Greymouth Evening Star. MONDAY, MAY 15, 1944. ANOTHER ATTEMPT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 May 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. MONDAY, MAY 15, 1944. ANOTHER ATTEMPT.

A JRY optimism characterised the official and non-official comments on the Allies’ previous offensive in the CassinoAnzio areas, but the predictions did not materialise. On the contrary, the Allies, after the initial successes, were somewhat roughly handled, and eventually had' to assume the defensive. They stopped the Germans but the latter also stopped them. The resulting deadlock has now been broken by the Fifth and Eighth Armies making another attempt, but, this time, all commentators stress the difficulties ahead and the possibility of long expensive engagements before the road to Rome is open. These cautious statements do not make attractive reading, but it is better to be told facts than given soothing syrup. With numerical superiority in all. departments, the yVllics, although attacking strong defensive positions, should be able to advance, and the daily progress will be followed by close interest, particularly as New Zealand troops are presumably engaged.

One change from former strategy is the modified use of aircraft. It has been found that the use of heavy bombers in an attack, such as was made earlier in the Cassino area, was not altogether advantageous. Such aircraft have to fly relatively high, and the blast of the bombs

dropped spreads over a wide area. This latter effect was as dangerous to the advancing Allied troops as to the German defenders. Moreover, the craters caused by the heavy bombs impeded the Allied advance. Medium bombers have been proved, to be more useful when direct assaults by troops are in progress, leaving the heavy bombers to smash enemv communications and supply bases at the rear. Adequate, air-cover will be forthcoming for the Fifth and Eighth Armies, and this advantage will not be small, but. it is not so decisive as has been so often claimed. Land operations must be won by troops. and success has to be paid lot. General Alexander’s tribute to the past performances of his men was amply justified, and so will be his confidence that thev will secure victory.

"Whether the offensive in Italy is the real opening to the ‘‘invasion, as General Alexander inferred, will soon be proved by events. Invasion deferred is making many hearts sick, especially in the enemy-occupied areas, where it must be increasingly difficult to be patient, with Allied bombs falling increasingly and Nazi terrorism rampant. Apart from the aerial, onslaughts, there has been, comparatively, quiet on the European front, the recapture of the Crimea by the Russians necessitating reorganisation and regrouping by both sides. Mr. Fraser's visit 10 Edinburgh was cut short by the need for him to return to London, and by some Ibis may be regarded as a straw telling lhe direction of the wind. There can be liltle or no “surprise" about an invasion by this time. Both sides ai< readv. awaiting Ihe blowing of the whistle. Whether the Allies’ offensive m Italy succeeds or otherwise, the major drives from Britain and Russia cannot be much longer delayed, if the Allies’ hope of defeating Germany this year is to be fulfilled.