Copy No. 11
 
      
OPTEL No. 46
 
      Information received up to 7 a.m., 23rd December, 1941.
 
      
 
 
(I) 
NAVAL
 
      During the night 21st/22nd a small Norwegian ship in the homeward 
      Gibraltar convoy was torpedoed. A 7,000 ton British ship was 
      sunk by mine off the East coast on the 21st.
 
      
 
 
(II) 
MILITARY
 
      LIBYA. Reports now received of operations by our advanced columns 
      on the 20th state two large enemy columns containing tanks and 
      guns were successfully engaged near EL KARRUBA, two field guns 
      and much M.T. destroyed. Continuous stream of abandoned M.T. 
      and equipment reported on line of advance of our armoured force 
      from MEKILI. Many prisoners captured.
 
      
 
 
22nd. There are indications that the enemy, mainly Italian, 
      may try to hold the area EL ABIAR-BENGHAOI. The majority of the 
      Germans are believed to be further south in the JEDABYA area 
      and most of their air forces seem to be operating from south 
      west of SOLUK. In the north our advance on BARCE continues and 
      also on BENGHAOI and the SOLUK area.
 
      
 
 
MALAYA.
 22nd. It is believed that enemy suffered heavy 
      losses on GRIK road on the 21st where situation is now quiet. 
      Nothing to report from other sectors.
 
      
 
 
HONG KONG.
 Our forces continue to hold the north west 
      of the Island and also STANLEY Peninsula in the south. On the 
      21st the enemy launched a determined attack from the East and 
      have isolated our position at LITTLE HONG KONG where food and 
      ammunition is stored. We are attacking the enemy rear From STANLEY 
      but progress is slow and our forces are showing signs of exhaustion.
 
      
 
 
RUSSIA.
 The Russians are continuing their offensive 
      on the MOSCOW front and in particular are making strong attacks 
      in the area between VERNHOE and TIM (forty-five miles East of 
      KURSK).
 
      
 
 
(III) 
AIR OPERATIONS
 
      22nd. Hudsons reported hits on a 2,500 ton merchant vessel and 
      a 6,000 ton tanker off NORWAY.
 
      22nd/23rd. 22 bombers of which ten R.C.A.F., were sent to  %WILHEIMSHAVEN, 
      all returned safely. Enemy activity in United Kingdom area was 
      negligible.
 
      
 
 
LIBYA.
 21st. Our fighter Sweeps over a wide area met 
      no hostile aircraft. An enemy bomber was shot down in the Gulf 
      of BOMBA.