DESERT ADVANCE

Grey River Argus, 13 December 1940, Page 7

DESERT ADVANCE

SIN BARRANI TAKEN PRISONERS NOW 6000 Free French Co-operate 'AIR ASCENDANCY INDICATED. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, December 11. The capture of Sidi Barrani, and a large number of prisoners, including three generals, is announced in 'The communique states: Advanced headquarters in Cairo. a communique issued by general elements of our mechanised units, pushing on westwards, made considerable additional captures. As our troops move over the desert, they are continually coming against pockets where the Italians are holding out stoutly. These are being systematically mopped up by fast, light tanks.

A further official Cairo communique states: Operations are progressing satisfactorily in the Western Desert, where over 6,000 Italian prisoners are now reported to have been captured, with quantities of war material not yet sorted. Active patrolling continues on the Sudan frontier. There is no change on the other fronts. British planes continue to support intensively the infantry thrust in the Western desert theatre “Throughout the whole of Tuesday and the previous night,” states, a communique, “R.A.F. aircraft continued the bombardment of all Italian aerodromes in the Libyan desert. In addition to enemy camps, troop concentrations and motor transport were repeatedly attacked, in support of the army operations. During yesterday, five CR42’s and one R 037 were definitely shot down, while three other CR42’s were seen to go down out of control. Four confirmed and two unconfirmed of these enemy aircraft went to the credit of a squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force. In addition, a number of enemy aircraft were destroyed at the El Adem aerodrome, as a result of a particularly heavj r raid, last night. High-explosive bombs set fire to several hangars and smaller buildings, and direct hits were also registered on dispersed aircraft, a number of which were seen to explode. Fires started were visible at a distance of 60 miles as the last aircraft approached'the target. In the Bardia-Sollum area, last night, many bombs were dropped on motor transport concentrations and the retreating enemy troops. At Sofofi, during the day, the enemy camp was heavily bombed. Aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm, co-) operating with the R.A.F., attacked the barracks at Bardia and the escarpment road at Solium, while Otter aircraft bombed the landing ground. One enemy aircraft on the ground at Gazala was destroyed, bringing the total to 10, without reckoning an unknown number destroyed or badly damaged. During these continuous air operations, only one of our dircraft failed to return.

A communique on the operations against the Italians in Egypt, issued by General de Gaulle’s headquarters, states: In the district of Sid'i Barrani, advance units of French troops are taking part in the successful offensive of our British Allies. We have taken a number of prisoners and war material. The First Battalion of Marines, Which is fighting in Egypt has oeen specially mentioned in an Army Order by General de Gaulle. On the frontier of Chad and Libya, Free French forces completely occupied the zone of French territory, which should have been evacuated under the armistice terms, north of the line of Fayafada. The desert resounded to the roar of gunfire and plane engines, as the British advance continued without respite. The sky over the battlefield is described as being filled with British planes. Italian aircraft are often seen, but they hesitate to give battle. The R.A.f. are- masters or the air, and since the operations began, have been relentlessly hammering enemy bases and transport concentration:,. Waves of bombers, With powerful escorts, are being used. Every Italian aerodrome is row fair game for the R.A.F. Air Commodore Raymon'd Collishaw, a Canadian ace in the' last war, commands the R.A.F. squadrons engaged. There is a large force of Italians in danger of being cut off, if the British hold their ground. At Bugbug, the fighting is still in the preliminary stage. The leading Athens newspaper, “Estia,” says: The Greeks, from the bottom of their hearts, hope that the valiant soldiers of the British Empire in Libya will teach a good lesson to the troops who are the last hope of Fascism. 'The Greeks, knowing the bravery of the British, feel sure of a British victory.

Italian Reports BRITISH ADVANCE STOPPED. LONDON, December 11. An Italian communique admits violent British attacks in the Western desert on December 9/10. General Maletti was killed, at the head of his Libyan troops. ROME, December 11. A communique claims that the Blackshirt Division has brought to a standstill the British advance in Libya, inflicting the severest casualties. Bitter feeling is still raging. NAVY'S OPERATIONS. (Received December 12, 9.20 p.m.) CAIRO, December 11. British naval forces are harassing enemy forces retreating along the coast and also bombarding enemy columns round Solium. LOSS OF ITALIAN LEADERS. (Received December 12, 7.55 p.m.) LONDON, December 11. Since Friday last, three Italian Generals have resigned. Three more have been captured and three killed, -while two Admirals have resigned.