DAUNTLESS DEFENCE

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

DAUNTLESS DEFENCE

RUSSIANS STEM TANK DRIVE INCREASINGLY VIOLENT BATTLES (Rec. noon.) RUGBY, July 12. A serious threat developed to the Russian left flank on the Byelgorod front, where fierce tank battles are raging incessantly. The Moscow radio reports that in one sector the enemy sent 100 tanks and large infantry forces into action. The Soviet forces had only 35 tanks to meet them, but nevertheless the Germans left four "Tigers" and a number of medium tanks on the field, while others retreated to regroup and reattaek. The Soviet tanks again joined battle and drove the Germans back.

Other reports state that Soviet detachments were subjected to attacks several times during the day by numerically superior tank forces, supported by large air formations and terrific mortar fire.

* Front-line reports state that the German drive on the Orel front, which began last Saturday after the failure of the Byelgorod- offensive, is still pitined down, says the British United Press Moscow correspondent. Increasingly violent battles continue on both the Orel and Byelgorod fronts. Russian counter-attacks are being launched in growing frequency and strength. German losses in the first week are estimated at 2,600 tanks, 1,100 planes, and ,40,000 men. The German tactics on both fronts have undergone a change. Instead of thowing about 400 tanks into a narrow sector they are now dive-bombing the Russians , before attacking, using formations of from 80 to 100 planes, after which tank units are sent in.