The Southland Times FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1941. The Offensive in Cyrenaica

Southland Times, Issue 24598, 21 November 1941, Page 4

The Southland Times FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1941. The Offensive in Cyrenaica

BRITISH IMPERIAL forces have again taken the initiative in the Western Desert. It is three weeks short of a year since General Wavell ordered the advance which developed into a remarkably successful campaign. Less than two months later the occupation of Benghazi completed the defeat of an Italian army and the conquest of Cyrenaica. The British forces were small—two infantry divisions and an armoured brigade; yet they sufficed to capture more than 140,000 prisoners and a mass of equipment. It seemed then that the Army of the Nile was strongly placed in eastern Libya; but when troops were withdrawn and sent to Greece the frontier was defended merely by an armoured brigade. Unfortunately the British command under-estimated the German capacity for quick intervention. Late in February German advanced forces were encountered at El Agheila, 175 miles west of Benghazi. A month later the British armoured brigade was “defeated, dispersed and largely destroyed” by slightly larger mechanized forces. The Germans followed up their advantage, and within a few days Benghazi and Bardia were evacuated, and the enemy was pressing towards Solium. Fortunately the British rearguard was able to fall back upon Tobruk; and there, reinforced and supplied from the sea, it has sustained the longest siege of the war. The new offensive begins after a long period of preparation, notable for the race between Axis and British forces to gain a local predominance in man power and equipment, especially of machines. It can be taken for granted that the attack would not have been made unless the British leaders were convinced that they had attained an adequate margin of striking power. Risks could be taken against the Italians, whose morale is weak; but the Germans have proved themselves to be stubborn enemies, enterprising and resourceful, and splendidly equipped. Since their first successful thrust into Cyrenaica they have been sending a stream of transports and supply ships across the Mediterranean, and although the Royal Navy has sunk a high percentage of the convoys they have probably succeeded in concentrating a formidable German-Italian army under General Rommel and General Bastico.

Most experts assumed that the Axis forces would take the initiative. The fact that the Army of the Nile is striking the first blow may mean that the enemy is not strong enough in the air to undertake an offensive. It is known that British air power has been greatly expanded in the Middle East, especially since American freighters began to pass through the Red Sea. And although the Germans are well placed strategically for the long-expected pincer move on the Suez Canal the war in Russia must prevent them from diverting the necessary air formations to Crete and North Africa. Britain’s decision tc attack in the Western Desert must mean, too, that the Russians are expected to keep the Germans out of the Caucasus, at least until the spring. If there was evidence that the Caucasian front was in imminent danger the British leaders would obviously have had to remain on the defensive in Egypt while strengthening their forward positions in Iran. Moreover, a decisive defeat of the Axis -North African armies would remove the danger of a flank attack on Egypt and simplify the problems of the Middle East Command if it later becomes necessary to assist Russia in the defence of the Caucasus. Finally, an attack on Cyrenaica is a blow against the Gei’mans, and it is the aim of British war policy to reach the enemy wherever he can be found. The new offensive may not completely satisfy those who advocate an invasion of Europe as a means of helping Russia; but it is an attempt to remove a serious obstacle to larger military adventures. A British victory in Cyrenaica would defeat Germany s plans in Africa and at the same time bring nearer the establishment of a continental front. In New Zealand the advance will be followed with eager interest. For the third time this year the Dominion’s troops are going into action. Seasoned in the hard battles of Greece and Crete, they are marching with British, South African and Indian troops under General Cunningham, a leader who proved his brilliance in the lightning campaigns of East Africa. And this time they will have a powerful air protection. There will be no doubt in New Zealand that the N.Z.E.F. will play its part worthily in the great events now taking shape on the Libyan escarpment.