"TERRIFIC ATTACK"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 117, 20 May 1942, Page 6

"TERRIFIC ATTACK"

GERMAN ADMISSION

(Rec. 2.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 19

German reports from the Kharkov front now. describe the1 initiation of the Russian offensive last week as "something terrific and unexpected," says "The Times" Stockholm correspondent. They admit that the heaviest' fire ever experienced in Russia battered a the German positions, which had , hitherto been considered impregnable, while giant tanks crashed deeply,, into the German zones. Military spokesmen in Berlin admit that the force of Marshal Timoshenko's blows surprised the High Command, adds the correspondent, but declare that the Russian effort to secure the initiative in the summer operations will not appreciably delay or deflect the High Command from its original plans.

Marshal Timoshenko has eaten deeply into a densely-fortified zone rather than cracking or breaking through it. The question , now is which side will be ready first for the next heave. The chances appear to favour the Russians since their rear is relatively undisturbed: arid the battle began as they designed

A Swiss correspondent in Berlin says that-.the; Press-.today, refers to Russia's spring offensive for the >first time. • Moscow radio says that Hitler is bringing up reserves from the distant rear and; attempting to organise a defence, in depth. . .

The German High Command, in a special announcement, claims that the German and Rumanian troops in the Crimea reached the. coast at Kerch along its entire lengfti. The last fortified bridgeheads on both sides of •the town were taken by,assault today after a stubborn resistance.