British Defence Unpierced

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 22, 27 January 1942, Page 5

British Defence Unpierced

Fluctuating Desert Battle GERMANS’ STRONG AIR SUPPORT United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph-Copyright. RUGBY, Jan. 25. It is reported from Cairo that the Libyan battle is being continued with renewed vigour and fluctuating fortunes, but that Rommel, the Axis commander, is unable to pierce the British defence of tanks splendidly supported by field guns and 25-pounders. There lias been hardly any change from tho scene of the battle of the previous day, which still runs south-east of Antelat to Saunnu, and where Guards and colonial troops are believed to be engaged with one of the enemy’s columns. One report states that the battle is not on such a large scale as that at Sidi Rezegh or the others which wore fought at the beginning of the British offensive, but it has been marked by the substantial air support given the German tanks and artillery. Having reoccupied Jedabya, from which the British light forces have withdrawn, Rommel’s forces, according to press messages from Cairo, are now engaged with the main British forces, including tanks and artillery in a 40-mile based triangle on the desert “invasion” road, which leads to Mekili. The main British forces had been concentrated in tho area from Jedabya to Antelat and to the east, south and north.

The initial penetration reached only British forward patrols, including some armoured cars, Ini'antry and artillery. The main British forces never reached Jedabaya. Flat country spreads before Rommel eastward and northward of Jedabaya, suitable for tanks. A Cairo communique states: “It is now established that during one phase of the fighting on January 23, at least five enemy tanks were destroyed. On the following day, confused fighting took place over a considerable area to the south and south-east' of Antelat. Soutli-west of Saunnu, a group of gnemy tanks were attacked during tho morning by our artillery and infantry and was dispersed. ‘ ‘ Enemy transport and tanks on the track from Jedabaya to Antelat were successfully attacked by our aircraft. Several vehicles were destroyed, and fires were started.”