BIG RUSSIAN ATTACK

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1942, Page 5

BIG RUSSIAN ATTACK

The Central Front

LONDON, February 23.

At dawn today, a big Russian attack began on the central front, and Moscow says that scores of guns opened fire on strong German positions. The barrage moved forward. Soldiers who were covered by tanks and who had just heard an Order of the Day by the Premier, M. Stalin, were filled with great enthusiasm. Thus, said Moscow radio, the twentyfifth year of-the Red ArmjJ had begun well.

Today's anniversary of the Bed Army has brought news of the great work of the Russian Fleet. A Moscow announcement says that ships defending Leningrad have destroyed more than 1000 enemy strong- points and 500 enemy artillery batteries. The fleet has been able to co-operate with the cavalry on land, continuously shelling the German lines near Leningrad. Many honours have been conferred on Soviet soldiers, sailors, airmen, and others. .

Moscow reports that large masses of troops-are-now moving up to the front.

It is reported that heavy losses have been inflicted on the enemy in the Kalinin sector. Elsewhere on the central front much war material has been captured.

On the southern front twelve tanks were captured and 450 German soldiers killed in one day's fighting.

In the Orel region Soviet guerrillas attacked a German aerodrome, setting fire to bombers and destroying 15 transport planes.

Today's twenty-fourth anniversary of the Red Army was the occasion for messages from all over the world. Mr. Churchill sent a message to Premier Stalin, He said that the Russian campaign had brought the greatest glories to the Red Army, and he conveyed the admiration of the British Empire for the army's exploits and expressed the

Empire's confidence in victory against the common foe.

Messages from Great Britain included greetings from the Army and Air Force congratulating the Bed Army on, its victories and courage. General Mac Arthur (United States) declared in his message that the hopes of the civilised world are placed under the glorious banner of the Russian Army.

Every State in Australia observed the Russian anniversary.

The Soviet Ambassador in London^ held a reception. Mr. Churchill was unable to be present, but members of the War Cabinet and Cabinet Ministers attended, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps and many representatives of Allied countries. Sir Stafford Cripps made his first appearance since hi^new appointment. General de Gaulle, who was present, sent a congratulatory cable to Premier Stalin. . . •