Copy No. 11
 
      OPTEL No. 55
 
      
 
 
Information received up to 7 a.m., 30th December, 1941.
 
      
 
 
(I) 
MILITARY
 
      LIBYA. The bulk of the enemy forces are still in position in 
      the JEDABYA area with their armoured forces covering the southern 
      flank. Continued pressure had not yet succeeded in dislodging 
      them. On the 28th a force of approximately 60 enemy tanks supported 
      by artillery attacked one of our armoured brigades. After six 
      hours fighting our troops withdrew eastwards. An unconfirmed 
      report states that the enemy suffered 30 tank casualties. Our 
      troops at BENGHAOI state there are reliable reports that about 
      5,000 of our prisoners have been evacuated by sea to GREECE.
 
      RUSSIA. On the MOSCOW front the Russians are continuing their 
      advance southwest of KALININ. In the CRIMEA, the Germans and 
      Roumanians are continuing to attack SEVASTOPOL and are offering 
      strong resistance to Russian attempts to land at KERCH.
 
      
 
 
MALAYA.
 South of IPOH our forward troops have made 
      a steady withdrawal in face of enemy forces estimated at one 
      division Supported by artillery and tanks.
 
      
 
 
SARAWAK.
 The Japanese have occupied KUCHING. According 
      to Dutch sources part of our garrison has reached Dutch BORNEO.
 
      
 
 
(II) 
AIR OPERATIONS
 
      WESTERN FRONT.
 28th/29th. WILHELMSHAVEN. No cloud, visibility 
      excellent, town and docks clearly seen. 77 tons H.E. and 6,500 
      incendiaries dropped. Bursts and fires seen in the centre of 
      the town, near the railway station and across the docks. Only 
      one aircraft out of 77 on this objective did not return.
 
      HULS. 65 aircraft dropped 55 tons of H.E. and 3,000 incendiaries. 
      Visibility good, target clearly identified, direct hits obtained 
      and photographs taken. Bursts followed by fires and one large 
      explosion were seen on various parts of the objective.
 
      
 
 
EMDEN.
 54 tons of H.E. including five 4,000 pounders, 
      and 2,000 incendiaries dropped. Visibility excellent and slight 
      ground snow helped identification. S %everal bursts were seen chiefly 
      in the docks area. On the whole a very satisfactory night and 
      the best for some weeks. 18 R.C.A.F. and 7 R.A.A.F. aircraft 
      took part. One Canadian aircraft missing.