GREAT ADVANCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 45, 3 December 1940, Page 5

GREAT ADVANCE.

k GREEKS ALL ALONG FRONT.

STRATEGIC POSITION TAKEN

(Received This Bay,' 9.55 a.m.) . LONDON, December 2

• The latest Greek communique states: “Considerable -advance has been made all along the front. Positions of exceptional importance in the development of operations have been captured.” The capture of Pogradetz is regarded by newspaper commentators as dealing si heavy blow at Italy’s strategic position and may have far-reaching consequences. Pogradetz lies at the southwestern end of Lake. Oclirida, through which -the. frontier ..with Yugoslavia passes.

Reports are 'current that retreating mechanised Italian units are proceeding alongside the lake north of this small town, while the infantry is proceeding west and north-westward. It is suggested that the. Italians intend to take up a new position on a line east of Elbasan twenty miles to the northwest.—British Official Wireless.

ITALIAN COMMUNIQUE.

ALL ATTACKS REPULSED.

BOMBINGS IN AFRICA ADMITTED

. ■ J 0

(Received This Day, 11.55 a.m.) LONDON, December 2

An Italian communique says: “Violent enemy on the Greek front -were everywhere repelled. Our counterattacks threw the enemy back to their starting lines with heavy losses, particularly on the right wing of the 9th Italian Army. Colonel Trizzio, leading the 47th Regiment, met an heroic death.

“Enemy planes bombed Kassala, Assab/ Burao and Metemma. A number were killed or' wounded.”