BIG BID FOR GROSNY

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13790, 6 November 1942, Page 5

BIG BID FOR GROSNY

GERMAN FORCES

Twin Drive on Oilfields

Russian Defence Stiffens

London, Nov. 5

Heavy fighting continues in the Central Caucasus where the Germans are now endeavouring to develop a twin drive on the Grosny oil fields. In Stalingrad the Germans are continuing their attacks on the factory belt in the northern end of the city, but attacks are on a smaller scale and on a wider front. Yesterday they lost another 1000 men killed and made no progress. A Moscow message states that more German reinforcements are, however, being brought up.

South-east of Nalchik the Germans are battering away at the Russian defences covering the important town of Ordzhonikidze and in the Mozclok area the enemy is also making renewed thrusts.

The enemy attacks in the direction of Ordzhonikidze are now meeting stiffer Russian resistance and no more ground has been given up despite heavy enemy air attacks. The Russians have also been reinforced by batteries of naval guns.

In the Mozdok area the Germans are still unable to advance and they were in fact forced to retreat after suffering heavy losses. The Russians then counter-attacked and captured a German strong point. North-east of Tuapse the Germans are in a precarious position in the mountains and Soviet counter-attacks are being continued.