BEHIND MARETH LINE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 60, 13 March 1943, Page 5

BEHIND MARETH LINE

THREAT TO AXIS FORCES FRENCH FLANKING MOVEMENT (By Telegraph—Preae Association—Copyright) Rccd. 6.30 p.m. London, March 11. Threats to the rear of the Axis forces in the Mareth Line are reappearing with the advances of Allied forces in central Tunisia. Tiie reoccupation of Gafsa, which would provide a base for a thrust along the railway to Maknassi and the coast is likely to be achieved soon. It is probable the enemy has already begun to evacuate Gafsa to avoid being trapped between the French, British and American columns pressing- from the west and the north. French forces have stormed and captured the important mining centre of Metalaoui, about half-way between Toz.eur and Gafsa. They arc now 24 miles from Gafsa. At his Press conference in '

Washington to-day, the U.S. Secretary for War, Mr. H. L. Stimson, disclosed that the Fighting French had contacted other French legions in a flanking movement around the southern end of the Mareth Line, thereby sealing a trap on Rommel’s troops.

An Algiers message reports that a small force ot German tanks anil armoured vehicles engaged the French before the Maretn Line yesterday, but the Germans retreated in disorder after losing a number ot tanks, lorries and armoured cars, which Allied fighter-bombers scored direct hits on. 'Lhe German force included some motorised infantry. Detailing the First Army's repulse of an enemy attack yesterday westwards of Sed Jenane, the British United Press correspondent in Algiers says tiie Axis attack was launchea six miles from Sed Jenane and three miles north-east of Tamera. The enemy threw in four infantry battalions, supported by artillery and dive-bombers. The First Army held the dive and then counter-attacked and drove the enemy back. Spitfires helped to break the drive against Sed Jenane, and R.A.F. pilots swept along the Jefna-Sed Jenane road and destroyed several staff cars and lorries and silenced gun positions.

A North African communique says: “In southern Tunisia Metlaoui was occupied by our troops. In central Tunisia patrolling has continued and there has been some activity. In the north in the area west of Sed Jenane, an enemy attack this afternoon was successfully repulsed. “Heavy bombers attacked enemy airfields. At El Aouina, aircraft on the ground were hit and fire left burning. Eight enemy fighters were shot down during these attacks. Medium bombers attacked Gafsa, where many hits were seen on the target. Our fighters carried out offensive sweeps over the northern sector during the day, in the course of which enemy vehicles, troops and gun positions were attacked. Sweeps were also flown over the central sector. One of our aircraft is missing from ail these operations. “In attacks on our forces near Ksarrhilane, heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy and many vehicles were left burning. The R.A.F. gave very effective support during the day The fighting continues.” The British United Press says that Rommel again attacked Ksarrhilane, apparently trying to protect his right wing, which extends right into the hills. Ksarrhilane is a road junction in the extreme south-west of the Mareth Line positions and beyond the Mareth Line proper.

“ENEMY’S FATE SEALED”

MONTGOMERY CONFIDENT Recd. 11.25 p.m. London, March 12. General Montgomery told the Tass Agency correspondent with the Eighth Army that the fighting in Tunisia would be severe and stubborn. The Axis powers, he said, would do their utmost to hold on during the summer and then launch an offensive. “Counter-attacks to disrupt our preparations are possible but the enemy's final fate here is sealed. 1 always go for certainties. That’s why our preparations must be complete and unhurried.” After paying a tribute to the Red Army, which had shown miracles of heroism and whose operations helped the Eighth Army to achieve victory, General Montgomery said: “Whatever happens in future, one thing is clear: The Germans will not succeed in altering the general military situation. Our preparations may appear slow but the coming blow will be powerful and decisive.”

AMERICAN CASUALTIES IN NORTH AFRICA

Recd. 6 p.m. Rugby, March 11. The Secretary for War, Mir. H. L. Stimson, announced in Washington today that United States casualties in North Africa from February 14 to 20, the period of the Allied retreat, and the initial counter-attack, totalled 2242, of which 59 were killed, 176 wounded and 2007 missing, probably taken prisoner. Mr. Stimson added that over 1000 Germans and Italians had been taken prisoner. During the month over 100 enemy tanks had been captured or destroyed. Mr. Stimson said the Allied forces in Tunisia had had much the better ol the fight in th? past week. Highly mobile Axis forces had been extremely active, but the net. result had been decidedly unfavourable to the Axis. During 10 days of sharp fighting the Allied forces had backed towards the Algerian border, but subsequently hart regained most of the lost ground.— 8.0.W.

FIGHT GOES AGAINST AXIS

Rugby, March 11. In Washington Mr. Stimson said the Allied forces in Tunisia had had much the better of the fight, in the past week. The highly mobile Axis forces had been extremely active, but the net result had been decidedly unfavour able to the Axis. During 10 days ef sharp fighting the Allied forces backed towards the Algerian border, but subsequently regained most of the lost ground.— 8.0.W.

R.A.F. PLANES OVER AKYAB

London, March 11. A communique from R.A.F. headquarters at New Delhi states: “Last night bombers attacked enemy objectives at Akyab. Fighters on offensive patrol yesterday made low-level attacks on two Japanese positions in the Rathedaung area. None of our planes is missing.”