United Forces Driving South

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 181, 2 August 1944, Page 5

United Forces Driving South

NORMANDY OFFENSIVE Double-Barrelled Thrust Through Rommel Defences (N.Z.P.A. —Copyright.—Rec. 1 p.m.) ■ LONDON, August l. : The British and American forces which joined hands souths west of Forest le Veque, in Normandy, which has been captured, are now driving south in a powerful double-barrelled thrust through Rommel's defences. There was little resistance when the British forces entered Lebeny Bocage. The Germans were pushing up trying to establish themselves when our forces hit them. A panzer division has been thrown into the line in an attempt to plug the holes in the German defences, but British infantry and armour won vital new high ground during a day of bitter fighting.

German counter-attacks, supported by tanks, were launched in small weight at a dozen points around Hill 309 and Galet, but were hurled back and broken up before they properly started. Berlin radio, quoting a High Command report, says: "Our troops in France now have to face tasks of the utmost difficulty in view of the fact that the British and American offensive has engulfed the entire front." Allied progress in the western sector continues, says Supreme Headquarters night communique. Armoured forces pushing on from Avranches captured dams south-east of Ducey and near Vezine, while others have taken Brecey and reached the River See. In this area fighting is going on south of Villedieu, though the town itself has not yet been taken. Our forces have driven further forward in Tessy area and are now within a mile of the town. There has also been some progress south of Torigny sur Vire. In the area south of Caiimont, Allied troops, after clearing Forest le Veque, crossed the River Souleuvre and have taken Lebeny Bocage. Poor visibility limited air activity from midnight to noon. During the morning Normandy-based aircraft attacked targets in advance of our troops.