RAPID ADVANCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 33, 18 November 1943, Page 3

RAPID ADVANCE

THE RUSSIANS AT GOMEL. ON OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY. FIGHTING FOR KOROSTEN. (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 2 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 17. “The Russian artillery is laying down a heavy barrage on the outskirts of Gomel as the Red Army advances rapidly on the town,” says Reuter’s Moscow correspondent. “The Russians are steadily widening the breach in the German line west of Ryezhitsa and are definitely isolating Gomel. “The battles north and south of the Pripet Marshes have again flared up to a new climax. The battle to the south of the Kiev salient is developing rapidly. “Soviet troops have cut three out of six railway connections with Korosten. Tlie position of this important junction is becoming increasingly weak. The latest report says that the Russians have' passed Zlobichi, six miles south-east of Korosten, and are now marching straight on to the town.”

The Moscow radio says the Germans have thrown in new regrouped infantry units and major tank forces in an attempt to restore the position the Fastov area. Soviet- forces continue to ward off German counterattacks.

The Paris radio says that 25 Russian divisions for the last 48 hours have been attacking in successive waves west of Smolensk in an attempt to break through to Orsha. According to the radio, local breaches achieved by the Russians have been sealed off.

Berlin expects a new Russian encirclement movement between Gomel and Kiev. It is believed that the aim of the Russian attack south of Ryezhitsa is to effect a junction with the Russians in the northern part of the Kiev pocket. This would be assisted by a thrust west of Chernigov.