KASSERINE PASS BATTLES Readings - US Army Center Of Military ...

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on thc+ surrounding heights excellent observation posts domfimnding the entire
battlefield . (Annex 1156)
The attack of the A .A.580 to open the passes north of Thelepte from the
north is also unable to push through to its objective because of strong hostile
interference and the swampy condition of the roads . Consequently the attack is
broken off towatd noon on orders of the armor. (Annex 115?)
Hostile artillery activity is stepped up on the front of the
and Div. Centauro . However the enemy does not advance to the attack .
The advance made by Buhse Group is scarcely able to move forward over the
difficult terrain which has become almost impassable from the rain. The enew
defiles
continues as before to hold the basses west of Ousseltda in . heavy forces .
]1Urther reconnaissance conducted on our part along the north Tunisian
front establishes the fact that there has been no weakening of the advanced
forces occupying the positions site the northern half of the -.10L 5.Pz .
Armes's sector. Moreover local reserves still seem to be there (Annex 1158 )
(Situation map and reports see Annex 1159 )
Air situation:
Our LuftnPffe is giving effective support to our fighting despite very
difficult weather conditions . _
Throughout the day enemy Tabo and attack planes were attacking in - the
region of DJ .el Hams and wouth of Thala . In this fighting 5 enemy planes were
shot down by ground fire .
Estimate of the situation and plans :
a . First Italian Amy :
21 .Pz.Biv .
Bedause of poor weather conditions, air reconnaissance is able to disclose
only an incomplete picture of the enemy dispositions on the front . The impression
gained of the enemy today confirms the viewpoint of the army, that the enemy
qill not move to the attack against the advanced Mareth position until he has
brought up stronger forces and has completed his preparations .