Capture 24,000 Italians In Past Week

Northern Advocate, 24 May 1941, Page 5

Capture 24,000 Italians In Past Week

LONDON, May 23

In the Gondar area of Abyssinia units of the Sudan defence force are closely engaged with the enemy in the vicinity of Chilga. So far over 3000 Italian prisoners have been captured in this district.

In the battle of the lakes, oper : ations are proceeding satisfactorily against two enemy divisions, which have now been trapped between forces advancing from the north and south. West of Sciasciamanna British troops successfully attacked the main enemy positions. Counter-Attack Repulsed

An, Italian counter-attack was repulsed with tanks. Considerable damage was inflicted by artillery on the retreating enemy. In this action the enemy left over 100 dead in the field. Captures included 600 prisoners, 10 guns and five medium tanks. British casualties were small. Further south British advance guards overwhelmed a complete rearguard consisting of a brigade headquarters and three colonial battalions. Captures in this area so far amount to 4400 prisoners, of whom a large proportion are Italians, together with 32 guns and 14 tanks.

Free French Airmen Aircraft of a Free French flight bombed and machine-gunned enemy troops on the road near Chilga. Attacks were made on Debarech, where bombs fell among a convoy and buildings. Mendi camp was bombed. On the previous day direct hits were scored on buildings at Debarech and the fort of Bakki.

A total of 24,000 prisoners have been taken by the Imperial forces in Abyssinia this week. Among the latest Italian prisoners to arrive in India was General Berganzoli. Greece, Libya A Royal Air Force Middle East communique says that fighter aircraft successfully attacked motor transport convoys in the Capuzzo area yesterday. Many lorries were destroyed and others damaged. Other aircraft bombed camp and gun-positions in the same area.

During the previous night targets near Barce were bombed. British bombers made a heavy and successful attack on German and occupied aerodromes in Greece on Tuesday night. At Eleuis bombs were seen to burst among aircraft on the ground and a fire was started. At Menidi the results were not observed. Scuppered

It is announced from the Western Desert that a British patrol scuppered a small German, force which established itself on Tuesday at a point on the extreme north-western edge of the coastal plane near-Solium. A Cairo communique states that at Tobruk there is nothing of importance to report. In. the Solium area during Tuesday night advanced elements of British mechanised troops destroyed an enemy post op Solium hillj knocking out three German tanks.

Such of the cable news in this issue as is so headed has appeared in '‘The Times” and. is sent to this paper by special permission. It should be understood that the opinions are not .those of "The Times”unle'33 expressly stated to be so.