Copy No. 11 OPTEL No. 51 Information received up to 7 a.m., 26th December, 1941. (I) NAVAL Report from HAIFA states that on 25th a British 6,000 ton tanker was on fire and a Norwegian 7,000 ton Tanker had been severely damaged by fire. No further details but thought the result of air attack. A naval anti-submarine vessel was destroyed by enemy aircraft at PENANG on the 12th. Two medium sized British merchant vessels and one of smaller tonnage have been mined off the east coast. The two former have sunk. (II) MILITARY LIBYA. Pockets of enemy troops still remain and are showing fight in the area north east of BENGHAOI. BARCE aerodrome is not yet considered safe from ground attack. On the 24th enemy columns of M.T., armoured cars and some tanks were attacked by our mixed columns in the GHEMINES-BEDA-FOMM area. The enemy is still showing signs of life in the JEDABYA area and will undoubtedly do his best to avoid being cut off. The pursuit is being maintained. MALAYA . Enemy troops have reached KJALA TRENGGANJ on the east coast. RUSSIA. The enemy attack on SEVASTOPOL is continuing. (III) AIR OPERATIONS WESTERN FRONT. 25th/26th. Thirty-nine enemy aircraft were operating mainly in the THAMES ESTUARY. MEDITERRANEAN. 23rd/24th. Seventeen Wellingtons bombed the landing ground at EL AGHEILA and another one in the vicinity starting fires. One hundred enemy aircraft were found destroyed on BERCA landing ground. 24th. Our fighters attacked M.T. and troops in the EL AGHEILA area. Many vehicles were destroyed or damaged and casualties inflicted on troops. Three Blenheims attacked a large schooner in OOUARA Harbour, probably damaging it below the water line. Enemy aircraft dropped twelve mines on BENGHAOI eleven of which fell outside the harbour. 24th/25th. Nine Wellingtons bombed TRIPOLI Harbour and also a Cruiser and three Destroyers ten miles outside steering a N.N.Wly. cour %se. Six naval aircraft also laid mines. Three enemy aircraft were over MALTA for eight and half hours. No damage was caused. (IV) A Japanese division probably from SIAM is reported to be concentrating in the KRA Isthmus on the railway between PRACHUAB, KHIRIKUN and CHUMPORN. |