Berlin Admits Reds Drive On Rostov

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 11, 14 January 1943, Page 5

Berlin Admits Reds Drive On Rostov

STERN AXIS DEFENCE Russians Launch New Blow In Voronezh Area (N.Z.P.A. —Copyright.—Rec. 1 p.m.) LONDON, January 1 3. The Russians have launched a new offensive in the Voronezh area. In announcing this the German High Command said: "The sector south of Voronezh has now been drawn into the gigantic east front battle. The Russian offensive, which was expected for some time, began with a very violent artillery barrage. The Russians achieved a local break-through, which was immediately sealed off. The fighting everywhere was very fierce." Berlin radio simultaneously reported that the Leningrad garrison was strongly attacking towards Lake Ladoga, while another strong Russian force was attacking the eastern side of the German ring compressing the Leningrad defences. Berlin radio added that it was not yet clear whether this was a major offensive or an attempt to draw off German reserves from other sectors. Berlin spokesmen now admit that the Russians are aiming at ■Rostov. They say the Red Army is employing terrific numbers of reserves in the Millerovo and Mineralnya Vodi areas. Last Natural Defence Line Before Rostov The Russians report that the Germans are making a major effort to stem the Lower Don drive towards Rostov, particularly in the Manich area, where the Axis is energetically exploiting the last natural defence line before Rostov. The Germans counterattacked in the Manich area with a large tank formation and pushed the Russians back slightly, but the Red Army regrouped and recaptured' its lost points. The Germans must retain the Man : ch line to enable their forces further south to carry out the withdrawal which is progressing under heavy Russian pressure. The Times Moscow correspondent reports that the Russians have thrown in large units in the Caucasus to harry the dense columns of men and armour which are retreating along the highways and railroad, which are being constantly bombed and strafed.

The Russians heavily raided Krasnodar, but the Germans are still strongly resisting at key points. The British United Press says the Russians are pressing towards Armavir along the Baku-Rostov railway. From Mineralnya Vodi tank-borne shock troops and mbtorised cavalry are thrusting far ahead of the main body, sowing confusion and straddling communications in an attempt to hold up the Germans while the slower main Russian foree catches up. Germans Unable to Hold Russian Advance A front line dispatch to the Red Star says the Germans are retreating in panic in some sectors, while elsewhere they are launching frequent attacks with tanks, supported by the Luft•Warfe, but they are unable to hold up the Russian advance anywhere for Very long. Reuters correspondent says the Russian Lower Don advance has. slowed down. The Russians now face large German forces which are no longer handicapped by long lines of communication. Eye-witnesses on the Caucasus front report that "thousands and thousands" of German bodies were found scattered through the Streets of Mineralnya Vodi and other captured towns. The Berlin correspondent of the Stockholm newspaper Aftonbladet States that on the Lower Don tank battles in the past few days were the most violent of the whole war. One million Russians With a thousand tanks are engaged on the Don, Caucasus and Stalingrad fronts. Russian pressure is increasing and the climax has not yet been reached. The Russian troops are mostly reservists using improved Russian-made armoured cars ahd also war material Supplied by Britain and America.