TAKEN DURING PUSH

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 30, 4 August 1943, Page 5

TAKEN DURING PUSH

THREE IMPORTANT TOWNS

- LONDON, August 3. Mr. Churchill has given good news of the progress of our armies in Sicily. Tlmb Allied offensive to drive the Germans oat of Sicily has resulted in the carfare of three important towns during tl£e advance of up to 10 miles into strongly-defended country. Mr. Churchifl told, the House of Commons that last week reinforcements were moving up to the fighting front in Sicily, which has been well furnished with supplies.

Some delay -was necessary while the Amer&an Seventh Army in the north marched eastwards, driving the enemy before it, and took up its position on the #ank of the Eighth Army. The Canadians were further south. Then on Sunday afternoon our general advance began to develop, and all yesterday was passed in full battle. Hflr. Churchill summarised the progress so far. The 78th Division had captured the important town of Cenafter some very bitter fighting Aa the streets. The 51st Highland Division was making progress on the right, and to the left the Canadians had captured Regalbuto, where the opposition "Was particularly fierce.

Further north, the Americans were reported to have entered Troina yesterday evening. On the north coast i-oad, another American force continued its advance in the face of extensive enemy demolitions.

The three towns named by the Rrime Minister represent an advance of up to 10 miles along a front of some 5© miles. This puts the Eighth Army within five or six miles of the vital road running along the flank of Mt. Etna, the only true road to Messina, which the Axis now holds. The other road runs along the east coast from Catania.

Regalbuto, now in Canadian hands, has been frequently described as the main hinge of the Axis defence line in Sicily.

EXPERIENCED TROOPS.

The 78th Division mentioned by Mr s. Churchill. includes Irish and Scottish regiments. It was among the first divisions to land in North Africa with the First Army arid was in the thick of the Tunisian fighting. The 78th Division stormed Long-stop .Hill and took all the slopes but oije,; and was the first division to enter Tunis.

Since the,. Prime Minister's references, the Allied commtmique has been received. It does not take the position any further, bu£ it does indicate that the fighting l&as been very lively below Catania. , There have been many duels between the Eighth Army and German guatiers, and our men seem to have had the best of it. The communique adds^ significantly, "Many German dead ane reported." The Allied air striking power was maintained yesterday* with particular attention to communScation centres, and Messina and Regglo, on the mainland, were also attacked. ' A correspondent says that irrespective of whether the enemy is trying to bring in fresh strength or trying to get out. it will be made equally difficult for him.

Naples was bombed again on Sunday night, but therfe are no deta^s of the raid. In the war on Axis shipping in the Mediterranean several successes are reported..