STRONGER RESISTANCE

Evening Star, Issue 24919, 17 July 1943, Page 5

STRONGER RESISTANCE

HEAVY TANK AND INFANTRY BATTLE LONDON, July 15. , .'A heavy tank and infantry battle is being fought south of Catania, where for the first time the advancing Allied forces have been meeting strong resistance. London military observers bel- - that the full < force of the best Axis troops and equipment is now com-* ing into action. .Allied forces have captured Lentini and Carienti'hi (between Augusta and Catania), Bruso (four miles west of Augusta), and Melilia (five miles south-west of. Augusta). The Americans captured the aerodrome of Biscari, about 12 miles east of Gela. It is officially announced that further parachute and air-borne troops made landings in Sicily. The Algiers correspondent of the Associated Press of America says: " Heavy opposition is now being encountered as the Germans and Italians attempt to block the Eighth Army's advance on Catania. The Axis .command apparently decided to■concentrate most of their forces- on the eastern coastal area. Our main cqastal forces are still. moving ou, but the Germans are drawn up in strength, supported by tanks and artillery." The British United Press, describing the strong German counter-attack against Augusta to-day, says it began at dawn, and succeeded in isolating a British brigade holding the town for several hours. The British, after heavy fighting, ousted the enemy. The situation was restored by mid-day. The Germans used a number of , heavy tanks, some of which were destroyed.