Rommel Continues to Retreat

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 50, 1 March 1943, Page 5

Rommel Continues to Retreat

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) Received Sunday, 8 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 27. The Germans have begun a series of probing thrusts against the British line in North Tunisia, one in the direction of Goubellat and the other .against Bonrada. Both are aimed at cutting the roads running to the British rear. A third thrust was made farther north near Sidinsir. The Associated American Press correspondent says that, after the occupation of Kasserine, the Allies advanced in the direction of Thelpte airfield, 15 miles southwest, where the Germans are cariying out demolitions. Reviewing Rommel’s defeat at the Kasserine Gap, the New York Times’ correspondent in North Africa says British Tommies and American Doughboys were fighting in close co-operation which has been the battle’s happiest and most significant feature. They scrambled up the mountains of the Kasserine Pass, chucking out the enemy at the point of the bayonet, while farther north the British forces held off three German attacks around Sbiba, after which the British pursued the foe from 10 to 15 miles.

Alarmed by General Montgomery’s approach and by heavy losses of men and material, Rommel is now desperately attempting to save the bulk of his men for battles in which he will face not only the Eighth Army but also the First Army which is now blooded in battle and eager for revenge. The terrain over which the Allies have advanced is littered with damaged vehicles and wrecked tanks and dotted with German and Italian bodies. The correspondent expresses the opinion that Rommel will continue to retreat until he has reached a position west of Faid.