CANAL CROSSED

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 106, 1 November 1943, Page 5

CANAL CROSSED

ENEMY FLANK THREATENED

LONDON, October 30.

The Fifth Army, after capturing Mondagone, 20 miles north-west of Capua, which is the vital western pivot of the Germans' new line, has crossed the whole length of the canal running from the sea to the main Cancello road. General Clark thus threatens to outflank the Germans' new line and force the mountain barrier to Rome. British troops of the Fifth Army are now right up against the Massico'

Ridge, the main German defence line. The enemy has set up neste of machineguns fired by remote control at any points whese attacks may be expected. Reuters Algiers correspondent says that the Eighth Army has occupied Montemetro, one mile north of Montefalcone, about 14 miles from the Adriatic.

The Germans have begun flooding the Pontine Marshes by the demolition of irrigation banks, in an attempt to delay the Allied advance up the west coast to Rome. Possession of the marshes, which stretch for 35; miles down the coast from a point 28 miles south-east of Rome, would give the Allies useful territory for armoured forces. '

Following up persistent enemy reports of large-scale Allied attacks, Rome radio stated last night that the Eighth Army launched a major thrust along the Adriatic coast. Cairo radio reported that the Eighth Army was engaged in bitter fighting round San Salvo, three miles from the coast and the pivot of the German defence north of the Trigno River.