INTO ACTION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20825, 2 July 1942, Page 4

INTO ACTION

DOMINION FORCES “A HECTIC DAY” VICIOUS NAZI ATTACKS MERCILESS RECEPTION (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.) WESTERN DESERT, July 1. Five vicious attacks by General Rommel’s 21st Panzer Division were flung back by the New Zealanders when formations from the New Zealand Division went into action near Mc-rsa Matruh on Saturday. Two infantry attacks were first launched by the Hun, who, finding himself hard hit and suffering heavy casualties, followed up with three successive .tank attacks. Even, then he failed to move the New Zealanders. who were in an excellent position on the high escarpment. After a hectic day, during which they hammered the enemy with 25p.oiinders and anti-tank guns, the New Zealanders withdrew on Saturday night in accordance with the general plan. They found themselves surrounded by Germans guns, inrt by hard hitting they crashed their way through. In the early hours of Sunday morning, the withdrawal was being carried out smoothly. Later in the day. the New Zealanders had taken up new prearranged positions. Last Friday, the New Zealanders had moved from the Mersa Matruh area to the high escarpment which runs east and west, south of Matruh township. This new area was completely occupied by the New Zealanders late pn Friday night, when the 'finishing touches were put .to .the defensive positions. When dawn came on Saturday, strong, enemy columns were seen moving north. They were identified as Genera] Rommel’s crack 21st Panzers. Terrific Fire-Power Quickly the enemy deployed and launched attack after attack throughout the day. These attacks were just what the New Zealanders had bepn waiting for. They were in position on the top of the escarpment and with terrific fire-power from the 25-pounders and anti-tank guns they hammered the plun mercilessly. Two infantry attacks were first launcned by the Hun on two New Zealand formations, one under the command of a Timaru brigadier and the other commanded by an Auckland solicitor, a lieutenant colonel. When the Hun failed to make the slightest impressiojri 'on .the fierce New Zealand defence he decided .to use his tanks in a straight-out .tank attack. Three separate attacks were launched from the east, south-east and southwest against formations commanded by a Timaru brigadier and a Rangiora brigadier. On every occasion, the tanks were driven back by the New Zealanders. When night fell, the New Zpalanders found themselves surrounded by German guns. If he New Zealanders were given instructions to withdraw. They decided t'hqt the best method was to crash a way through and, with a swift attack, they punched a gap in the Panzer cirple and withdraw. In the course of the day the New Zealand 25-po.unders crashed' at the enemy as his columns circled in bewildering moyemehts, presenting themselves ps perfect grtillery targets. Gefmap prisoners pastured by the New Zgalaride'rs 'feyeaEed' that their casualties werp heavy'- ’ The" fact that the Npw Zealanders were in the battle was a complete' sip-prise to them, they said. ' Casualties Not Heavy Unlike their formations in the Battle of Libya last November, when they fought as brigade groups supported by tsmks, 25-pounders, anti-tank, antiaircraft, and machineguns, the New Zealanders this time have been organised into what are described as “battle groups.” For obvious reasons, the dispositions of the New Zealanders cannot be described, but it can be said that the troops are better equipped than ever before. The Kiwis have had little training in the tactics now being used by the Eighth Army against General Rommel, but with the adaptability for which they won a reputation in the Middle East they have settled down to the new scheme pf attack and defence swiftly and efficiently. The action on Saturday was like the Sidi Rezegh battle eight months ago. Transport and headquarters had been shelled since the attack started against th,e formation to which I was attached. Our casualties were not heavy, but heavy damage was done to .the enemy column. Friday was marked by constant air force activity—flight;? of Bostons passing over the New Zealanders all' dlay—bpt on Saturday .there were only four fighters and some friendly planes seen. There were several enemy reconnaissance flights. Enemy bombers were operating at a low level for the two previous nights, but the New Zealand Bofors destroyed one and scored 14 hits o.n others.