FIERCE BATTLES IN PROGRESS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 278, 21 August 1944, Page 5

FIERCE BATTLES IN PROGRESS

Baltic States And Poland (Received August 20,10.45 p.m.) LONDON, August 20. ‘ The Moscow communique says the Germans south-east of Tartu, despite stubborn resistance on a prepared defence line, are losing one position after another, including Alukste, the important communications centre on the Dvina River north of Krustpils. The Germans lost 1500 men in fierce battles west of Siauliai. The Russians repelled large infantry and tank attacks and inflicted heavy losses west, north, and south-west of Siauliai, and south-west and west o£ Bialystok, and captured more than .80 places, including Kolomya, 112 miles south-east of Lomza. Hand-to-hand fighting. occurred in • Praga, where the Russians captured 'advantageous positions and repelled tank and infantry attacks. North of Sandomierz, the Red Army continued the battle for the annihilation of an encircled enemy group. Our troops simultaneously repelled attacks from infantry and tanks who are trying to break through to those encircled. Marshal Stalin, in an Order of the Day addressed to the Red Air Force on the anniversary of its formation, said: “You have complete aerial mastery over the enemy.” The order announced a number of promotions and decorations, and also a salute of twenty salvoes from 224 guns in honour of the air force.