AXIS SEA ROUTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24776, 28 November 1941, Page 5

AXIS SEA ROUTES

RELENTLESS ATTACKS WARSHIPS AND AIRCRAFT IRec. 8 p.m.) RUGBY, Nov. 26. The extent to which the relentless naval and air attacks during past months on the Axis sea routes between Italy and Libya are now bearing fruit was discussed in naval quarters in London to-day. The enemy is prevented from bringing across all his reinforcements and supplies while the crucial battle is in progress. In the weelf since the British attack started we have, in addition to sinking seven ships, set fire to a schooner, and probably sank a cruiser and a destroyer. On the other hand, the much longer imperial routes remain open. Nearly every man of the Imperial forces taking part has travelled to the Middle East by sea. Though some aircraft have been flown to the theatre of war all their groi-nd rtaffs and equipment have gone by sea. In addition, the navy has assured supplies for the Tobruk garrison for many months under constant heavy bombinf from Axis bases in Crete and has also relieved, the troops of the garrison and brought tanks into the fortress. The navy is now assisting the land operations by a bombardment of the coast.