SOUTH AFRICAN TROOPS SUFFER LOSSES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 283, 1 December 1941, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICAN TROOPS SUFFER LOSSES

STAND NEAR SIDI REZEGH BRITISH COMMANDER’S ADMIRATION i (By T-le n.-tph—Press Association—Copyright.} (Reed. 9.15 p.m.) London. Nov. 3“ “The Libyan offensive has been a complete success from the beginning and apparently surprised the enemy.' said the Prime Minister of South Africa, Field-Marshal J. C. Smuts, broadcasting in Capetown. “The South Africans’ stand at Sidi Rezegh is comparable to the South Africans’ immortal stand at Delville Wood in 1918. They continued against panzer, air and infantry attacks by superior numbers, until their ammunition was exhausted. Do not let us count our losses. Our losses, generation after generation, have won for us this fair land and the heroic tradition which forms the immortal soul of our people.' Field-Marsha! Smuts added that h*. had received a message from the British Commander-in-Chief. Middle East. General Sir Claude Auchinleck. expressing deep regret that the South African troops should have suffered so heavily in their first major engagement. General Auchinleck said he could not express sufficiently his admiration and pride in the South Africans’ tenacious gallantry.—U.P.A.