OPTEL N0. 23.
 
      
 
 
LIBYA.
 
      
 
 
5th. Our mobile columns operated throughout the day harassing 
      the enemy with great success especially on Trigh Capuzzo and 
      in area Sidi Regegh El Adem where he is concentrated. One of 
      them returned with 100 prisoners having destroyed 60 enemy H.T. 
      and a forward supply depot. In the evening, an enemy counter 
      attack North of El Gobi was repulsed.
 
      
 
 
TOBRUK.
 
      400 Infantry and 150 M.T. were engaged South of El Duda by our 
      artillery, machine guns and aircraft. Heavy casualties were inflicted 
      and columns scattered in confusion.
 
      
 
 
5 Dive bombers were shot down by our ground troops.
 
      
 
 
6th Battle reported in progress at 1100 between our armoured 
      force and 15th German Armoured Division 12 miles North of El 
      Gobi.
 
      
 
 
AIR
 
      
 
 
5th. Reconnaissance reported 55 enemy aircraft at Gazala aerodrome, 
      50, mostly fighters, at Martuba, and 70 at Derna. 1000 dispersed 
      M.T. 20 miles West of E1 Adem and over 1000 M.T. South of El 
      Adem.
 
      
 
 
Hurricane Bombers made two effective attacks on M.T. and troops 
      on Trigh Capuzzo. Severe dust storm prevented medium bomber operations.
 
      
 
 
19 Tomahawks intercepted 35 dive bombers escorted by 30 mixed 
      fighters about to attack our troops near El Adem. Majority jettisoned 
      their bombs. Tomahawks destroyed 17 dive bombers and 3 fighters, 
      probably destroyed 3 dive bombers and 3 fighters and damaged 
      1 dive bomber and 4 fighters. 4 Tomahawks missing. In further 
      air fight, one German fighter was destroyed and one Italian and 
      3 German fighters damaged. Two Hurricanes missing. 
 
      5th/6th. Weather prevented heavy bomber operations.