SURGING NORTH

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 141, 16 June 1944, Page 6

SURGING NORTH

ALLIES IN ITALY Capture Of More Towns In Coastal Sector N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. 2.30 p.m. LONDON, June 15. The forward march of the Fifth and Eighth Armies in Italy continues. The Allies, after the capture of Orvieto, are now well north of the town. Eighth Army units, advancing in the Orvieto area, have captured Bagnorea, after two days stubborn fighting. Fifth Army troops by the capture of Magliano, 12 miles to the north, have completely cut off Orbetello from the main German forces retreating northward. The Americans, west of Lake Bolsena, have reached Pitigliano, and the French, in the Lake Bolsena area, have also continued their advance.

The German news agency stated that Allied tanks, operating from the Orbetello area, on the coast, penetrated the Grosseto area, 23 miles north of Orbetello.

The Germans yesterday evacuated Aquapendente, eight miles north-east of Lake Bolsena.

Important gains have been made all along the front in Italy, and to-day's communique says we have, for the moment at least, overcome the stiff German resistance of the past three days. On the Adriatic sector more troops have crossed the Saline River. Some 35 miles inland our reconnaissance troops have entered the important town of Aquila.