SLOW PROGRESS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 310, 11 October 1943, Page 3

SLOW PROGRESS

ALLIES ON THE VOLTURNO. DIFFICULTIES DUE TO RAIN. ENEMY ON HIGH GROUND. (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 10. The recent rains have turned the country along the Volturno River into marshy swamps, which in many places greatly impeded movement off the roads. Rains in the hills also widened and deepened, the -river. These difficulties, however, are not considered insurmountable, according to messages from the front. Both sides are closely watching the opposite banks from observation points. There are exchanges'of small arms and heavier fire, including German six-barrelled multiple mortars. In certain dangerous spots under direct observation on either side any living thing is immediately shot at. Active infantry patrolling across the river continues, particularly where the crossing can be made unseen. The signs are that the enemy is massing considerable forces ready to counterattack should the sth Army make a crossing. It is believed that the Germans have armour in readiness, though the deployment ■of tanks is most difficult owing to ditches, canals, orchards and high walls round the fields and bordering the roads. Moreover, as long as the Germans hold the high ground north of Capua their artillery would dominate every Allied movement. —British Official Wireless.