LATEST WAR NEWS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13769, 12 October 1942, Page 3

LATEST WAR NEWS

The following is a summary of the latest war news:

STALINGRAD

The German infantry are still licking their wounds before Stalingrad. There have been no fresh assaults in the past 24 hours, and activity has been confined to artillery duels, with the Russians still engaged in consolidating their positions. "Red Star" organ of the Soviet Army, emphasises flip enormous losses suffered by the Germans, and agrees with the decision made by correspondents that the failure of the Germans to renew their attacks is due to the fact that their front-line troops have become exhausted. It points out, however, that the enemy has not lost hope of taking Stalingrad, and is bringing up reinforcements for another assault.

North-west of the city Marshal Timoshenko has further improved his position. The Germans are still endeavouring to push toward the Black Sea port of Tuapse, and this sector has been the scene of some very heavy fighting. South of Leningrad, too, the enemy has been struggling hard to regain, lost territory, but here again he has been foiled.

THE MIDDLE EAST

Further heavy raids have been carried out on enemy landing grounds in Egypt. Buildings have been set on fire and planes destroyed on the ground. A railway line was also straddled. The raids have been carried out by medium bombers which have been supported by naval aircraft. The enemy supply train which was blown up when making its way toward the EI Alamein was made up of 20 trucks and was carrying ammunition. It was completely wrecked. RAIDS ON MALTA

The enemy has renewed his raids on Malta. As many as five raids were made on one day, and there were several casualties. Considerable damage was also done to civilian property. -At least two Messerschmitts were shot down.

In recognition of Malta's epic stand it has been announced by the Rhodes Trustees that they have decided to grant one scholarship a year to the island instead of one every three years as formerly.

NEW GUINEA

Latest despatches from New Guinea state that the Australian troops now cover the whole area of the Kokoda Gap. No contact has been made with the Japanese. CHINESE SUCCESSES

A successful action has been fought by General Chian? Shek’s troops in central China. A strong Japanese position was attacked and the enemy was driven back. Two thousand Japanese troops then counter-attacked and encircled the Chinese forces, bu the Chinese managed to fight their way clear, and before withdrawing inflicted-heavy damage.