OPTEL No. 12
 
      Information received up to 7 a.m. 1st December, 1941.
 
      
 
 
(I) 
NAVAL
 
      On the 29th a 5,000 ton British Merchant Vessel in an outward 
      bound convoy blew up after being torpedoed by U-boat 150 miles 
      North West of the AOORES. There were no survivors.
 
      
 
 
(II)
 MILITARY
 
      LIBYA. During the fighting on 29th November the enemy succeeded 
      in capturing EL DUDA towards evening but was driven out by a 
      counter attack during the night. The Italian Ariete Division 
      is believed to have suffered heavy casualties on 29th.
 
      
 
 
In the Frontier area, the situation is being cleared up.
 
      
 
 
RUSSIA
. Central Sector: The German thrust from the 
      KLIN Area on MOSCOW has gained ground both in Easterly and South-Easterly 
      directions. Further German progress has also been made West of 
      MOSCOW in the area NOVO PETROVSKOE. A new German attack from 
      the area TULA - USLOVAYA has made considerable progress North-Eastwards 
      in the direction of KASCHIRA and RYAOAN. The thrust Eastwards 
      towards RIAOHSK has reached SKOPIN. South-East of 0REL another 
      German advance has also been made. General - The battle for MOSCOW 
      still continues and the Germans appear to be attempting to carry 
      out an encircling movement in case their direct attack fails. 
      Their Eastward advance from the TULA area already seriously threatens 
      the M0SC0W - RIAOHSK - VORONEOSH Railway. The Russian success 
      at ROSTOV will at least temporarily delay the German passage 
      over the River DON and subsequent advance into the CAUCASUS.
 
      
 
 
(III) 
AIR OPERATIONS
 
      30th/1st. 245 Aircraft, including 26 heavy were despatched. Hamburg 
      180, Emden 50, 0stend 3, Sea-mining 8, Leaflets 4. 19 bombers 
      are missing and two others crashed, but the crews are safe. Coastal 
      command aircraft successfully bombed a 5,000 ton merchant vessel 
      off the Frisian Islands, which was last seen sinking fast. A 
      4,000 ton vessel was attacked and a large explosion was seen 
      amid-ships, another ship of 6,000 tons was probably hit.