Axis Convoy Meets Disaster

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 57, 9 March 1943, Page 5

Axis Convoy Meets Disaster

United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Tuesday, 1 a.m. LONDON, March 8. The latest communique from North Africa states that the Eighth Army has forced Rommel to withdraw north and north-west of Medenine. Thirty-three Axis tanks were destroyed in their attack against Montgomery’s forces without the loss of a single British tank. While the enemy was moving back into the hills R.A.F. bombers mercilessly strafed the retreating columns hour after hour. Nine Axis planes were shot down and many more probably destroyed or damaged. “There is no doubt,” says a correspondent, “that the first round of the battle is ours, but plenty of fighting is ahead of us.” The Algiers radio says the Axis forces are reported to have lost 45 tanks and 4000 killed, wounded or captured in their attacks against the Eighth Army. The German News Agency claims that Axis forces in Tunisia in a surprise thrust captured Cap Serat. Reuter’s military correspondent points out that the loss of Cap Serat, which has not yet been officially announced, would be natural. The First Army is most likely to fall back in this sector conjointly with the withdrawal from Sedjenane. An Axis convoy crossing from Italy to Tunisia was savagely pounded by Allied planes and six ships were either sunk of set on fire. Squadrons of Mitchell bombers escorted by fighters opened the attacks on the convoy which was escorted by warships and protected by an air umbrella. One supply ship was sunk and two others set on fire. A second wave of British bombers took up the attack and three more ships were hit. One of them blew up and the other two were left in flames. Six of the escorting enemy planes were destroyed.