SYRACUSE AND OTHER PORTS CAPTURED

Evening Star, Issue 24915, 13 July 1943, Page 3

SYRACUSE AND OTHER PORTS CAPTURED

~(Kec. 11 a.m.) RUGBY, July 12. , Syracuse, which is a city of 53,000 people, was taken v , early in the invasion operations. British troops entered the city at 9 p.m. on Saturday, and although there was some fighting in the streets and German troops tried to hold out in barracks, the fighting had ceased and the enemy was completely cleared from the town and port by dawn on Sunday. Later in the day Allied mine sweepers cleared the beach approaches of mines. In the meantime the Americans Had captured Licata and Gela, and equipment was being unloaded there yesterday. Allied aircraft were operating from Sicilian airfields yesterday, and an Agency correspondent reports that Axis resistance is not yet strong, although German troops are endeavouring ■ to hold up the advance. The bridgehead held by the Americans is 25 miles long and 10 deep, and between them and the Eighth British Army on the right are Canadians, who took a big part in the capture of Pachino. , Yesterday the troops were fanning out as they advanced inland, and to midday there was no sign of counter-attacks. ' There was only light resistance, and the civilians reacted well. An -official in one occupied town went to another town which was resisting and persuaded the place to surrender. More than 2,000 prisoners were taken on Saturday Air opposition was practically negligible, but yesterday there was a slight increase. The first real clash with the Germans came yesterday morning, when the Eighth Army engaged them at Floridia, eight miles west of Syracuse. Fierce fighting ensued. After a day's hard movement the British gained v control of Floridia-and the escarpment, and all positions were firmly established. ' Under moonlight near Syracuse the next phase is togIt is disclosed that the British troops on Sicily are under, General Montgomery and the Americans are under General ' Patton. The air forces are 1 commanded by Air-Marshal Tedder, Sir Harold Alexander is deputy commander-in-chief .under General Eisenhower.' It is announced that General Eisenhower has landed on Sicily from a British destroyer, and expressed himself satisfied with the progress of the operations. The capture of Syracuse means that within 24 hours the invaders have captured a major port on the secure possession of which successful exploitation, of the landings depends. Syracuse has an excellent natural harbour which can accommodate large steamers. '.--■■.:' An Allied headquarters communique announces the capture v of Syracuse, Gela, and Licata. It states: The following major .ports have been captured: Syracuse, Avola, Pachino, Pozzallo, Scoglitti, Gela, Licata, Ispica, Eosolini, and Noto. The advance continues-. The task of disembarking troops and supplies on the beaches continues according to plam On. the ' whole" the weather has improved. The surrender of Pozzallo • was accepted by the commanding officer of a destroyer early -in the afternoon of Sunday. . ,