GERMAN DRIVE IN SOUTH

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23477, 4 November 1941, Page 7

GERMAN DRIVE IN SOUTH

Russian Resistance Stiffening FIERCE BATTLE FOR KALININ (united pbess association—copibight.) (Received November 3, 11 p.m.) ) LONDON, November 3. While the defenders of Moscow are keyed up to meet a new German offensive, Russian resistance in the southern sectors is reported to be stiffening. The Russians report fierce fighting in the Crimea where the Germans claim to have bombed the naval base of Sebastapol, which their land forces are threatening. Reports from Stockholm say that German panzer divisions from Simferopol yesterday reached Bakhchi Sarai, about 25 miles south-west of Simferopol, on the road to Sebastopol, while the left wing was then continuing its advance. Subsidiary German forces , are driving toward Eupatoria, on the coast, 40 miles north-east of Simferopol, and against the defences in the approach to the Kerch isthmus. In the Ukraine, the Moscow radio says the German offensive has been checked by the heroic Russian resistance. The Russians claim that their cavalry forces have driven back German units which recently crossed the Donets river.' Soviet troops practically surround Kalinin, 100’ miles north-west of Moscow, and are striving to encircle and annihilate the Germans who are in possession of the north-east part of the city, says a message from Kuibishev. Fighting is raging for every street and. house. Civilians are fighting side by side with regular army troops, and the Russians are increasing their pressure every hour. The Moscow radio reported that Soviet forces are firmly holding the German thrust for Tula, 110 miles south of Moscow, and are launching incessant counterattacks. Fighting for the town began 11 days ago. Today is the fifth day of the struggle in the nearer approaches. The Germans are throwing in reserves, making two or three attacks each night. Earlier reports said the Tula garrison w r as threatened with an attack from Serphukov, about 55 miles north of Tula and about 42 miles east and slightly south of Malo Yaroslavets. The Stockholm correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says that the Germans have succeeded in advancing from Mozhaisk to Kubinsk, and have apparently succeeded in digging in and bringing up long-range artillery. German forces from Malo Yaroslavets are hammering at Naryfoninsk, on the Nara river. They appear to be held here.