AXIS MOVES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 63, 17 March 1943, Page 5

AXIS MOVES

RCMMEL FEARS ALLIED ASSAULT CONCENTRATIONS BEFORE MARETH LINE Recd. 1 a.m. London. March 16. Evidenly fearing an assault in the open broken country, Ronnnel is massing panzer forces west of Mareth, in the region between the salt lakes and the sea, reports the Daily Express’ correspondent at Algiers. Hundreds of guns are being spaced around the hills of the Mareth positions, and both sides are filling in pockets of land between the two armies.

The Shott el Jerid is still impassable but the outer rim of hard salt is widening daily. Much of this German concentration in the south goes on at night. A stream of big Junkers planes comes from Sicily. Allied planes harass the enemy roads and Axis tanks, normally found hiding under trees waiting for nightfall.

SHIPPING SWEEPS STOPPED

Recd. 6 p.m. Rugby, March 15. The Allied North African communique states that patrol activity was continued over th- whole 'front. Regular shipping sweeps were turned back on account of bad weather.

Four enemv aircraft were destroyed and at least six probably destroyed or damaged by American fighters over the battle area south-east of Gabes on Saturday, according to a Cairo message. Warhawks, after flying through heavy A.A. fire, encountered enemy fighters which were sent down in flames under the Warhawks’ machineguns. Three American fighters are missing.—8.0.W.