Copy No. 11 OPTEL No. 34 Information received to 7 a.m., 13 December, 1941. (I) NAVAL Early this morning a British destroyer reported that, in company with other British destroyers, she torpedoed trio Italian cruisers off CAPE BON, TUNYISIA. One blew up, the other was left on fire from stem to stern. They also damaged a destroyer by gunfire and sank an E-boat. No damage or casualties to our ships. On 24th November a British submarine torpedoed a merchant ship and salvage ship in CANDIA Harbour. American Naval aircraft claim to have damaged a Japanese battleship of the Kongo Class off the coast of LUOON in addition to the HARUNA. A 5,000 ton British merchant vessel in Northbound coastal convoy was sunk by mine off the HUMBER on the morning of the 12th. (II) MILITARY LIBYA. 11th. Our advance westward continued. In the coastal area, GAOALA is held by the enemy in some strength, although air reconnaissance indicates considerable movement of mechanical transport west and north-west from this area. It is being marked by our troops who have advanced parallel to the coast and were reported within five miles of the town. They have captured about 500 German and Italian prisoners. About ten miles south of GAOALA, the enemy launched an attack with 35 tanks during the day and infantry also were opposing our troops. The results of these engagements are not yet known. Further south our armoured forces are carrying out a wide encircling movement directed on DERNA, EL GUBBA and MEKILI. Other armoured columns were directed on enemy troops in the area south of GAOALA on the EL ADEM-MEKILI Road, where our infantry are also in contact with the enemy. In the area North-West of GAOALA, our support group scattered a column of German mechanical transport and is reported to have caused great destruction and confusion amongst enemy columns. Operations throughout were hampered by sandstorms. FAR EAST MALAYA. KELANTAN Area. No %thing to report. KEDAH Area. Some withdrawal by our forces has taken place in this area to a line just north of ALOR STAR. Our troops operating north of KROH were forced back towards the frontier by unexpectedly strong forces, including tanks and light artillery. An enemy prisoner stated that many men had inflatable rubber belts enabling them to cross rivers. Men landed without rations and were helped by fifth columnists. The enemy are using infantry and tanks in close co-operation. |