“SOMETHING BIG”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20836, 15 July 1942, Page 3

“SOMETHING BIG”

COUNTER TO AXIS HOPES OF~BRITAIN SECOND-FRONT TALK (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.) (9 a.m.) LONDON, July 14 As the situation is again focusing on the development of the muchdebated second front, it is known that the Russian public is apparently awaiting with suspense some action which will lessen the pressure. That suspense is equally noticeable here, accompanied by the feeling that ■‘something big" is going to happen, but where and when? The Germans, in their relentless drive against the Don Valley, are believed to have reduced the total of tanks and aircraft for General Rommel, while refusing all Dr. Goebbels' entreaties for a big bomber reprisal force to operate against Britain. They are flinging in against the Russians 10 times General Rommel’s forces engaged in Egypt. Second-front advocates declare that now is the time for every effort to cause a diversion, The Russians now have less room to manoeuvre, for which reason her vitals are being uncovered. They cannot retreat very far in any sector without tending to uncover either Leningrad, Moscow or the Caucasus. , It seems that once again the Germans have succeeded in introducing the element of surprise into their attack, namely, a sheer mass of armour closely supported by Stukas and fighter fleets. Reports indicate that the Luftwaffe was completely overhauled and reorganised throughout the winter, resulting in greatly increased power and ability to mass aircraft at any given sector. It is estimated that their force is between 12.000 and 14,000 aircraft, with 6000 front-line machines. Nazi Mechanised Masses All planes are equipped with blindflying apparatus to operate on radio instruction from the army group headquarters and also on rocket signals, thus achieving the maximum speed and manoeuvrability. They are operating mainly Messerschmitt 109’s, Junkers 88’s and 52’s, Focke-Wulf 100’s, and Dornier 217’s. The Russians are unable to check the steady surge in the tide of mechanised masses, but do not intend to allow encirclement. While tne Russians can elude traps there is always the possibility that the Germans may meet a bloody repulse similar to that upsetting the German hopes at Smolensk and Moscow last year. ~ The Evening Standard expresses the opinion that the Germans are forcing a war of movement in conditions favourable to themselves. “Any calculation of world strategy based on the stabilisation of the Russian front is now painfully sundered, it adds. A German success may be the signal for the Japanese to strike against Russia in the Far East, where preparations already appear to be complete.