FIGHTING IN RUSSIA

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23801, 21 November 1942, Page 5

FIGHTING IN RUSSIA

ENEMY REPULSED AT ORDZHONIKIDZE REVERSE ON NORTHERN FRONT (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 20. The Moscow radio gives details of the big battle for Ordzhonikidze, northeast of the Groznyi oilfields, which ended in the complete rout of the enemy. A few days ago the Germans managed to break through the city’s defences on a narrow sector, but they were subjected to destructive artillery and mortar fire for five- days and nights. Finally the Russians broke through the defensive ring and drove the enemy bsftk in confusion. The Russians captui'ed 150 tanks, 70 guns, and more than 2000 lorries containing equipment and food stores. In the western Caucasus Soviet troops continue to make small-scale raids north-east of the Black Sea port of Tuapse. The latest Soviet communique states that German infantry and tanks broke through to the rear of two Russian units at Stalingrad. The Russians counter-attacked, and destroyed a number of tanks. On the Volkhov front near Leningrad, the Russians have completed important operations. They engaged large German forces in a three-day battle and repulsed the enemy, who lost oUUU men. A , The onset of winter appears to have enabled the Russians to gain the initiative along the greater part of the front. The Germans are admitting the Russians’ activity on at least half a dozen sectors from the Rybachie Peninsula to the Caucasus. Nothing at present suggests that the Russians are developing a major offensive, but with spearheads totalling a battalion or so they are jabbing hard against the Axis positions in the Arctic, north of the Karelian Isthmus, between Lakes Ladoga and Onega, and south-east of Leningrad, and also in the Kletskaya, Nalchik, and Tuapse areas. Local attacks and counter-attacks continue in the Stalingrad area with the balance slightly in the Russians’ favour. Russian flank movements twice frustrated German attacks in the Mozdok area, the enemy losing 17 of 50 tanks and 500 men. An unexpected spell of mild weather has caused renewed activity in the west Caucasus. Rain and thick fogs followed after which fighting became a grim game of blind man’s buff in the muddy valleys and misty ravines. Widespread patrolling by both sides forms the background of these battles. The Russians have gained the advantage by their greater adaptability to the bitter winter conditions, and also by the activity of their guerrillas, who are ceaselessly harrying outposts and road convoys, and dynamiting trains and bridges over vast areas of desolate, forbidding forest and swamp. , “The Russians have done well at Stalingrad and also in the central Caucasian foothills, where they have inflicted punishment and even regained the initiative, but it is a mistake to assume that the position is yet safely stabilised,” states the Moscow correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph.” “In both zones the Russians and Germans are at present ’ feeling out each other’s strength and making units more mobile for winter duties before the fall of the heaviest snows. We can rely on M. Stalin’s common sense to keep the Red Army fighting, actively throughout the winter, whether it is tired or not.”

MAIN TARGET AT TURIN

FIAT AERO ENGINE WORKS heavy attack by BOMBERS ' LONDON, Nov. 19. The main objective of the Royal Air Force raid on Turin last night was the great Fiat works, which are engaged in turning out aero engines, and which employ 50,000 workmen. All the British machines returned safely. This is the fourth raid on Italy in which British bombers have made the 1500 miles trip without loss. Turin has now been bombed 20 times, the last time by home-based uombers on the night of October 23. Italy has now been bombed 34 times, including nine since the present offensive opened. Bright moonlight and great numbers of flares floodlit Turin last night, states the Air Ministry News Service. There was so much light and visibility was so good that some British bombers flew over the city almost in formation. At one time seven Halifaxes were flying nearly Wing-tip to wing,tip. They bombed vithin a few seconds of each other, and left lines of fire and devastating explosions. “It was even brighter than Genoa the night before,” said a Halifax pilot, “All the streets and bridges stood out clearly. I saw the fires increase very rapidly. There was plenty of flak at the beginning of the attack, but it all died down towards the qpd,” “Bombs were seen to burst on the Turin marshalling yards and factories,” a Lancaster pilot said. “Buildings went up like mushrooms, and a pall of smoke hung over one half of the town.” Many 40001b bombs were dropped, and some of them were seen to hit the Fiat aero engine factory. An Italian communique, dealing with the Royal Air Force raid on Turin last night, states that considerable damage was done to civilian buildings. The fires were soon controlled. Twenty-four were killed and 52 were injured. Last night’s raid was so gigantic that the explosions were heard at Chiasso, more than 80 miles away, states the Berne correspondent of the British United Press. It is officially stated that Royal Air Force fighters carried out many offensive patrols to-day, ranging from Normandy to -Holland. A number of railway engines, goods trains, barges, lorries, and a small supply ship were attacked and damaged. The Air Ministry announces that two enemy aircraft were destroyed during many offensive patrols over enemy occupied Europe. Two of our fighters are missing. It Is disclosed officially that in less than a week recently crews of Royal Air Force bombers laid more than 000 mines in enemy waters.

NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN DECORATED

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) LONDON. Nov. 19. The King recently decorated the following New Zealanders at Buckingham Palace:—Group Captain Andrew McKee (Canterbury), D.5.0., D.F.C.; Squadron Leader Desmond Scott (Greymouth), D.F.C. ana Bar; Flying Officer Timothy Williams (Hastings), D.F.C. and Bar; 'Lieutenant Dudley Reid, R.A.N.V.R. (Wellington), George Medal and Bar; Wing Commander Camille Malfroy (Wellington). D.F.C.; Pilot Officer James Climie (Wellington), D.F.C.; Squadron Leader John Disdale (Canterbury). D.F.C,; Flight Lieutenant Lyndon Griffith (Levin). D.F.C.; Flight Lieutenant Denis Miller (Auckland), D.F.C. Squadron Leader Scott has been promoted to' squadron leader from sergeant in nine months.

SOVIET AND MEXICAN RELATIONS

(Rec. 10 p.m.) MEXICO CITY, Nov. 19. Russia and Mexico have renewed diplomatic relations after a rupture of 10 years. This was announced by the Foreign Office.