NEW ZEALANDERS IN THE VAN

Southland Times, Issue 24605, 29 November 1941, Page 7

NEW ZEALANDERS IN THE VAN

Attack Launched With Vigour And Speed (Official War Correspondent) CAIRO, November 27. With the New Zealanders as the spearhead of the attack the battle neaiTobruk is now being fiercely fought and South Africans are fighting side by side with New Zealanders. Launched with vigour and speed this morning the attack is one of many phases. At midday today Imperial troops had the Germans on the run in an area south-east of Tobruk and only a few miles from the outer perimeter of Tobruk defences. The New Zealanders and South Africans are driving onward from an area about 20 miles south-east of the town. Further east a big tank battle is in progress. Down on the border south-west of Solium the Indians have captured Libyan Omar, on the border wire fortifications. Very large numbers of prisoners were captured in and around Libyan Omar. Capuzzo is held by the New Zealanders. The battle near Tobruk now rages. Troops are coming down out of the Tobruk defences to harass the Germans from the north and the New Zealanders and South Africans are driving northwards and north-eastwards. Much will depend on the battle of the tanks which is being fought about 20 miles due west of Bardia with fine air support from great flights of Royal Air Force bombers and desperately determined fighting on the part of our troops. The New Zealanders are confident that they will make history. There is great optimism in the New Zealand Division.