1941-01-24 — Page 2

THE CHINA MAIL, JANUARY 24, 1941.

Mechanised Units Play Big Part In Libyan Strategy

87 Raids In A Day at Tobruk

R.A.F. bombers made 87 raids on Tobruk during the day which preceded the

launching of the

Cut Off One Vital GENERALS

Defence Post After Another

(By Reuter's Special Correspondent in Tobruk)

IT IS ALMOST impossible to exaggerate the important part played in the Libyan of- army's attack, and this fensive by British mechanised units forging played an important part ahead and cutting off one vital strong post in the capture of this after another. Libyan port.

From dawn to dusk on that day

R.A.F. bombers were almost con- tinuously over Tobruk, while

during the night Derna and Apol-

lonla. further along the coast, were also heavily bombed in order to prevent reinforcements being sent up.

Apart from the moral effect of Fuch bombings the R.A.F. ap parently alienced

number of guns.

a

Fighter pilots also had little rest, maintaining constant patrols throughout the operations.

Despite all this activity the

From the very beginning these units have hardly stopped moving. A famous tank regi-

ment which I visited chased one Italian divi- sion right into Bardia.

In the course of this task they were subjected to formidable Ita- lian air attacks. In one day alone they had 18 bomber and 15 fighter attacks but latterly such attacks have been entirely absent, owing to the fact that the R.A.F. had smashed up Italian aerodromes.

I was privileged to accom · pahy a tank squadron on a day. light patrol.

Climbing up from a deep basin we gradually approached level

R.A.F. lost only three 'planes in ground and made a survey ten days.

Reuter.

many miles.

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The WING ON

OLTA

Store Open Until 10 P.M.

of

Pole Squatters

As look-out points against un- expected tank sallies, the Italians had established a series of pole squatters and Hook-out posts around the whole perimeter of the

Tobruk defences.

A young officer told me, how- ever, that many of the figures seen on these poles proved to be dummies.

Tank traps also proved formid- able and many booby traps and hidden mines were also discover-

ed-Reuter.

C.N.A.C. PLANS

FOR H.K. LINK WITH INDIA

Members of the China National Avia- tion Corporation left New Delhi yesterday for Calcutta in their own 'plane via Agra.

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Their proposals to link up India with direct air route to Chungking and Hong Kong are under ex- amination by the Gov- ernment of India. Reuter.

END OF FASCIST

REGIME

LOOMS NEARER

THE END OF THE Fascist regime is brought yet nearer by the fall of Tobruk, is the theme of London newspaper editorials on the latest success in Libya, which is hailed as another example of General Wavell's mili- tary brilliance.

The Daily Telegraph" writes that the whole province of Gyrenaica is imperilled and our sea and air power much enhanced by the grip on Tobruk,

יר

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As for the rest of the Fascist Wavell's campaign has had Empire in Africa, important move-far-reaching. effect on the

grand ments are proceeding, swiftly on strategy of the war. It has caus- and beyond the frontiers of Eri-ed Hitler to divert strong forces trea and Abyssinia. It may not of bombers to Sicily in an attempt be long before Mussolim hears to break our mastery of the Me- the passing hell of his Imperial ambitions and rule.

diterranean.

It has led to the complete subservience of Italy to the Ger- man Dictator.

Where, Italy may well aɛk, were the squadrons of the Luft- waffe which were to change the Saying that the presence of Aus- fortune of war in the Mediter-tralians in Tobruk will be ma- ranean?

Fatuous Vanity

terial for some "member of the Fascist thuggery to turn round' and blame the Italian people for lack of resolution," the "Daily Describing Graziani as "this Express" asks "How much long- most unpugnacious- of soldiers,"jer will Italians swallow the shame the paper says that the futility of of their rulers' incompetence or his strategy is doubtless not all hope for Hitler to save them?"—_ his own but was partly imposed Reuter.

on him by the Inefficiency of the Fascist system and the fatuous vanity of Mussolini:

Hồ has been. hopalessly“ over- matched by the British" oom.. mander, General'. Sir Archibald Wavell,

The history of war records the|

(Continued from Next Col.)

AND AN ADMIRAL CAPTURED

On

Up to yesterday even- ing, 20,000 Italian prison- ers had been taken in To- bruk, together with a vast quantity of war material. the Eritrean front, the Italians were taking up defence positions 100 miles east of Kassala, which they recently eva- cuated.

The capture of Tobruk was completed on Wednesday night, G.H.Q. Cairo reported yesterday evening. So far, over 20.000 prí soners have been taken, including a Corps Corrimander, a Divisional Commander, two other Generals, an Admiral and severol high navy and army staff officers.

Captured war equipment in- cluded 200 guns of all calibres.

Our own casualties were less than 600, announces G.H.Q. Calro.

Our troops in Eritrea are in contact with the Italian defence positions between Blehira and Barentu, the communique con- tinues. In Abyssinia, we are maintaining pressure east of Me- temina, while on the Kenya front successful activity by our patrols continues.

11 Divisions Finished

With the elimination of two further Italian Divisions at To- bruk, no lees than 11 Itailan Divisions have been rendered. ineffective since we began the "Western Desert” campaign on December 9th, and it is estim ated that at least 100,000 pri- soners have been taken in the course of these actions.

Three French units which took part in the battle ore tow said to

have consisted of a detachment forced by effectives from Syria

from Cyprus, tonsiderably rein-

under General de Larminat

These French units were also in the forefront of the attacks on Sidi-Barani and Bardia; The Independent French News Agency states that the Free French forces in Egypt under General Ci troux are soon to be reinforced.

ATTEMPT TO ROB

ENVOY ON TRAIN

Colonel William Dono- van, President Roosevelt's special envoy who arrived in Belgrade on Wednes day night, was received yesterday by M. Onetko novitch, the Yugoslav Pre- ormier, according to a Bel-

He said hig: mlësioni -Had thing in common' with that ̈Mr. Sumter Walles who visited')

Vichy.

names of few generals of equal Europe: last Spring at the Fre: grade telegram received in success in that most difficult. of military arts to extract the greatest possible advantage from victory.

The swiftness of movement and smashing power of cach British blow in this Libyan campaign will long, be examples. -

Grand Strategy Another nail has been hammer- ed into the Fascist comin, Writer the "Dally, MKIL'

sident's special envoy. Colonel Donovan' will later visiti Athens, Turkey Palestine

and

Colonel Donovan told' reporters Egypt, arriving in Egypt about the he planned to stay two or three days in Belgrade and hoped to middle of February: PORTS THAT IMPORTANT DI- Vice-Premier and War Minis er, ASKED REGARDING RE- visit Prince Paul, the Regent,, the PLOMATIC DOCUMENTS HAD as well as other military leaders BEEN STOLEN FROM HIM ON He declined to say whether he THE TRAIN BETWEEN SOFIA had a personal message for Prince. AND BELGRADE HE REPLIED paul from President Roosevelt, THAT ONLY HIS PASSPORT. WAS MISSING — REUTER

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