Information received up to 7 A.M. 24th January, 1942. 1. NAVAL. Aircraft reconnaissance on 23rd showed the TIRPITO at Trondheim. A small Norwegian vessel was torpedoed off Christmas Island on the 20th and has been abandoned. n 21st a medium sized Greek vessel yeas sunk by mine off Sin 2. MILITARY. Libya. By the evening of the 22nd enemy columns, estimated total strength about 8,000 men and 90 tanks, were advancing North and North East from Jedabya. Our troops have taken up positions South East, East and North of the town. Malaya. SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> Situation 4.30 P.M. 23rd. Right. No change. Mersing area still held. Center. Our forces were withdrawn South of Labis, where they were in contact with enemy including tanks. Left. Our forces who were cut off have not yet been able to extricate themselves. Pressure in the Batu Pahat Area has increased. The Japanese Guards Division has been identified on the Muar Front. About 400 Australians and many Indian troops returned from Muar Force after very bitter fighting. Burma. SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> Demolition of Mergui Aerodrome has been completed and our withdrawal continues. More army personnel from Tavoy have arrived at Ye. East of Moulmein our forces are withdrawing but are not being pressed. Russia. SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> The Russian converging movement towards Vyasma is making progress both from the North and from the South East. 3. AIR OPERATIONS WESTERN FRONT 22nd %. 1,000 ton enemy ship was hit by R.C.A.F. Hudson. 22nd/23rd. Munster. 65 tons. Good weather conditions. Large fires were started in the term and bombs straddled the railway station. 4 R.A.A.F. aircraft participated. 22nd. A Squadron of Blenheims inflicted heavy damage on 400 closely parked H.T. South East of Agheila. Kittyhawks engaged 30 dive bombers, escorted by fighters, destroying 3 enemy aircraft and damaging 7. Two Kittyhawks are missing. 22nd/23rd. Wellington dropped over 10 tons bombs on Tripoli (L) harbor. A naval vessel and a probable A. A. ship were hit. Malta. 22nd/23rd and 23rd. A total of 83 enemy aircraft attacked, causing slight damage to ships in the harbor and to Halfar aerodrome. Two enemy aircraft were damaged by our filters. |