DESERT PURSUIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25068, 9 November 1942, Page 2

DESERT PURSUIT

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS HARD ON ROMMEL’S HEELS (N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent) (Rec, ]1,30 p.m.) CAIRO, Nov. 5. The New Zealanders are in the forefront of the chase after Rommel’s Afrika Korps. For some days it has not been possible to tell the story of the activities of the New Zealand troops, but now that the Axis forces are in full retreat the part the New Zealanders have played in the great battle can be told. After they had played a gallant and vital part in the opening phase of General Montgomery’s offensive on the night of October 23, they were withdrawn and placed in reserve. On that first night they went through two Axis minefields with their guns and armour and reached all their objectives before dawn. They consolidated their positions the next day. Although they were counter-attacked, they held all their newly-won positions. Then as the trend of the battle swung away from their positions, they were withdrawn. Another job for them was to come later when the Eighth Army battle plan was fully developed. The New Zealanders came out of the front line, had a rest, and regrouped to wait for the barrier to go up on their next role. Occasionally they were dive-bombed as they lay in their, slit trenches not far behind the front line, but the magnificent work of the Allied Air Force gave them an umbrella of protection during most of the time they were inactive. There were not many casualties caused by the Huns’ spasmodic bombing attacks. By the night of November 1 General Montgomery’s plan had developed so well that he was ready to use the New Zealanders in the new phase of his offensive. With solid fire-power and armoured support, the New Zealander's once again went into battle. Once the gap in the enemy’s ranks had been opened the New Zealanders had a flanking job. Now they are hard on Rommel’s heels, pursuing him relentlessly. General Alexander has sent cable messages to General Sir Thomas Blarney (Australia), Lieutenant-gene-ral Puttick (New Zealand), and Mr F. C. Sturrock (a member of the South African Cabinet), expressing admiration of the fighting qualities of the dominion troops. To General Puttick, he telegraphed;— “ In the Eighth Army’s victory in the Western Desert, the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, under Lieu-tenant-general Freyberg, played a part worthy of its splendid, history. Its fighting spirit and achievements during the last two weeks’ decisive battles have been magnificent.” THE FIRST PHASE PATH CLEARED FOR TANKS (N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent) EL ALAMEIN FRONT, (Rec. Nov. 8. 10.30 p.m.) Nov. 2. Devastating artillery fire from the New Zealand lines duiing the early hours of this morning paved the way for our sappers, who worked heroically in clearing gaps in the minefields through which poured British infantry, tanks, and guns. In close support were our troops, who are back in the line again after a short period of rest and reorganisation following their hard fighting in the earlier part of this great battle. The New Zealanders penetrated for about 4000 yards to the very heart of the enemy’s defences. Great as was the artillery barrage which heralded the start of this campaign 10 days ago, it was outdone by the weight and concentration of the pounding of the enemy’s lines this morning. Behind this screen of bursting shells worked our sappers, searching for and lifting those treacherous mines menacing the movement of our armoured forces. They were not allowed to work unmolested. The enemy spread over the area almost every type of fire at his command, but still the work went on until the lanes had been cleared to allow the tanks freedom of movement; not only west, but north and south. The mines were found to be less densely spread than on previous occasions, but the search had to be just as thorough. Terriffic Artillery Barrage

It was 1 o’clock and the moon had' risen when our artillery started its barrage. Great red glows soon appeared in the western sky. By 3.45 the first of the determined British infantrymen were on, their objective. A little more than two hours later all the objectives had been reached. On the flank New Zealapd troops were giving protection. Hard on the heels of the infantrymen came the first of the tanks. Theirs was a stern task in the face of opposing tanks and strong anti-tank artillery fire. The hardest fight came -the way of a tank regiment which is well known to New Zealanders for its operations in Crete. The way was made clear for a greater force which was following. The rumble of advancing tanks could be heard above the artillery fire and to the increasin-g haze of evil-smelling cordite smoke were added great clouds of dust. Enemy tanks ventured close on the left flank of our forward thrust, but withdrew to the south-west when engaged by our artillery. While tanks fought tanks our troops remained readv for the next move. Through our lines have poured hundreds of prisoners, most of them German.

Constant Patrol by Fighters

The enemy shelling was confined mostly* to the forward areas, and our guns continued to fire without interruption. Late in the evening there was a dive-bombing raid, but to-night there has been froe'dom from heavy air attack. Our fighters have maintained almost constant patrol over our lines, but, awaiting his chance, the enemy this'morning made a swift attack which met with little success, the bombers being intercepted by fighters which dived amongst them. Our artillery has had but little respite during tbe past ten days. It has assisted attacks on other parts of the front and has carried out constant counter battery work,