TOLL ON GERMANS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 7, 20 October 1941, Page 5

TOLL ON GERMANS

RUSSIAN AIR FORCE ACTIVE. DESTRUCTION OF MATERIAL. LOSSES ON GIGANTIC SCALE. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 19. ■ A Russian communique issued at mid-day states: During the night our troops continued to engage the enemy and fighting was particularly severe in the western direction (around Moscow). A supplement states that in the south-western direction (Ukraine) during the last three weeks , one Russian air squadron destroyed 5G enemy aircraft, 104 tanks, 600 motor-cars, 60 light tanks. 15 armoured cars and 50 guns.

It is clear from the official reticence that the fierce attempt by the Germans. to envelop the Russian armies that are defending the Moscow region is continuing, and the issue of this crucial struggle is still in doubt. While the Russian defence has probably been penetrated at some points there is nothing to indicate either that the fall of the capital is imminent or, what is more important, that, Marshal Timoshenko’s armies have, as the Germans claim, been put out of effective action. There can be no doubt that the losses on both sides during the last week or two have been on a gigantic scale, nor that both the German advance and the Russian resistance continue.

Particularly reassuring is the strength of the Russian reactions on either wing of the German thrustin the direction of Kalinin and Orel. The'latter town, which is of great importance, was reported days ago to have been recaptured by the Russians but foreign reports that both it and Kalinin are now in Russian hands are not confirmed. So long as the Russians hold up the Germans in these two sectors the situation of the armies in the centre— immediately west of, and in, Moscow— though serious, need not be regarded as desperate. Further news of the vigorous activity by the Russian Air Force against the German troops given in a supplementary communique issued at Moscow to-day: “Our air squadron destroyed during the last few days 117 tanks, 25 anti-aircraft guns, 27 aircraft (of which 20 were on the ground), and also routed at least five, battalions of infantry. “Another air squadron destroyed during the last three days 113 motorcars and two companies of infantry, and shot down two aircraft.” The supplement also describes increased tension between Finnish and German soldiers. Finnish prisoners declare that the German officers treat them like cattle and that the German Command throws Finnish units into a place where huge losses are unavoidable.’’—British Official Wireless.