The Northern Advocate “NORTHLAND FIRST" Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1943. Stirring In Tunisia

Northern Advocate, 8 March 1943, Page 2

The Northern Advocate “NORTHLAND FIRST" Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1943. Stirring In Tunisia

THE struggle in Tunisia is about to enter its decisive stage, if indeed it has not already done so. The Allies have recovered the position in the central front lost when the Germans made a surprise thrust in strong force against the American section of the front. This section was only lightly held. The enemy’s success, therefore, was not surprising, though nevertheless unfortunate.

However, the enemy’s gains were short-lived, and the Allies have recovered all the territory they had to relinquish, and a great deal more. This refers to the central sector. At the northern end of the front, the enemy has continued heavy attacks. Von Arnim, in a desire to crush the British First Army, which has been holding the line based on the Mediterranean, hurriedly switched aircraft from other sectors, and apparently met with considerable success, for the British have been forced to retreat from Sedjenane, some seven miles along the road leading t>, Tamera. They were severely plastered by enemy dive-bombers. This retreat, it is reported, is not regarded seriously in London, but it is pointed out that if the Allies are driven back another six miles, von Arnim will control the important supply line from Tabarka to Beja, the loss of which would seriously affect the position of the United Nations. The success of the Germans in the north must not be dismissed as unimportant. It is to the southern and sentral sectors, however, that attention is most forcibly directed, for it is clear that big developments are to be expected. Rommel, no doubt believing that General Montgomery’s Eighth Army was about to launch an attack, repeated his El Alamein tactics by attacking first. He apparently opened a large scale offensive, led by tanks supported by infantry. Beyond a statement that the battle was still continuing, there is no definite information in regard to the progress of the fighting, which was hottest two miles east of the town of Mareth and six miles south-east of the Mareth Line. It is reported that Rommel had 21 tanks knocked out by anti-tank guns when he made his attack. This news is welcome, for it suggests that the story of El Alamein may be repeated. However, fuller information must be awaited. The French were apparently just beaten by the Americans in a rush to the important centre of Pichon, which was taken with comparatively little effort. The enemy was evidently surprised, for units of the advanced guard of the Allied forces which were victorious at the Kasserine Pass had trekked 70 miles across mountain paths in nine days. Evidently the Allies are hurrying northwards, for they are reported to be massing at the western entrance of the mountain pass leading from Pichon to Kairwan.

The French have been moving successfully in the southern sector, and it seems clear that all depends upon what happens in the Mareth Line battle as to whether the Allies will open a concerted offensive. Though the enemy is obviously in strongforce, his position is unenviable. His latest attacks have constituted an effort to secure elbow room, for he has been gradually squeezed until his opportunities for manoeuvre are seriously reduced.

The undisputed occupation of Tunisia is a matter of such importance to the United Nations and the Axis Powers that a final test of strength cannot be long Relayed. In this connection it is interesting to hear that the French mission to the United States has received from Algiers a message that Montgomery’s attack on the Mareth Line will, it is expected, be the signal for the final Allied attack. That attack is clearly near at hand.