Copy No. 11
 
      
OPTEL No. 15
 
      Supplement to
 
      
 
 
(I) 
NAVAL
 Resume of Operational Events covering period 
      of 20th - 27th November, 1941. convoy arrived (home waters) on 
      23rd.
 
      
 
 
troop Light forces were operating off Libyan Coast in support 
      of our military operations 
MEDITERRANEAN.
 
      
 
 
The 15th Canadian and cruisers and destroyers have been disposed 
      to intercept reinforcements by sea.
 
      
 
 
Our shipping losses were exceptionally light. No casualties 
      from submarines or mines were reported.
 
      
 
 
Enemy minelaying by aircraft in British waters continued on 
      most nights but situation is kept well in hand especially as 
      regards rapid reopening of temporarily closed ports.
 
      
 
 
(II) 
MILITARY
 
      
 
 
LIBYA
. By November 22nd the armoured corps had succeeded 
      in bringing the greater part of the German 15th and 21st armoured 
      divisions to battle and during the next 2 days in a series of 
      heavy engagements ranging over the desert heavy casualties were 
      inflicted and received. The burden of fighting then passed temporarily 
      to infantry while the armoured (?formations) were withdrawn for 
      organization. New Oealand troops supported by British infantry 
      tanks completed pressure on enemy and on the 26th succeeded in 
      finally closing the routes to west. The (Germans) have been making 
      desperate attempts to break out to West with their surviving 
      tanks and with those remnants of HALFAYA and SIDI OMAR garrisons 
      which succeeded in withdrawing from frontier. In General Auchinleck's 
      opinion it is "all satisfactory and shows that our pressure 
      is telling more and more".
 
      
 
 
RUSSIA
. After a period lasting several weeks when threat 
      to MOSCOW seemed to be decreasing the new and expected German 
      drive at KLIN at North and East of TULA aimed at RIAOHSK and 
      RAOAN from South have once more increased considerably the danger 
      to capital.
 
      
 
 
Every available man and vehicle is being thrown into this 
      attack which % however would be brought to a standstill (?if) another 
      thaw (which is possible) were once more to turn roads into mud.
 
      
 
 
Northwest of ROSTOV.
 Germans have yet to cross the 
      River and then to consolidate their left flank before they can 
      advance further South Eastwards. In CRIMEA, SEVASTAPOL is still 
      holding out and Germans have not yet attempted to cross at KERCH.