SECOND EDITION DESERT PUSH

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24132, 26 November 1941, Page 8

SECOND EDITION DESERT PUSH

PROGRESS IN SOUTH CAPTURE OF TOWN FIGHTING ALONG COAST (Becd. 1.50 a.ni.) LONDON, Nov. 25 British and" Indian troops advancing from Jarabub have made considerable! progress across the Libyan Desert, and the Fifth Indian Division has taken Aujila, a town 200 miles south of Benghazi, and west of Gialo, which the Italians admitted yesterday had fallen. This information is . given in the Middle Last communique to-day. Intense lighting between German and British forces has continued in the area around Sidi llezegh. Reinforcements which reached the area were ato involved in the fighting. South African forces sustained a heavy German attack, but fought with a magnificent spirit until they themselves were reinforced. A British armoured force counter-attacked and eventually -(Jrove off the Germans with heavy losses.. New Zealand troops, supported by British tanks, continue to advance along the Capuzzo-Gambut-1 obruk road. Tank casualties have been heavy on both sides, but owing to the nature of the lighting it is yet impossible to estimate what the actual losses have been or the number of casualties inflicted on the enemy. . The forces from Tobruk have consolidated their position and have taken 2000 prisoners, halt of them German. Motorised infantry consisting of British, South African and New Zealand troops, are playing an increasing y important part in the fighting round Sidi Uezegh. . , Fresh British divisions have arrived to support the forces already attacking the Axis forces in the Solium area. ] j