ARMY OF THE NILE

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21415, 8 May 1941, Page 8

ARMY OF THE NILE

HARDY AUSTRALIAN TROOPS CONFIDENCE AT TOBRUK SHELLING BY GERMANS d’nltpn Preys \.«*v—Elec. lei. Copyright) (Received May 5, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 7 The German hammering of Tobruk has eased off, partly owing to a stifling sandstorm, partly owing to temporary exhaustion from last week's attacks. The dive-bombing has slackened, although the Germans are still attacking shipping in the port and approaches. The garrison, which is under the command of an Australian, General Morsehead, consists chiefly of Australians, with some English and Indian troops. They are constantly attacking the Germans. These attacks, together with shelling and bombing, are inflicting considerable losses on the enemy. The Germans bring up artillery and mortars at night, but their accuracy is unimpressive and the garrison remains confident. It includes some of the hardiest troops in the Army of the Nile, notably some Australian sappers who walked 300 miles in 16 days after escaping from the enemy and passing through his lines. Patrols continue to harrass the Germans in the Solium region. Their success has forced the Germans to send out patrols to protect the coastal forces. The Germans found track-driven armoured vehicles unsuitable for prolonged desert operations, and are gradually discarding some types of tanks in favour of heavy eight-wheeled armoured cars mounting a gun.