considered that the destruction of the water supply there has given General Rommel a major problem.