NORTH AFRICA

Grey River Argus, 18 March 1942, Page 6

NORTH AFRICA

British Estimates

BATTLE NOT IMMINENT-

LONDON March 16.

Increased patror activity, both on the ground and in the air in Libya, does not lead informed opinion Here to conclude that fighting is necessarily on the point of “boiling up. ’ The Germans have probably been receiving more reinforcements, both land troops and planes. The weather, too, is better. The recent capture of several Italian posts in southern Libya by the Free French is not regarded as of general significance to the African operations. The Free French saw the opportunity to reduce these posts. They took it, aiid did the job well. _ .. Marshal Rommel’s army m Libya nas been blunted against our Gazala line. Rommel has massed forces in Jebel Akhdar region, while the British main line runs southwards from Gazafa. Both sides are resting after the gruelling fighting last month, and are busily building up their strength. The British are in a mucn better position to bring up supplies and reinforcements, because they have the advantage of shorter lines of communication and a desert railhead. This railhead is important, and New Zealand-Indian construction companies are 'working hard to extend it. Rommel on the other hand has long exposed lines of communication, which are constantly harassed by our Air Forces.

. Although the two main armies have remained quiet, there has been daily patrol activity wherein we had decidedly the better of it. In the desert around Mekili, there have been lively artillery duels. Air operations have been on an extensive scale with the balance well in the R.A.F.’s favour A British Middle East communique states: In engagements on March 14 between our columns and enemy light forces, our troops destroyed at least one tank and two lorries, anil captured some prisoners. Enemy airmen attacked our ground troops Our air force provided support and intercepted th e enemy on several occasions. Our patrols were active in observing enemy movements and concentrations.

The R.A.F. Middle East communique states: Offensive operations bv our bombers and fighters In Cyrenaica were maintained throughout yesterday. In a raid on an enemy aerodrome at Martuba, at least five aircraft were destroyed on the ground. In the course of several aerial combats that developed, one ME 109 was shot down and others severely damaged. Objectives in Maritza Calato, in the island of Rhodesand at Heraklion in Crete were attacked bv our bomber aircraft on Saturday night. One of our aircraft is missing, but the pilot is safe.