GAINS IN ITALY

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 November 1944, Page 5

GAINS IN ITALY

FORLI AIRFIELD ATTACKED

EIGHTH ARMY NEAR CITY RUGBY, November 9. The Bth Army made a considerable advance on Wednesday against German infantry supported by tanks in the area south and south-east of Forli, having begun the attack on Tuesday night, writes a correspondent. Our forward troops are only about a mile and a half from the centre of the city on the southern side, while all buildings on the northern side of the airfield are now in our hands. The enemy is still holding on to the extreme north-western tip of the landing ground. The western tip has been captured and we advanced in a westerly direction to within 500 yards of Busecchio, less than two miles from the centre of the city. The attack began early on Tuesday night before the moon rose, with extremely heavy artillery concentrations on enemy key points. The Germans were first led to believe we were trying to break through immediately north of the highway. Instead, British infantry crossed the canal forming the eastern boundary of the airfield. They stormed across the landing ground to the buildings, running about a mile in the dark to take the Germans by surprise. When the Germans did open fire the British were within hand grenade distance and were able to clear the Germans out with very light casualties themselves. By this time the moon had risen and the enemy on the northern tip of the airfield was able to prevent a further advance at that point. Meanwhile, our troops south oi the airfield started a thrust and although resistance in the clear moonlight was fierce, with Tiger tanks supporting the enemy infantry, we were able to make a considerable advance across the field to the west and reached Busecchio. Simultaneously, a third attack started from Griaignano, three and a half miles south of Forli, driving along the east bank of the Rabbi River in a northerly direction. These forces also became involved in extremely heavy fighting, but with the aid of tanks drove the enemy right through San Mai. tino Oistrada," gaining about a mile. When day broke heavy fighting was in progress in all three sectors and throughout Wednesday we remained in contact with the enemy. On Wednesday night fighting continued. On Wednesday afternoon the sound of demolition explosions could be heard from Forli, whose buildings and streets were clearly visible. Bad weather continues to hamper operations oh the sth Army front, according to an agency message, but in the coastal sector an advance oi up to two miles by negro troops led to the capture of Fabbiano and Basati in the mountains dominating the’road to Spezia. LATER.

British troops entered the outskirts of Forli last night, a correspondent at Allied Headquarters reports. Thefe were lew Germans left south of Forli and east of the Montone River, and the British who entered the outskirts are clearing pockets outside the city limits. Eaily this evening the northern tip oi tne airfield was captured, leaving the way clear for a pitsh on the last mile and a-half to the outskirts. Good weather has ended and rain is probable, but the early capture ol Forli is expected. . , . Troop concentrations in Jugoslavia were again attacked yesterday by American heavy bombers. while R.A.F. medium and heavy bombers attacked roads and bridges in Jugoslavia. From these and other operations involving 1400 sorties six ol our aircraft are missing.