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. |