Information received up to 7 a.m., 26th January 1942. 1. NAVAL Reconnaissance BREST on 25th showed both SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU out of dock and alongside torpedo boat station. Evening 25th. One of our aircraft sighted five enemy torpedo-boats 30 miles South-West of BREST steering North-North-West and attacked with depth charges result unknown. 25th, A small Greek merchant vessel in outward convoy was torpedoed off NEWFOUNDLAND, and a small British ship in coastal convoy was sunk by mine off HARWICH. Another troop convoy arrived safely in SINGAPORE between 23rd and 25th. 2. MILITARY LIBYA. SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> On the evening of the 24th, enemy mechanical transport was reported to be withdrawing from SAUNNU in a South-Westerly direction with our armoured car patrols in contact, while another large enemy body, about 20 miles South of SAUNNU, was sending patrols North-Eastwards up the TRIGH EL ABD. At 9.30 a.m. on 25th a battle was developing 18 miles South-West of MSUS between our armoured forces and two enemy columns of 35 tanks with some mechanical transport. Another column of about 200 mechanical transport was reported to be advancing from JEDABYA to ANTELAT. MALAYA. SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> P.M. 24th. East: The enemy had apparently not yet crossed the VERSING River. Our field artillery was successfully engaging enemy movements. Center: SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> Our night withdrawal South of YONG PENG was successfully carried out on 23/24th though with some lo %ss. Enemy followed up our right flank rapidly and fighting is taking place near KLUANG aerodrome. In a successful counter-attack by an Indian Battalion late in the day, the Japanese ere estimated to have lost 125 killed and 3-400 wounded. Our casualties were 25. West: SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> Enemy pressure and infiltrations have increased and the situation remains confused. 200 more of Kee force which was cut off have come in. All reports indicate extremely bitter fighting in this area. BURMA. 24th. Our withdrawal in the MOULMEIN area continues, our troops are tired and somewhat scattered, and much equipment and mechanical transport has been lost. |