BATTLE WON

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21356, 26 February 1941, Page 6

BATTLE WON

ITALIAN SOMALILAND WHITE FLAG HOISTED SPEED OF ADVANCE 'United press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 26, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 25 It is no exaggeration to say that the battle for Italian Somaliland has been won and it is merely a question of time before the reduction of Mogadishu and the occupation of a much larger area eastward of Juba. This is the summing up of the Times’ Nairobi correspondent, who adds that the campaign is progressing at a remarkable pace. British columns are striking out in many directions. The bold co-ordinated plan for the occupation of Moyale draws attention to the importance of the drive from north-west Kenya, resulting in the occupation of Mega, the success of which obviously weakened the whole Italian position along the southern border. The capture of Brava was the fastest advance yet made against the enemy, exceeding the speed of the Libyan campaign. It will make the position of the enemy forces attempting to escape from Gelib almost impossible, leaving them stranded and waterless in the bush. The South Africans, on the contrary, after months of indescribable heat and dust, are now enjoying tropical plenty. The Italians at Jumbo suffered severe losses, which are placed as high as a battalion, as a result of the annihilating fire of our armoured cars. Trapped by the encircling movement, the enemy hoisted the white flag before the final stage of our operations. Several hundred prisoners and much material were taken.