MORE PROGRESS.

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

MORE PROGRESS.

RUSSIANS AT PRIPET MARSHES. GREATER THREAT TO GOMEL. LONDON, November 17. The Russian armies in the Ukraine and White Russia have made important progress in their drive to split the German forces. In the last 24 hours the powerful Russian forces advancing north-west of Kiev have overrun more than 60 places, and were reported to be only a mile or two from the important rail centre of Korosten. The Russians are rapidly gaining command of the main north-south railway between Korosten and Jitomir, and also of a stretch of the railway above Korosten. On the Russians’ right flank, north of Korosten, stretch the great Pripet Marshes, where there are few communications. The Germans are making their big effort further south, on-the front between Jitomir and Fastov, where heavy tank fighting is going on. Reports suggest that it is the Russian plan to fight a holding battle here. North of the Pripet Marshes the battle is approaching Gomel, southernmost German stronghold on the White Russian front. Gomel has been closely invested from tbe east and south for some weeks, and the Russians have now begun to attack from the north, from their bridgehead on the Sozli River. They have made considerable progress, and have reduced a number of strongholds. A dispatch to the British Broadcasting Corporation from Moscow says the Germans are unlikely to be able to hold Gomel much longei\ There are reports that Russian artillery are beginning to lay down a heavy barrage on the outskirts of the city.