GREATEST VICTORY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 43, 1 December 1941, Page 5

GREATEST VICTORY

THE RECAPTURE OF ROSTOV. THREAT TO CAUCASUS REDUCED. RUSSIANS SMITING HARD. (United Press Associatien—Copyright,) (Rec. 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 30. The Russians’ success in the Rostov area institutes the Soviet’s greatest victory thus far in the war against Germany. The Red Army consolidated Its position by throwing back German forces which tried a flanking counteroffensive from the Central Don Basin. The defeat of General von Kleist is of great importance .at present as it has considerably reduced the threat to the Caucasus. ' The newspaper “Izvestia,” commenting on the capture of Rostov, says:“This, is only a beginning. The co-rela-tion of the forces is changing all the time. It is a long process which cannot come to a head in a few days, but the time will come when the whole Red Army will pass from the defensive to the offensive. Everywhere negr Moscow, Leningrad, Tula and Rostov the struggle is entering a new phase. The foundation for a rout of Hitler’s army is being laid, however. “While the Soviet armies are trying to seize the initiative at some sectors at the front the Nazi offensive continues. It is a stubborn, fierce, desperate offensive. The enemy has at his disposal a mighty war machine which is already showing signs of uneven working, but is still advancing. The situation remains serious.”

The “Izvestia” reports that successful Russian counter-attacks are continuing in the region of the Donets Basin. Russian troops are smiting the retreating enemy, inflicting heavy losses and preventing their gaining a strong foothold on the new defence; lines. Twenty villages have been freed from Fascist occupation. The Russians one day killed or wounded 4000 German officers and men.