SWIFT DRIVE INTO CYRENAICA

Southland Times, Issue 24599, 22 November 1941, Page 7

SWIFT DRIVE INTO CYRENAICA

MAIN BATTLE NOT YET JOINED AXIS BASES HAMMERED FROM AIR (United Press Association —Telegraph Copyright) (Rec. 12.45 a.m.) LONDON, November’ 21. Lieutenant-General Sir Alan Cunningham’s Sth Imperial Army, on its westward drive into Cyrenaica, is now reported to be only 10 miles from the outer defences of Tobruk, which since April has been held by a garrison of British, Indian, Australian and later, Polish troops. It is emphasized in London, however, that the main battle in Libya has not yet been joined. There has been fighting, but nothing on a large scale yet. Supporting the advance on land, the Imperial air forces are continuing their tremendous hammering of Axis bases and supply lines all the way to Benghazi and beyond. Positions of strategical importance have been captured fey the army, which comprises New Zealand, British, South African and Indian troops. An armoured force engaged an Italian column and took 150 prisoners. Other armoured and motorized forces have made encircling movements around Halfaya, which is under intense pressure from the land, sea and air. An American correspondent, describing the advance, says that infantry in light tanks and lorries follow American tanks which are as good as any for this particular purpose. He says the army is stronger than the force commanded by General Sir Archibald Wavell during the advance a year ago and its officers are confident, but they do not overlook the courage and skill of General Erwin Rommel, the German commander.