MOVING SLOWLY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22478, 13 January 1943, Page 5

MOVING SLOWLY

Allied Operations In Tunisia FIGHTING PATROLS CLASH (Rcc. 12.25 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 12. The Germans sent 70,000 troops to Tunisia by sea and air, said General Giraud in a speech broadcast by the Morocco radio. A well-equipped army which knows how to fight faces the Anglo-American armies and French troops armed in accordance with the armistice. Developments in Tunisia might proceed much more quickly but at a price out of all proportion to results. Operations admittedly seem to be moving slowly, but the nature of the territory must be taken into account. General Giraud pointed out that the French, with American war material, must learn warfare in 1943, and when ready would enter the battle. A communique from Allied headquarters in Algiers states that fighting patrols clashed near Bouarada. A small number of Martin Maraude's bombed the railway and fuel dumps at Gabes and destroyed an Axis plane. Allied bombers also attacked an encampment at Tebili, leaving objectives ablaze. There was only patrol activity elsewhere. Two of our machines did not return. Reuter’s Algiers correspondent says a patrol encounter occurred 16 miles west of Pont du Fahs where 40 Germans were cleared out of a farm they had occupied. The action indicates that the Allied line has been withdrawn in this sector which previously enclosed Pont du Fahs. Strong Resistance An Indian joint war communique states— Tn the Arakan district lighting '-oiitinues in the Donbouk area, Mayu Peninsula, where the enemy is resisting strongly. There is no important change in the Rathedaung area. Yesterday Royal Air Force fighter* and bombers attacked several enemy objectives in different parts of Burma. The Pintha railway station in Centnl Burma was bombed by Blenheims and machine-gunned by the fighter c~?ort. Two engines were destroyed and other rolling stock was damaged. A burst was observed on and other rolling stock was damaged. A burst was observeo on and near the railway lines. Elsewhere, two small Japanese steamers, one <>fi the (Tiindwin River arid one near Akyab, were damaged. Buildings and railway trucks were attacked at Kyaiklhhi and bohibs dropped >n Launchcaung and Ral.hedaung. Last night Wellingtons bombed enemy occupied villages on Akyab Is’., xl. From these and othei operations none of our aircraft is mXxsing.