SWISS SOLDIERS SNOWED IN

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22657, 11 March 1939, Page 15

SWISS SOLDIERS SNOWED IN

ATTEMPT AT RESCUE PLANNED SEVERE WEATHER IN BERNESE ALPS TRENCH MORTARS TO BLAST MOUNTAIN-SIDES HTBITBD PRESS 4SSOCUTJOS—COPTRIOHT.) (Received March 10, 11 p.m.) BERNE, March 9. Seventy-six Swiss soldiers, who are short of fuel, are snowed in in the Bernese Alps at an altitude of 7600 feet. The commanding major telephoned stating that they still have some food. A heavy gale is blowing and snow is falling, increasing the danger of avalanches hourly. “It is impossible to send relief and it is impossible for us to attempt the descent while the gale continues,” he added. A column, which was taking supplies, was engulfed by an avalanche. Although those snowed in semaphored a message: “We are doomed. Do not waste lives in trying to reach us,” the army authorities are making a desperate bid to save them. Trench be carried up the lower slopes on the backs of mules and troops on skis will drag them further. High explosive shells will then be fired against the mountainside in an attempt to dislodge the snow masses, and thus clear a downward oath from the hut. Another patrol of 15 men was reported to be snowed in in the Wildstrubel Hut (9000 feet). This is known as the “Mouse Trap” because of the difficulty in getting out during snowstorms. Unless the weather clears there is little hope of their being rescued.