BRITISH CLOSE IN ON BARDIA

Southland Times, Issue 24313, 19 December 1940, Page 5

BRITISH CLOSE IN ON BARDIA

AUSTRALIANS TAKE PART IN BATTLE \ (United Press Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Received December 19,1 a.m.) LONDON, December 18, British forces closing in on Bardia are steadily increasing their pressure on the fort. It is reported that artillery, tanks and mechanized units are within reach of the coast road running from Tobruk to Bardia which is used by the Italians for bringing up supplies to the hardpressed garrison. It is evident that the British forces are using the tactics they exploited so successfully at Sidi Barrani and Solium, but Bardia is a more difficult proposition for the attackers than these two places. However, the British are bringing up reinforcements all the time. Australian troops are well to the fore in the Battle of Bardia, travelling to the scene in lorries captured from the Italians. Free French soldiers are also distinguishing themselves. Streams of Italian prisoners are travelling back across the desert to Egypt. The morale is at zero. A successful raid on Elwach, in Italian Somaliland, was made by South African and Gold Coast troops, assisted by planes of the South African Air Force. Three guns, machine-guns and stores were captured.