Nazis Losing Hold On Leningrad

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 303, 23 December 1941, Page 5

Nazis Losing Hold On Leningrad

LONG SIEGE ENDING Big Russian Successes Gained In Night Offensives (United Press Association.—Copyright.—Rec. 2 p.m.) LONDON, December 22. Russian progress towards relieving Leningrad became much more apparent during the week-end, particularly along the Moscow-Leningrad railway, where the Russians have now regained the Chudovo district, says The Times Stockholm correspondent. Unless the Germans soon evacuate Shlusselburg, 25 miles east, and the surrounding area their chances of withdrawing through the ever-tightening grip exerted from Chudovo and Leningrad appear small Such a withdrawal would mean the .raising of the siege of Leningrad, which was practically encircled for two months except for an outlet over Lake Ladoga. The importance of such a victory scarcely needs emphasis. The German withdrawal from the Moscow area is continuing, with heavy rearguard fighting as the Russians push westwards. The places recaptured, particularly Krapivno, 80 miles southwest of Orel, show that the speed of the German withdrawal around here is at present greater than on the Kalinin wing. The Times Stockholm correspondent adds that it is necessary to remember that the rivers are.no longer obstacles, because they n*® * rozen - Indeed, there is scarcely another area in the world without natural obstacles so vast as that between the Baltic and the Black Sea in winter, and it is difficult to imagine where Hitler hopes to erect or dig defences which the Russians in their present mood cannot pierce or circumvent, or cut off and isolate. The German recoil from the Ukraine continues, with the rearguard constantly in action and suffering heavy losses. The position on the southernmost part of the front in the Ukraine remains the most stationary part of the Russian front since last week, -but it is doubtful whether the Germans have more than temporarily checked the Russian advance. Soviet Troops' Raids In Forest Using large forces of ski troops on deep raids through the forests to cut the German lines, one Russian commander. General Fedyunmsky, cleared the Voibokala district after intense fighting Tikhv?n UP W Genera l Meretskoff* s forces operating around The Germans in \ the Budogosk sector are reported to be breaking up into groups of 200 to 300 men. abandoning their heavy equipment to gam mobility, and sometimes surrendering »o^ln m, ! er - j f C ° ndltl r S > Russian » are using infanta? specially trained for night fighting. In recent weeks Russian successes against towns have been \v£l y v n i u I*" n, § L, hm T For instance » Rostov, Tikhvin. Yelets. Volokalamsk and Plavsk were all occupied in the early rning after night fighting. The Russians calculate that greatly "duces the effectiveness of the German mechanised units, and when the German infantry is without these their morale is lower. Moreover, the Russians consider the best way to take It'XJ dlive ou ' *• GemMM h ° m A °