CAMPAIGN IN ITALY

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 December 1944, Page 5

CAMPAIGN IN ITALY

SNOW RESTRICTS OPERATIONS.

LONDON, December 25. Heavy snow and general Winter conditions have brought the fighting in Italy almost to a standstill, activity being restricted mainly to patrolling. “After repulsing a counter-attack on Monte delle Volpo, seven miles south-west of Imola, the Bth Army has moved forward half a mile north and occupied Tongo,” reported a correspondent yesterday. “Indian troops have occupied Compiuno, a mile and a half south of Castel Bolognesa.” A Mediterranean communique said: “The Bth Army has made further progress on both flanks of its positions on the Senio River. Opposition was particularly strong near Rosetto. The advance between the Lamone and Senio Rivers north of Faenza has continued against stubborn resistance. “On the sth Army’s sector patrols remain active. •; “In air activities, which have been restricted by the weather, thr'de enemy aircraft were destroyed in the air and 14 on the ground. Three of ours are missing. It is now known that seven additional enemy aircraft, were destroyed on December 17, making the total 55 for that day.” PATROLS ACTIVE. (Rec. 10.50 a.m.) LONDON, December 25. The Eighth Army has broadened its front on the east bank of the Senio River and has sent fighting patrols to the west bank to disrupt German efforts to build up defences, says the Associated Press correspondent in Italy. Brisk clashes were reported in several sectors, but a heavy snowfall limited activities.