SLIGHT ADVANCE MADE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 31, 16 November 1943, Page 3

SLIGHT ADVANCE MADE

THE ENEMY DISTURBED. RUSHING UP REINFORCEMENTS. (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 10.5 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 15. Our troops had a relatively quiet day yesterday, states a correspondent at Allied Headquarters. In the area of Aggnone enemy patrols were active. North of Rionero we occupied high ground two miles north of the town, and our troops now hold positions overlooking the valley of the River Spino. On the extreme right of the sth Army, where we made a slight advance, artillery duels went on intermittently. The Germans are shelling the southern half of the sth Army front.

The enemy is so palpably disturbed at the threat to their right flank that they rushed up troops of the 29th Panzer Grenadiers north of Isernia. Reinforced by these troops, who had been moved out for a rest, the Germans launched three counter-attacks, but were everywhere repulsed. They left prisoners in our hands and suffered severe casualties. “There is little change in the situation on the sth Army front,” says a communique issued in North Africa. “The enemy continues his endeavours to maintain* active defence. Successful patrol actions were executed by the Bth Army. Patrols were active on the sth Army front where the positions were improved. An enemy infantry force encountered in the, hills was severely dealt with by American troops. Enemy artillery was active in coastal areas. The village of Atessa and the high ground adjacent was captured, against stiff resistance, by troops of the Bth Army. Patrols were pushed westward and in places penetrated across the river Sangro.”— British Official Wireless.