RUSSIAN RIVERS ALREADY FREEZING

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 272, 17 November 1941, Page 7

RUSSIAN RIVERS ALREADY FREEZING

INTENSE NOVEMBER

Great Numbers Of Ski Troops Ready For Action

United Press Association.—Copyrig-ht. Rec. 1 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 16. The Daily Telegraplj Kuibyshev correspondent says this is the coldest November experienced in Russia for many years. The Volga is freezing a month before normal, and snow covers all the fronts. The first ski patrols have appeared, and a new trial of strength is beginning—between Russian and German skiers: The Red Army lias a large force of ski troops.

Marshal Timoshenko insisted that the Finnish lesson be applied. Hundreds of thousands of troops last winter made long marches on skis. Russia's winter sportsmen, comprising practically ail the country's athletes, have not yet been in action against the Germans. They have been held back for the campaign that is now beginning.

In an article in a Moscow newspaper a Russian colonel says the operations at the front will soon come to a standstill because of the weather. He warns the population of frontier areas to form ski patrols against German ski detachments, who are sure to attempt raids pending the resumption of the offensive in the spring.

Many German prisoners taken at different parts of the front have frostbitten hands and no winter clothes.

Referring to the arrival of colder weather, the Moscow newspaper Pravda states that the temperature has fallen on all fronts, and German soldiers have been found frozen to death. Tanks have also been put out of action.

It is reported from Stockholm that British tanks are being operated by the Soviet forces on the Finnish front.

A Moscow communique refers to the great losses of enemy troops, tanks, guns, armoured cars, lorries and supplies on the central and southern fronts as the result of operations by the Russian air force and guerillas. Four enemy transports totalling 36,000 tons were sunk in the Baltic in two days, and a submarine hit a mine and blew up.

Russian aeroplanes on Thursdav night raided Konigsberg, Danzig and Riga.