STUBBORN GERMANS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 134, 4 December 1944, Page 5

STUBBORN GERMANS

THE ENEMY'IN SAARLOUIS (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright..) Eec. 11 a.m. LONDON, December 3. The-correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain with the United States Third Army says that the Germans, supported by mobile anti-air-craft artillery units, are fighting from building to building inside Saarlouis, where the Americans are pressing on to clear the main part of the town on the west bank of the Saar The Germans abandoned a village 14 miles north-west of Saarlouis ■ after setting fire to if This is the first time the Germans have employed the scorched earth policy in their own country.

Saarunion was cleared after bitter street fighting. The Americans have reached the German border at two new points 12 miles west of Saarbrucken.

Troops of the American Ninth Army are firmly established along the Roer River all the way between Linnich and Julich, says Reuters correspondent with the United States Ninth Army. Americans of the First Army cleared Inden after a week of savage fighting and crossed the Inde River. Qtnfijr forces across the river advanced, south-eastward to Lucherberg where street fighting is going on' Other small advances have been made in this ara. \ •

The Ninth Army continued its consolidation on the west bank of the Roer River last night. Although heavy German artillery fire was experienced in the area north of Lihdern, says Reuters correspondent, the Americans beat off two counter-attacks. The Germans have suffered very severe casualties in their stubborn efforts to hold the Ninth Army west of the river.

Luxembourg radio quotes an unconfirmed report that Allied troops are fighting in Dur en. .

A French War Ministry communique announced that the. French, have completely, occupied the upper Thur Valley, north of Mulhouse.