BRITISH GRIP FASTENING ON TOBRUK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 January 1941, Page 5

BRITISH GRIP FASTENING ON TOBRUK

Air Force Offensive Continuing Vigorously DESTRUCTIVE BOMBING OF AERODROMES AND OTHER BASES ENEMY FORCE ISOLATED IN DESERT The British hold on the beleaguered garrison of Tobruk is being steadily reinforced, the 8.8. C. reports. Fresh successes have been gained also in East Africa. A communique states that, supported by operations to the westward, the concentration on Tobruk is being continued. In the Sudan, British patrols have inflicted losses on enemy detachments. In Kenya. British forces have occupied Buna, and the enemy has also abandoned El Wak, following on successful British operations last month.

An Italian communique admits that British forces are operating south-west of Tobruk. This shows that the British tactics which led to such brilliant success at Bar di a are now being used against Tobruk. It now seems cleat' that reinforcements cannot reach Tobruk without lighting. The Royal Air Force is continuing its attacks on enemy aerodromes and bases in North Africa on a scale even greater than that of the attacks which preceded the fall of Bardia. In a raid on Benina, many of the hangars and other buildings were seen to be gutted. A number of aircraft on the ground were set on fire and at least twelve were seen to be burning furiously. At Benghazi a direct hit was made on a ship. Further successful raids on Tobruk are also reported. An Italian force at Jarabub, 150 miles south of Bardia, is reported to be isolated. A report on Thursday that Italian convoys had been attacked in the vicinity of Jarabub suggests that the Italian force there, the strength of which is not known, is trying to retire. If it attempts to rejoin what is left of the Italian main army, the force must make a long, difficult and dangerous trek across the desert.