FALL IMMINENT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21260, 24 November 1943, Page 3

FALL IMMINENT

NAZI KEY-POINTS WINTER DEFENCE LINE EIGHTH ARMY THRUSTS LONDON, Nov. 22. Two important towns on the Sangro River and also an important road junction on the road to Rome through Avezzano, are expected to fall soon into the Eighth Army’s hands. The two towns are Alfedena and Castel di Sangro. The capture of San Pietro to-day opened the way for a new advance against these key-points. Eighth Army patrols are now probing Rionera between the two towns. _ Fires have been observed in both Alfedena and Castel di Sangro, suggesting that the Germans are preparing for a withdrawal.

The Eighth Army to-day also captured Vasto-Girard, 12 miles north ol Isernia.

British troops are now within six miles of Alfedena and oven closer to Castel di Sangro, both of which are strong-points in the German winter line.

Reports from patrols and air recomnaissance show that the Germans are still reinforcing and strengthening the winter line. The drive which brought the Eighth Army to its present position was made in slighty better weather than last week, although the troops had to contend with floods, rain and wind. The drive also brought the forward positions close to the Sangro River along almost its entire course.

Violent artillery duels are going on along the Fifth Army front. The Allied forces on this front are confronted by swollen rivers. Heavy rain is still falling.