SAVAGE BATTLE FOR BATAISK

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 32, 8 February 1943, Page 3

SAVAGE BATTLE FOR BATAISK

M BLAZING VILLAGES Russian Tanks Put Panzer Units To Rout N.ZJ\A. and British Wireless Rec -11.30 aan. LONDON, Feb. 7. Front-line dispatches graphically describe the struggle between the Russian and Axis forces for Bataisk, the last Axis stronghold before Rostov, where savage tank battles were partly fought out at night time in eight blazing villages, which had been German strong points. The Germans had transformed Bataisk into a strong fortress, heavily garrisoned and defended with many mortars and guns of all calibres. The Germans, in their effort to stave off and repeatedly counter-attacked the Rusr sian flanks. The Red Army-continued to bring up powerful reinforcements. Lorry drivers for several days and nights did not leave their machines and the troops displayed supreme physical endurance and .staunchness, digging trenches in the frozen ground and manhandling guns up the steep ice-covered heights. Great Tanks Ram Defences In the final thrust giant Klim Voroshilov tanks formed the spearhead and rammed the German defences, smashing all resistance. Russian medium tanks then tore through the gaps, encountering panzer units which were being rushed up to counter-attack. Many of the panzer units were destroyed and the remainder retreated. The Germans flung in waves of bombers in groups of 10 and it>, attempting to hold up the pusn. fSrganes cleared the skies for the advancing troops, and the Germans at dusk on Friday retreated to Bataisk, which they set on fire. Soviet tank-borne troops then broke into the town, and the onrush was so violent that it confused the defenders, who believed the RedArmy was still some distance away from the town. The Russians ferreted out Germans amid the glow of burning houses, simultaneously smashing reserves which were coming up to assist the Germans, and by dawn on Saturday Bataisk had fallen. A Soviet midnight communique reported that a good Russian foothold had been secured on the coast of the Sea of Azov by the capture of half a dozen places south and southeast of Yiesk, along the northern shore of Boisug Inlet in the Caucasus. Surprise Blows at Night Red Army soldiers southwards of Rostov are taking advantage of the winter nights to deliver surprise blows against the enemy. Moscow radio said. Russian automatic riflemen are penetrating localities held by Germans, clinging precariously outside tanks. The Soviet newspaper Izvestia says the Germans are hurrying tank and infantry reserves into battle westwards of Kupyansk. The Russians seized thousands of tons of meat when they captured Kupyansk. • Reuters Moscow correspondent says General Golikov's forces, in a new advance beyond Kupyansk, are now 45 miles from Kharkov and forging toward Chuguyev. The Germans brought up considerable reinforcements and launched several counter-attacks, but all were repulsed. Russian forces east of Kursk, after heavy engagements, occupied a large number of inhabited places. Three more districts, on the Voronezh front west and south-west of Stary Oskol and Novo Oskol have been captured by the Russians.