military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (02/05/91)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Wednesday, 5 February, 1941 The van of the British 7th Armored division, along with Australian infantry, complete the drive across the Benghazi Bulge, reaching the coast at Beda Fomm. There they intercept a column of retreating Italians, and a pitched battle is fought for control of the dominating heights. The Empire forces eventually hold the day, trapping the bulk of the Italians in the Benghazi region. Other Australian troops capture Barce along the north coast, maintaining pressure on the rear of the Italian army. 5000 prisoners are taken in the Beda Fomm action, including many civilians. Wendell Willkie concludes his tour of Britain with a broadcast to the British people. References: C.Argyle, _Chronology of World War II_ R.Dupuy and T.Dupuy, _The Encyclopedia of Military History_ R.Goralski, _World War II Almanac, 1931-1945_ J.Keegan, ed., _The Times Atlas of the Second World War_ C.Messenger, _Atlas of World War Two_ J.Piekalkiewicz, _Tank War 1939-1940_ Royal Institute of International Affairs, _Chronology of the Second World War_ C.Salmaggi and A.Pallavisini, _2194 Days of War_ Brig. P.Young, _The World Almanac of World War II_ The New York Times, daily editions Time magazine Newsweek -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@att.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "Tell the German people that we German-Americans reject and hate the aggression and lust for power of the present German government." - Wendell Willkie