MAGDEBURG IN U.S. HANDS

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24546, 20 April 1945, Page 5

MAGDEBURG IN U.S. HANDS

Allies In Nuremburg, Nazi LONDON, April 18. Magdeburg fell to 9th Army forces after a two-day battle. There are still some snipers to be cleaned up. American troops have practically completed the capture of Halle. ‘‘All the ancient city of Magdeburg lying west of the Elbe river fell into 9th Army hands to-day (Wednesday) after flame-throwing - tanks had burnt the last fanatical members of the Hitler Youth from their rat holes,” reports a correspondent. “Rothishorn Island, which divides the Elbe opposite the city, is still in German hands. The enemy blew up the highway bridge across the river, but, according to reports the railway bridge Is still intact. It, is expected to be blown up at any moment. “Magdeburg is nothing but a rubble heap. Not a single undamaged building is left standing. It is another ghastly monument to the. devastating effects of Allied air power. “As the Americans fought their way through the streets civilians came out of cellars and rushed for water. The bombing out the electrical equipment operating the. water supply and the people were crazed with thirst.” Home of Nail Party “The political capital of Hitlerism was ripped from the pages of Nazi history to-day and since noon the Stars and Stripes have been flying above the rostrum where Hitlef used to address the great party rallies," says the correspondent of the “Daily Mail" In a message from Nuremburg. “The Americans are within a mile of the centre of the city. All the S.S. troops have gone, leaving behind only snipers and Volkssturmers with orders to fight to the last. “Nuremburg has, oeen reduced to rubble, with fires raging in the western suburbs. The Germans are now adding to the destruction by shelling Hitler’s ‘sacred’ arena. Little remains of the grandstand but stumps of concrete.” . The Official German News Agency says that the Nazi Party Congress Hall in Nuremburg is in flames. The Americans, after nine attacks, penetrated to the Party Congress grounds. "The battle for Nuremburg is proving tough," says Reuter’s correspondent. “The 7th Army entered the city last Monday night, but the defenders, who are believed to number from 5000 to 10,000, fought back stubbornly with heavy artillery, mortals, and bazookas.