ITALIANS REPULSED IN FIRST MAJOR CLASH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 191, 15 August 1940, Page 5

ITALIANS REPULSED IN FIRST MAJOR CLASH

THE SOMALILAND ATTACK BLACKSHIRTS THROWN BACK IN DAYLONG BATTLE (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) Received Aug. 14, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 14. The Daily Telegraph's Berbera correspondent says that the British troops in Somaliland have thrown back the Italians in the first clash between the main forces. Fierce bombing and machine-gunning of the Jugargan positions and reserves to the rear preceded the main Italian attack, which was launched at noon, and comprised mainly Blackshirts going into action for the first time in large numbers. The battle raged throughout the day and reached its maximum intensity in the evening. It continued till dark. Our troops stoutly defended their positions against superior numbers and repulsed the Italians at all points. One Italian column, finding a gap between two positions, broke through, but was repulsed after bitter fighting. The Italians suffered heavy casualties. Our infantry fire brought down one bomber. Fighting for advanced positions continues. The Italians have taken a week to teach the main British positions although only small detachments of Camel Corps barred the way. The whole campaign has developed on the lines foreseen by the Somaliland High Command two years ago. The attacks were made at the points expected, and the preparation of the positions the British are now defending actually began in July of last year.