Information received up to 7 a.m., 27th January 1942. 1. NAVAL One of H,M, submarines claims two hits on a convoy of three merchant ships of about 5,000 tons each entering SUDA BAY on the 12th, one ship was seen to sink. On the 22nd an 8,000 tons Norwegian tanker was torpedoed and set on fire South-East of HALIFAX and on the 25th another Norwegian tanker from CURACOA was hit by three torpedoes 200 miles North-East of CHESAPEAKE BAY. 2. ITALY LIBYA. 26th. Reports from the forward area indicate that on the afternoon of the 25th two enemy columns consisting of a total of 200 M. T. and 20 tanks were advancing North-East from PSUS and were being engaged by our forces. Our armoured forces were in the CHARRUBA Area some 50 miles North of MSUS. while our main infantry forces were still south of BENGHAOI threatening the left flank of the advancing enemy columns. MALAYA. SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> East: Enemy estimated at two battalions supported by Naval forces landed at ENDAU on the morning of the 26th. Our aircraft against strong air opposition, engaged these forces and hit warships and transports. Heavy air losses on both sides. Center: Throughout 26th our troops were in contact with the enemy North of RENGAM and OIMPANG RENGAM. Our forward troops and road communications were continually dive-bombed and machine gunned. West: The 15th Indian Infantry Brigade are trying to move South from SENGGRANG. The 53rd Infantry Brigade were trying to make touch with them from the South bu %t were unable to advance beyond RENGAM. BURMA. SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> Everything of value in MERGUI was destroyed before evacuation. There has been no further contact with the enemy. 3. AIR OPERATIONS. WESTERN FRONT. SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> 26th/27th. 136 aircraft sent out -HANOVER 70 - EMDEN 33 - BREST 25. 3 are missing. LIBYA SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New">. 25th. All available aircraft were used to cover the withdrawal of our ground forces. Many enemy vehicles were either destroyed or damaged. 4 enemy aircraft were shot down and 3 damaged. We lost 2. |