CRITICAL STAGE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 2, 13 October 1943, Page 3

CRITICAL STAGE

GERMAN ARMIES IN RUSSIA.

DESTRUCTION AT GOMEL.

RED ARMY MASSES FOR ASSAULT

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 11.10 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 12.

While the position' of the German armies defending Gomel, on the northern front, and Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, has become critical, the Berlin radio military commentator (Captain Shrtorius) declared that Marshal Timoshenko is preparing for a massive assault against the Crimea, across the Kerch Straits and landings at other points. The Germans also expect that any assault against the Crimea will be supported by a renewal of the pressure on Nogiask steppe, to encircle the Crimea from the north. Captain Sertorius admits withdrawals between Gomel and the Smolensk Minsk highway, adding that fighting is approaching the town of Gomel.

. Allied sources say that there are the strongest indications that the Germans are preparing to evacuate Gomel. They are setting fire to buildings and destroying what they are unable to carry away.

As the Russian Army masses for the final assault, Russian guns - and bombers have begun a “softening-up” bombardment of German positions across the Soj River, while bombers are pounding the escape roads westwards.

Correspondents point out that a Russian break-through in this area would seriously threaten all the German positions covering Minsk # The Russian drive west of Nevel is an even more serious threat.

Captain Sertorius, while claiming that the push at Nevel failed to attain major objectives, admits that the Russians are fanning out north and south in an effort to roll up the adjoining German sectors.