GOOD HEADWAY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1941, Page 6

GOOD HEADWAY

MADE BY THE ALLIES IN SYRIA AGAINST STRONG OPPOSITION. HEAVY LOSSES SUFFERED BY FREE FRENCH. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. 11.50 a.m.) RUGBY, June 20. A war correspondent in Syria writes that the Indian Brigade advancing on Damascus is making splendid progress, despite very strong resistance from Algerian troops and Moroccan sharpshooters, who were well supported by heavy artillery. By 11 o'clock this morning the Indians had reached the village of Mezze, on the outskirts of the city, and are maintaining their advance, while reinforcements, including Australians, were corning up the main road, which is now entirely free of Vichy forces. A Free French attack at dawn this morning failed to lead to any progress. Attempts by the Vichy forces to advance against the Allies’ strongly held positions on both sides of the road were, however, cheeked. The battle was short, but the Free French losses were heavy. Lighter encounters continued throughout the morning, with no resultant change in positions On the coastal sector, activity was restricted to patrols. The Vichy French were operating with strong patrols—some motorised—to the north of Sidon, while at Jezzin artillery was in action all day. There are indications that at Jezzin the Vichy troops will launch their next offensive. The Australians have gained a foothold in the town of Merj lyum. Apart from those of the Free French, our casualties were slight.