THE LENINGRAD RING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 45, 23 February 1942, Page 5

THE LENINGRAD RING

Almost Contiiiuous Russian Attacks

The heavy fighting on this sector is admitted by Berlin. After making the usual claims to have repulsed Soviet attacks, the German spokesman added that the Russians had been trying to break through the German lines at that particular place for several weeks now. German reports give no details of Russian casualties but content; themselves by claiming the de^ struction of seven Russian tanksl

Between Leningrad and Smolensk the Germans are throwing in more and more of their reserves as they counter-attack to cover their retreat. Reuter reports that some of these fresh enemy units are being thrown straight into the battle on their arrival from France.

On the southern front the new Russian thrusts are progressing satisfactorily. North-west of an important railway centre in the Ukraine Red Army troops have recaptured three more places. In one sector on this front Russian troops destroyed ten German tanks and captured seven guns and 60 machine-guns. Soviet aircraft during five days of fighting wrecked a railway station, put 180 transport lorries out of action, partly annihilated a regiment of enemy infantry, and destroyed a large number of guns.

' One of the defensive measures adopted by the Germans on this front is the use of artificial fog t-^ cover their movements. ;

Berlin claims that there has been fighting at Fisherman's Bay, in the far north of Russia, and claims to have blown up barracks and brought down two Hurricanes. Hurricanes are also mentioned by the Russians, who say that the big reserve Soviet army in the Urals has now completed its training and is ready for action. It is equipped with Hurricanes.

LONDON, February 22. The Russians are making strong and almost continuous attacks on the enemy ring around Leningrad.

Moscow radio today reported the capture of 60 fortified blockhouses at Schlusselburg, on this front, and said the Russians are firmly convinced that the ring around the city will soon be completely pierced.