ENEMY’S TENTATIVE MOVE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 24 January 1942, Page 6

ENEMY’S TENTATIVE MOVE

ROMMEL’S TANKS MAKE REC ON N AIS SAN C E FORCED BACK BY BRITISH London, Jan., 22. Tank columns, which General Rommel sent out to make a reconnaissance east of El Agheila are again behind his defence lines, says the “Daily Telegraph's” correspondent with the Eighth Army. Light British forces harassed the enemy throughout the operation. The opposition was stronger than General Rommel expected. The enemy in addition encountered heavy artillery fire. General Rommel's plan, it is believed, was the disorganisation of preparation* which General Ritchie is making for his destruction, also to obtain information of British dispositions. The fact that ground reconnaissance was attempted is poor tribute to the reinforced Luftwaffe. The weather is proving a good ally to General Rommel. A sandstorm reduced visibility and ceaseless rain has put an almost impassable barrier of bogland betweer the rival forces.—U.P.A. SUCCESSFUL BOMBING IN DESERT (Rec. 1.20 p.m.) London, Jan. 23. The concentration of motorised units in Libya which the R.A.F. bombed to-day comprised 400 vehicles which an observer stated were packed like sardines.—U.P.A.