ROMMEL IN FLIGHT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 January 1942, Page 3

ROMMEL IN FLIGHT

WITHDRAWAL FROM JEDABAYA Close British Pursuit in Bad Weather PRESSURE ON HALFAYA MAINTAINED GERMAN U-BOAT SUNK IN MEDITERRANEAN BY DUTCH SUBMARINE LONDON, January 8. In Libya, General Rommel’s forces are in flight from Jedabaya, the retreat being covered by strong rearguards. The pursuit by cur mobile columns is.hampered by torrential rain and by the enemy’s use of extensive minefields, but British and South African troops have penetrated for distances of .J) and 40 miles into territory lately held by the enemy. It is thought in London that Rommel may try to get away along the main coastal road to Tripoli. Twenty wrecked enemy aircraft were observed on the landing ground at Jedabaya. The total number of prisoners captured in Libya since the British offensive started in November is given meantime as 20,000, including 5,500 Germans. There are also a number of other prisoners who have not yet arrived at the base. Pressure continues on the beleaguered garrison of Halfaya. In spite of dust storms our air forces are strongly and persistently attacking the enemy positions. They are meeting with feeble opposition. . . . On Tuesday night our air forces attacked shipping m Tripoli Harbour, Yesterday a number of German planes were damaged in an engagement with Australian Air Force fighters. Attacks are also reported on two enemy supply ships in the Central Mediterranean. Two direct hits were made on one vessel, causing an explosion. Later the other ship was tackled and brought to a standstill. Malta was raided by the enemy yesterday, slight damage being done. , , From these and other operations eight oi our planes are missing, but two of the pilots are believed to be safe. A German submarine has been torpedoed and sunk in the Central Mediterranean by a Dutch submarine operating with the British Navy. Twelve German officers and men picked up by the Dutch submarine have been landed at a British port.