SMASHING BLOWS BY ALLIED AIR FORCE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 39, 15 February 1945, Page 5

SMASHING BLOWS BY ALLIED AIR FORCE

WEST FRONT BATTLE

Counter-Thrusts Beaten

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N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. 1 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 14. General Crerar's British troops beat back six German counterthrusts to-day, says Reuters correspondent with the Canadian First Army. In the clearest weather since the offensive began the Allied Air Force was able to give all-out close support. The Germans launched counterattacks in two main areas, firstly, against the Scottish-held bridgehead across the Niers River, east of Gennep, and, secondly, against the Scottish troops driving down the road from Kleve to Udem. The Germans in each case sent in thrusts from three directions, but all were beaten off, and the Allied advance continues. Typhoons, bombers and artillery played a leading role in breaking up the counter-attacks. It was Normandy all over again, with long lines of rocket-fighters overhead answering instantly every call for air support. Many German formations attacking along the Udem road broke under the force of the air pounding before they reached the British line. Others weathered the attacks, but were cut to pieces and scattered by infantrymen. Crystal Clear Day The Germans who attacked the Niers bridgehead had the support of self-propelled guns, and actually broke into the British forward positions in what looked like a calculated attempt to break through to the north-west, but the infantry and gunners prevented them from exploiting their advantage.

The weather was crystal clear all day, with bright sunshine. Already the mud has become markedly firmer. German movements .still going on behind the battle area indicate that more reinforcements are moving up. . , . .. Loud explosions heard during the day from the direction or die suburbs of Arnhem suggested that the enemy may be quitting this area. Canadians Near Rhine The Canadians pushing north-eas: of Kleve are now within two miles of the Rhine ferry crossing at Emmerich, says the British United Press correspondent with the -sist Army Group. They are blowing up the dykes in order to avoid dangerous canalisation of the' flood waters, which threaten the front on all sides. The Brussels radio says the Maas River is 10ft above normal. The Allied air forces had their biggest day since the Falaise gap period in Normandy. Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham's Tactical Air Force alone flew 1500 sorties before tea time, says the Exchange Telegraph correspondent with the British and Canadians. The planes smashed troop concentrations in and behind the battle areas and communications in the Ruhr. Their claims, which so far are incomplete, are 83 locomotives, 228 rail cars and 130 road transports destroyed or damaged and 28 railway lines cut.