SECOND EDITION NIGHT ATTACK

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24539, 23 March 1943, Page 4

SECOND EDITION NIGHT ATTACK

MARETH POSITIONS FIERCE FIGHTING *» AMERICANS' PROGRESS 1000 PRISONERS TAKEN (Reed. 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, March 22 Troops of the Eighth Army on Saturday attacked the Mareth positions in Southern Tunisia, says a communique from General Eisenhower's headquarters in North Africa. Fierce 'fighting ensued. Operations are continuing satisfactorily. In the Gafsn sector yesterday American forces continued to press on toward Maknassy ami south-east of Gafsa, taking over 1000 prisoners in several successful actions. Fn the north, in the Sed Jenane area there was slight enemy activity and our troops were again in contact. Fighting continues. Our air forces carried out extensive ! operations during Saturday night and yesterday. Bombers on Saturday night attacked docks, while a considerable force of heavy and medium bombers of the Western Desert air force attacked objectives in the Mareth area. Bombers of the Tunisian air force attacked some enemy airfields. Continuous bombing attacks were maintained yesterday. Throughout the day light bombers of the Western Desert air force continued to attack the Mareth positions. Escorting fighters destroyed one Messerschinitt, but there was little air opposition. Enemy airfields were heavily bombed by heavy, medium and light bombers. Large fires were started and a number of enemy aircraft on the ground destroyed. Fighters on patrol over the battle area made low-level attacks oil enemy transport, destroying several vehicles. From all of these operations four of our aircraft are missing. POPE INDISPOSED (Reed. 1.40 a.m.) LONDON, March 22 The Home radio says the Pope is indisposed. His doctors say there is no cause for alarm.