ROMMEL’S MEN HARRIED

Southland Times, Issue 24655, 29 January 1942, Page 5

ROMMEL’S MEN HARRIED

R.A.F. IN ACTION IN LIBYA ADVANCE OF ENEMY CHECKED (Rec. 11 p.m.) CAIRO, January 28. It is authoritatively stated that Royal Air Force strafing on Monday in which the Royal Australian Air Force also participated, checked Rommel’s advance. The Cairo correspondent of The Daily Express reported that pilots with guns blazing roared down to 50 feet over moving enemy columns leaving a train of destruction. Troops, dashing to safety, were shot down as they ran.

The Daily Mail’s Cairo correspondent says: It is hoped that the initiative will again be in our hands in a day or two. A Cairo communique states that there has been little change in the general situation within the last 24 hours. The

main battle area is still north of Jedabaya. Our fighters have been very active over the operational area and have inflicted considerable damage on the enemy. A tank battle is raging in a blinding sandstorm to the north .of El Msus.

A Royal Air Force Middle East communique states: “In spite of severe sandstorms our fighters were extremely active over the entire battle area in Libya yesterday. Intensive and highly successful machine-gunning attacks were made on enemy tanks and armoured car units moving along the desert tracks leading from El Msus to Charruba, Soluk, Saunnu and Antelat. Many enemy vehicles were completely destroyed or severely damaged. Many fires were seen and heavy casualties were inflicted on enemy troops.”