GERMAN OPPOSITION

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 63, 11 September 1943, Page 7

GERMAN OPPOSITION

STIFf IN NAPLES AREA Rec. 12.20 p.m. RUGBY, Sept. 10. The .Fifth' Army in-the Naples area, composed of British and American troops, is fighting its way against very stiff German opposition and repulsed five separate German attacks on the landing beaches, which have been well protected, says a correspondent at headquarters in North Africa. In the Palermo area the Allies identified the 16th. German Panzer Division, which has not been .heard, of sincp Stalingrad "and' evidently has been reformed since. In the south the Eighth Army is advancing, and all along the Italian front progress is satisfactory and well ahead of time-table. Commando forces which landed in a bay south of Pizzo and were met by Germans, on the beaches have joined the rest of the army at Vibo Valentia.

All along the front the Germans are withdrawing steadily, fighting rearguard actions and putting extensive demolitions in the way of the advancing forces. The Allied line runs from north of Pizzo southwards down a road to Cinquefrpnde, and then across to Siderno and up the east coast road to Monasterace Marina.

ALLIED AIR ATTACKS.

All day powerful air cover was given by the North-west African air force over the landing near Naples and over the southern battle fronts. No serious enemy fighter opposition was encountered, and not more than 40 aircraft were seen during the day, although some bombed the beaches. Heavy blows were delivered on German motor transport, and 30 hits were scored on trucks east of Naples. Ninetyfive trucks were destroyed and 133 damaged by strafing fighter-bombers. A North Africa air communique states: "Heavy bombers of the North Africa air force again attacked road and railway bridges at Capua and Cancello, 17 and 12 miles respectively north and north-east of Naples Medium bombers attacked bridges and communications at Potenza and a landing ground at Stanzano. Medium and light bombers attacked roads leading to beaches in the Naples area^and other targets around the area. They also continue to attack enemy positions and communications in the southern battle area. Fighter-bombers made numerous attacks and destroyed a large number of motor vehicles and continued the low sweeps over southern vicinities, while fighters maintained offensive patrols over both battle areas. , _ "Last night railway yards-at Grosseto were attacked by night bombers. "In these operations and during patrols and reconnaissance 11 enemy aircraft were destroyed. Seven of our aircraft are missing."—B.O.W.