BATTLE AMONG HILLS

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 21, 19 October 1944, Page 5

BATTLE AMONG HILLS

Struggle In Italy ENEMY ARTILLERY “HATE” (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Received October 18, 8 p.m.) ' LONDON, October 17. Great concentrations of German artillery are now supporting frequent German counter-attacks against the Fifth Army, now about nine miles from Bologna, says Reuter’s correspondent at Allied headquarters. The Germans fired 1000 rounds in a single period of 12 hours. Mustangs replied by divebombing German hill positions south of Bologna. A titanic battle is progressing among the heights dominating Bologna. The full weight of the Fifth Army in this central sector represents the gravest threat to the Cl English and- New Zealand troops .40 miles to the south-east are nearing Cesena. Indian and British troops on the left flank of this Eighth Army drive are also active. They held their gains aaginst German counter-attacks. . Fighters and fighter-bombers, m spite of adverse weather, flew 500 close-support sorties ahead of the Fifth and Eighth Armies. . , Field-Marshal Kesselring has apparently decided to fight for Bologna, .says the Rome correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain. German troops have been moved into position to make an all-out fight for the city on the foothills of the Apennines.