MAIN AXES ARMY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 21, 23 December 1942, Page 5

MAIN AXES ARMY

FAR AHEAD OF REARGUARDS. LONDON, Dec. 21. Rommel’s army has already reached the vicinity of Alisurata, about 320 miles west of El Agheila, and certain reconnaissance units have proceeded even further west, says the Morocco radio. The Axis forces have now drawrn out at least 160 miles from their rearguards, along which distance they have been subjected to Allied air attacks. Unofficial reports suggest that Rommel is planning some kind of stand at Bucrat, where the country is difficult on both sides of the road, ■says Reuter’s Cairo correspondent. The fact that Allied fighter-bombers attacked targets at Buerat on two successive nights supports this suggestion. General Montgomery’s men are keeping in close contact and maintaining the remarkable progress of 12 miles a day. in spite of the obstacle of mines. Allied troops who penetrated beyond Sultan, 30 miles east of girte, include New Zealanders. It is not known whether they are some who participated in the desert sweep ending across the coast road at W adi Matratin, but it appeal’s likely that the}’ were switched westward because they were the most forward troops in the field. German transports are still pouring along the Sirte-Buerat road, which was strafed by Allied bombers. Reuter’s special correspondent with the Eighth Army at an aerodrome inside Tripolitania says that never in Libya have the R.A.F. and Allied air forces been so close on the heels of General Montgomery’s forces. Operating from landing grounds in areas over which the pursuing army had passed but a few hours previously and where sappers were still busy clearing enemy mines, British and American airmen are continually harassing the enemy.