DELAYING TACTICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24555, 10 April 1943, Page 7

DELAYING TACTICS

ROMMEL'S NEXT STAND POSSIBLE DEFENCE LINE FURTHER TEMPORARY STOP (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, April _8 Rommel is expected to do his utmost to make another stand soon, however temporary, to draw breath after his two successive lightning defeats, says the British official wireless. The enemy will in particular wish to gain time to lay the extensive minefields necessary to cover the northward retreat. The possibility of a stand on a 15mile front between the coast at La Skirra and the salt marsh Sebkret el Noual is foreseen. The inland flank of that position, however, is by no means secure, with the Americans just behind it east of Maknassy. A succession of such stands on any possible position is probable as the Eighth Army advances into Central Tunisia, although the enemy is not expected to be able to make further determined resistance until the country north and south-east of Qairwan, where the bills reach the sea, is gained. Berlin Definition of Line Broadcasting on the Berlin radio. Captain Sertorius admitted that the German counter-attack could not check the Eighth Army's Wadi el Akarit break-through, but he argued that the counter-attack was not quite unsuccessful, as it foiled encirclement of the Axis forces east of El Guettar. He said the German counter-attack gained enough time to enable an orderly retreat from the pocket east of EI Guettar. Sertorius added: "Rommel has moved his southern front back to a new defence zone, the right pillar of which is the hill area east of Maknassy, No further details can be given how the front line runs from here to the Mediterranean." The German news agency, however, stated that Rommel is now standing on a new line running from the heights south-west of Maknassy to the shores of the Sebkret.el Noual salt marshes, 15 miles north-west of La Skirra. The enemy's plan obviously is to multiply the occasions on which, with the assistance of difficult country, he can compel the British to organise new tactics. Although no position is likely by itself to hold up General Montgomery for long, each stand contributes to the enemy's-aim of keeping the Allies fighting in Africa until as late in the year as possible. The stupendous efforts of the pursuers to frustrate this aim are widely appreciated. Unquestionable Defeats

The breaking of resistance at Wadi el Akarit only eight days after the victory at Mareth plainly was a remarkable feat of supply and determination, which could only be achieved by first-class troops under first-class commanders. The number of prisoners taken on both occasions shows that they were no mere rearguard actions, but unquestionable defeats to the enemy's main body in Southern Tunisia. The Times says the aim of the Allied land and air forces now will be to destroy as much of the enemy's army as possible before it reaches natural defensive positions north of Susa and then to ensure that its stay there is short. The pattern of events since the Eighth Army attacked on Tuesday morning is further clarified by the latest despatches. When, by mid-day, the British troops had gained all their objectives, they proceeded to organise new positions and reinforced the bridgehead. It is clear that Rommel intended to hold the Akarit position. The enemy's vigorous counter-attacks all failed. The 4th Indian Division again used the renowned tactics of creeping on enemy positions and attacking by surprise, as it did in the memorable storming at Keren two years ago. American and French Moyes During the night the enemy began to pull out northward, tenaciously followed by our troops. At the same time enemy armour in the El Guettar sector began to move east and north-east. The Second American Corps at once took advantage and pushed east until it made contact with the Eighth Army patrols 20 or 30 miles east of El Guettar. The enemy, with the Americans on their heels, were compelled to fight rearguard engagements on a series of hills affording good defensive positions. There was a series of hard-fought engagement's in exacting country, where inferior roads prevent the use of heavy vehicles and often confine transport to mules. To the south the French moved up north of Sliott el Jerid. These troops composed those coming from Algeria and those who crossed the Sahara from Chad. Heavy air attacks on the Sfax-Susa road early yesterday imposed delay and inflicted much damage on enemy transport and troops, while bombers also raided troops moving from the El Guettar area. Over 20 tanks were attacked by figbter-bomhers near La Skirra. Italians Cover Retreat Renter's correspondent says that the decisive defeat of the Axis forces north of Oudref made the position of the German troops in the El Guettar area untenable. They, too, joined in the "avanti march," the description which the Germans now give the, big retreat. The Associated Press Algiers correspondent quotes competent sources as saying that Rommel believed he could hold the Wadi el Akarit positions much longer. Six of every seven prisoners are Italians. Rommel is still leaving Italians to cover the German retreat. While the Paris radio reports that General Montgomery has not yet employed his full tank force, Renter's Cairo correspondent says indications reaching there suggest that Rommel is facing a tank crisis. His overworked panzer divisions are believed to be sorely in need of overhaul.