Copy No. 14
 
      OPTEL No. 32
 
      Information received up to 7 a.m. 11th December, 1941.
 
      
 
 
(I) 
NAVAL
 
      H.M.S. PRINCE OF WALES and H.M.S. REPULSE were sunk by air attack 
      at about 0650 on 10th, 140 miles North North East of SINGAPORE. 
      One high level and 3 torpedo bombing attacks were made on H.M.S. 
      PRINCE OF WALES and hits scored with one bomb probably a one 
      thousand pounder and 4 or 5 torpedoes. One high level attack 
      and one torpedo bombing attack were made on H.M.S. REPULSE and 
      hits scored with one or more bombs and 2 or 3 torpedoes. Each 
      torpedo bombing attack was carried out by 9 aircraft and all 
      attacks were pushed well home and skillfully carried out. About 
      7 aircraft were shot down.
 
      
 
 
On 5th, one of H.M. submarines in Southern approaches to Straits 
      of MESSINA obtained one hit on a 4 thousand tons half laden merchant 
      vessel in convoy escorted by torpedo boats. Owing to counter 
      attack, the result could not be observed.
 
      
 
 
A homeward bound convoy from CANADA was attacked on 10th about 
      300 miles West of IRELAND. 2 unknown ships were torpedoed but 
      are still afloat.
 
      
 
 
(II) 
MILITARY
 
      
 
 
LIBYA.
 9th. Our mobile forces had a successful day 
      and continued to harass the enemy in a Westerly direction from 
      EL ADEM. Junction between our forces in TOBRUK and those outside 
      has now been firmly established and road from East has been opened. 
      Our artillery shelled concentrations of M.T. Southwest of EL 
      ADEM. Enemy gun positions covered by armoured cars were attacked 
      and about 40 enemy tanks were engaged by our armoured forces. 
      In coastal area our patrol are clearing up remnants of enemy 
      and near the TRIGH CAPUOO0 they located and destroyed 38 enemy 
      tanks in work shops. MERSA LUCCA was occupied by our troops in 
      evening.
 
      
 
 
10th. Mopping up in EL ADEM area continues. Small pockets 
      of enemy infantry and armoured cars possibly of Ariete Division 
      were located in area North of BIRHAKEIM.
 
      
 
 
MALAYA.
 At KELANTAN patrol tr %oops have been reorganized 
      and are reported nearly intact. It is estimated that (?about) 
      one enemy division has landed in this area.