British Forces Close In On Gazala Defences

Northern Advocate, 15 December 1941, Page 5

British Forces Close In On Gazala Defences

(Received 2.30 p.m.)

LONDON, December 14

A MIDDLE EAST COMMUNIQUE STATES THAT YESTERn DAY OUR MAIN FORCES AGAIN MADE PROGRESS IN THE FACE OF DETERMINED RESISTANCE BY THE GERMAN AND ITALIAN TROOPS HOLDING REARGUARD POSITIONS SOUTH-WEST OF GAZALA.

Our troops are closing in on the defensive positions covering Gazala itself. Reports which are still incomplete, show that yesterday there were few Italian troops holding rearguard positions south-west of Gazala.

Tanks, Prisoners

Yesterday a number of Italian tanks were destroyed, while 18 guns and about 500 German and Italian prisoners were captured north-west of Bir Hakeim. In addition, small batches of prisoners are still being rounded up in the area over which the tide of the main battle has now passed. Our air force bombed enemy motor columns with special success on the roads west and north-west of Gazala and west of Derna.

Our bomber aircraft were also active in raiding enemy motor transport and road communications between Bomba and Derna. During the night of December 12-13. our aircraft sighted enemy ships which turned and were engaged by the Royal Navy. Later enemy units were again sighted and one cruiser was completely gutted and another set on fire, and a third unit was seen steaming in a westerly direction, destroyers picking up ' the survivors. Shipping Attacked Yesterday British bombers attacked shipping off Navarino, Methone and Argestoli. The results of the action could not clearly be seen. One Messerschmitt 109 was shot down into the sea off Argostoli after trying to intercept our bombers. It is now learned that on December 11 our aircraft shot down one C.R. 42 into the sea in the central Mediterranean. From these and other operations 16 of our aircraft are missing.

The Royal Air Force Middle East communique states that in the course of extensive and successful operations over the battle area in Libya on Friday and Saturday fighters of the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and South African Air Force destroyed 18 enemy machines and severely damaged a large number of others. 17 Planes Destroyed

The enemy aircraft destroyed comprised 11 Messerschmitt 109 s, three Macchi 2025, one Junkers 87 and two fighters which were not clearly , identified, ' ' . ' ' .