GERMAN FAILURE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 99, 23 October 1942, Page 3

GERMAN FAILURE

BIG EFFORT TO REACH

THE VOLGA

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 2.10 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 22. It can be said with confidence, says a Moscow message, that the new and tremendous German assault which was started against Stalingrad on October 14, and "designed to cut through the Soviet positions and reach the Volga, has failed. Considerable territorial gains were made by the Germans in the early stages, but after the first two days the spearhead was blunted, and in the last three days the Germans made no new progress. Berlin radio reported that strong reinforcements have joined Stalin-* grad's defenders. They crossed the Volga in spite of ceaseless German artillery fire and air attacks. The arrival of these reinforcements supports suggestions that the latest allout German attack on. the city is petering out. • The Moscow correspondent of The Times" says: "While it has been suggested that the enemy's efforts at Stalingrad are weakening, nevertheless his gains last week were highly significant tactically, and it can be assumed that violent fighting will continue, perhaps on comparatively narrow sectors, until a decision is reached. The Russian defenders are often in danger of encirclement because the Germans are able to attack them frontally as well as against the flank, but the Red Army's forces remain intact and connected. A a series of sharp, separate battles for heights is going on to the north-west of Stalingrad, which, although described as having local significance, are involving many men and taking toll of hundreds of the enemy daily."