INTENSIVE AIR PREPARATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24539, 23 March 1943, Page 3

INTENSIVE AIR PREPARATION

AMERICAN FORCE PUSHING EASTWARD By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received March 23, 12.55 a.m.) LONDON, March 22 The British Eighth Army is on the move again, this time against the Axis foirces in Southern Tunisia. This was announced ]jv Mi'- Churchill at the conclusion of his broadcast speech last night. The Algiers radio said that the Eighth Army had made some advance, but no details were available. " I have just received a report from General Montgomery that the Eighth Army is on the move and that he is satisfied with hi 3 progress," said Mr. Churchill. " Let us wish them Godspeed in their struggle and then bend all our efforts to the war and the e ver more vigorous prosecution of our supreme task." General Montgomery has sent the following reply to a message received from General Eisenhower:—"Thank you for your message, which I have communicated to all ranks of the Eighth Army and which is appreciated. We all look forward to joining up with the United States forces very shortly, and after that we will finish this business very quickly between us." It is clear from correspondents' messages that the Eighth Army's attack was preceded by a big air offensive. British and American bombers and fighters have been plastering targets chosen by General Montgomery in a non-stop day and night blitz. They have been operating from Northern Tunisia and the Western Desert Command. At every landing ground, says one correspondent, there is tremendous activity. As one formation comes back more bombers and fighters are roaring away on further attacks. Meantime, supplies for the Eighth Army hav€; been rolling up to the front unhampered by the Luftwaffe. Squadron after squadron of Allied fighters kept the skies clear and enemy aircraft could not get through to the British lines. The F'aris radio says: "A great Allied offensive in Tunisia Started in the late hours of Saturday, but neither the Eighth Army nor the French and American forces have yet made contact with the Axis troops." North-west of the Mareth Line the American troops with whom General Montgomery plans to link up are pushing eastward. Armoured units are heading for Maknassy, 50 miles from Rommel' 6 vital coast road, after taking Sened, and the infantry are beyond El Guettar, on the Gabes Road.