INS TASTE THEIR OWN MEDICINE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 34, 10 February 1943, Page 3

INS TASTE THEIR OWN MEDICINE

REDS OUTFLANK \ Mobile Units Infiltrate Through Strong Points N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright Rec. 2 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 9. The Red armies are still, hammering wedges into the many strategic points of the German defences. Thenspearheads always thrust at the joints in the German communications, some of the most important of which are threatened afresh daily, chiefly as the result of the Russians creating havoc on the enemy's winter lines by the incessant capture of strong points. Reuters Moscow correspondent says the weakness of the German hedgehog system, which last winter was so successful in preventing the Russian exploitation of the advances, is now becoming apparent. All these fortified points depended on an elaborate network of bases and communications established with the usual German thoroughness of organisation, but the Russian tactics of infiltration, carried out by mobile units, have disrupted the German machinery.

Russian tanks, heavily armed motor cycle detachments and ski troops trained in the Siberian summer time, are-piercing the German lines between the strong points and attacking them from the rear and flanks, straddling the supply lines and ambushing reinforcements to the front line.

Reports show that these tactics disconcert the Germans, who, tenacious enough behind barbed wire and concrete, are apt to become demoralised when tanks and mobile units approach from the rear and flanks. Thus the method on which the Germans built up the blitzkrieg are being crushingly turned against them. "A Stalingrad Complex"

The British United Press Moscow correspondent says it is seriously suggested that the Stalingrad disaster is affecting German morale and indticing a "Stalingrad complex," as a result of which, after seeing a great army encircled and chopped to pieces, the Germans arc always look ing over their shoulders and fearing that if they stand and fight the same fate may overcome them. Nevertheless, some correspondents suggest it is ' possible the swift Russian advances may be due in some measure to the weakening of the German lines as the Wehrmacht retreats and regroups in order to shorten its line and economise in troops and material after the terrific losses at Stalingrad, Voronezh and in the Caucasus. However, the fact that the Germans hitherto have been unable to disengage their armies and have been forced to fight in every sector, even if only rearguard actions, makes the retreat a most expensive operation, which the Russians are fully exploiting by attrition.

The correspondent adds that the latest threat to German communications is developing westwards of Kursk, where General Golikov's hard-hitting columns are within striking distance of the BryanskKharkov railway at Lgov, the. capture of which would further limit the nourishing of Kharkov.

The Russians have already cut four of the eight railways radiating ■from Kharkov. If the line to Bryansk is severed the Germans will possess only three along which to move troops in one of the most vital areas, namely, to Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava and Konotop. The Red Air Force is already blitzing these lines, which is a portent of future moves.

A Stockholm message states the German line in the Ukraine has already collapsed. Russian shock troops are pouring through the gap made at Kursk.

Reuters Moscow correspondent says the Red Army, advancing beyond Kursk, in the past 12 hours has wiped out 6000 Germans and Hungarians and captured many strongpoints.