HARASSING OF ITALIAN CONVOYS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 179, 1 August 1940, Page 6

HARASSING OF ITALIAN CONVOYS

BRITISH FORCES IN NORTH AFRICA LOSSES ONE-FIFTH OF THE ENEMY’S LONDON, July 30. It is learned in London that British forces in North Africa have been harassing Italian convoys bringing stores to Capuzzo. It is estimated that Italian losses of vehicles and personnel are more than five times the British losses. A communique issued in Cairo states: “On all fronts there were no land operations to report. There was almost continuous rain in most areas on the Abyssinian frontier.” A Nairobi communique states: “Today our ground forces made contact with strong enemy forces in the Moyale area. Further reports are awaited.” A Rome communique states: “Yesterday Italian planes repeatedly bombed an enemy convoy in the East Mediterranean escorted by warships, among which was an aircraft carrier. Various units were seriously hit, one was tired, and one enemy pursuit plane was shot down. One of ours did not return. In East Africa our occupation of Kurmuk was extended, capturing an entire enemy column of food, arms and ammunition.” % SCUTTLED BY CREWS ITALIAN SHIPS NEAR AFRICAN COAST. Received July 31, 10.5 p.m. TRIESTE, July 31. The Lloyd Triestino Shipping Line announced that the crews of the steamers Timavo and Sistiana scuttled their ships near the African coast to avoid capture by British warships. The crews are in concentration camps. SOUTH AFRICAN TROOPS NOW IN KENYA ADV ANCE GUARD OF LARGE ARMY LONDON, July 30. A strong force of South Africans which has arrived in Kenya is only the advance guard c.f a much larger army. They aie all volunteers who answered the call for men to serve anywhere in Africa. The Prime Minister (General Smuts), who is Commander-In-Chief of this force, said farewell to the men at a parade a fortnight ago.