ITALIANS RETREATING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 47, 5 December 1940, Page 5

ITALIANS RETREATING.

BOTH SECTORS IN ALBANIA COUNTER-ATTACKS SMASHED LONDON, December- 3. Agency messages to-night state that the Italians are in retreat in Albania, in both, the north and south sectors. They are making a gradual retirement to Elbasan, and are being constantly harassed by the Greeks. The advancing Greeks are pressing so hard behind the Italians that in man3' camps half-eaten meals are

found. Italian prisoners report illnessin their ranks, and siioav, to Avdilch many are not accustomed, is increasing their misery. In the central sector, Italian counterattacks Avere smashed AA*ith great loss. Along the northern and southern portions of the front the Greek advance continues to be rapid, and one report states that the Greeks have captured the heights round Argyrokastron. It is also reported that the Italian supply lines from Durazzo to Argyrokastron are being shelled by the Greek artillery.'. .

Italian dead arc reaching considerable numbers and special squads are being detailed to bury them.

The Italians in the .north-of Albania are retreating from the source of the Shkumba river to Elbasan. The Greeks are advancing across Mount Lenia fanAvise, pivoting from a village Avest of Moskopolis. Their line has also been extended "ijlcmg the western slopes of the range to the Mokra mountains and reaches beyond Mumuniste. HoAVover, Italian artillery units are holding some heights near Mumuniste and they arc heavily shelling Pogradetz, Avhich - has virtually been eA'acuated. Large Greek orces have taken positions on. the mights of Mokra.

Heavy artillery duels raged yesterlay, but siioav has greatly hampered operations. It has also prevented /

British and Greek bombers from attacking Italian columns. 'The Greeks’ latest booty includes stocks of skis, an additional 50 staff maps, light guns, and medical stores.