MOVE IN TUNISIA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 64, 18 March 1943, Page 5

MOVE IN TUNISIA

BRITISH OCCUPY RIDGE WITHDRAWAL BY AXIS (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) Reed. 7 p.m. London, March 16. British troops in northern Tunisia have advanced slightly and occupied a ridge about four miles south-east ot Tamaran. No enemy resistance was met, and or men found when they reached the ridge that the Germans had already withdrawn further east to the high ground overlooking the road to Sed Jenane. The ridge occupied overlooks an important road—the one running inland to Bela. To-day’s North Africa communique also reports that Allied guns in the Galsa area broke up some enemy armoured car patrols. There is nothing to report from the Eighth Army beyond patrol activity. Lad weather is still hampering air operations, but yesterday an enemy airfield 50 miles inland from Sfax was twice attacked. Four German lighters were shot down. Further south, Allied fighters attacked German motor transport at a point in the Mareth defences. Flying Fortresses attacked an enemy convoy in the Sicilian Narrows and got one direct hit ,on a supply ship. Two of our aircraft are missing.

MASTERS OF SKIES

ALLIED AIR FORCE Recd. 6.30 p.m. London, March 16. Reports from Algiers say that ail is quiet on the Mareth Line, but this quietness, according to the British United Piess, appears to be the lull before the storm. A German spokesman stated that General Montgomery is regrouping his forces before the Mareth Line. Algiers radio declared that AngloAmerican planes were now masters of the Tunisian skies, and more planes were arriving, building up the air strength witn remarkable speed, but that the Allies were holing back their hardest blows for the day when they would show their power. The radio reported that the French troops advancing towards Gabes continue to consolidate their positions. Reuter says the First Army’s reoccupation of a wooden ridge four miles south-west of Tamara is thought to nave beer due to the fact that recent British activity had made it too uncomfortable for the Germans to hold.

LESSONS OF FAID PASS

ALLIED INTELLIGENCE EkRED Reed 10 p.m. New York, March 16. The New York Times correspondent, Drew Middleton, says live lessons are apparent from the official account of the battle of Eaid Pass:— (1; Allied Intelligence erred twice in locating the main German thrust at Piclior instead of Faid and underestimating the number and quality of German tanks. (2) Dive-bombers, although uneconomic weapons, retain power to delivei a stunning blow to inexperienced troops. (3) Armoured divisions must be used as units, not split up into comparatively small groups, to deal with an experienced foe. <4 > Enemy mines and booby traips, lavishly spread, held up Allied pursuit when a smashing counter-blow might have been struck, but there is no evidence that American mining operations delayed the Germans. (5) Allied co-operation flourished under the worst conditions, which was a Large factor in turning back Rommel.

BAN ON PETAIN

GIRAUD ORDERS REMOVAL OF POSTERS Recd. 9 p.m. London, March 17. General Giraud has ordered the removal of all publicly-displayed pictures of Petain, and also posters, slogans and decrees quoting him or appealing under his authority, says the Algiers correspondent of the British United Press. Postage stamps and documents bearing Petain’s portrait or signature are also being withdrawn from circulation. It is reported that« Gen. Catroux will succeed M. Bergeret.