MOBILE

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

MOBILE

LINES UNCERTAIN BRITISH REINFORCED VARIATION IN TACTICS (11.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 29. The most recent cables from Cairo correspondents indicate that the latest dispositions in Egypt are the Twentyfirst Panzer Division and the Ninetieth Light Division, operating northwards of the plateau 10 miles south-west-wards of Mersa Matruh, and the Fifteenth Panzer Division in action at Hamza, 20 miles southwards of Mersa Matruh, where the largest scale fighting is reported to be going on. All engagements still consist of mobile affrays between tanks, armoured cars and mounted guns. Infantry has not yet been in action, although both sides have big forces ready. An agency correspondent in the Western Desert reports that the Eighth Army, with its right flank at Mersa Matruh, yesterday was fighting a terrific battle against strong enemy r armoured forces. The fighting extended from the coast across the railway and the .road to some 20 miles to the southward. While this, the principal, battle went on many British troops were operating behind the enemy. According to the correspondent, the main British armoured units, which have been considerably reinforced, had not then been engaged. The enemy was evidently making a strong effort to capture Mersa Matruh. To the south an Italian armoured division and infantry were making a great effort to cut the road and railway. Where Strategy Counts The correspondent adds that the aspect of desert war had completely changed in the last two weeks. “It is open war, where strategy counts as much as arms, and anti-tank guns are supreme,” he says. “With such fluid fighting, no one can say what line will be held.” A Cairo headquarters communique stated that heavy fighting between mobile and armoured units continued yesterday over a very large area south-westwards and south-eastwards of Mersa Matruh. / No details were available. The Royal Air Force Middle East communique stated that enemy concentrations, motor transport and tanks 'were heavily attacked throughout Saturday and Sunday nights by our bombers. Between Mersa Matruh and Solium numerous large fires, m'any of them obviously petrol, were caused. Yesterday, our fighters continued to carry out variable reconnaissance patrols, as well as providing protective cover over the battle area. Malta was raided on Saturday night, but the damage was only slight. Eight of our aircraft are missing from all operations.