INFANTRY EPIC

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21579, 5 December 1944, Page 3

INFANTRY EPIC

CUT OFF IN TOWN ARTILLERYCALLED ON U.S. TROOPS 7 "RECOVERY (11 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 4. The town of Lucherburg, five miles north-west of Duren, has been seized by American infantry who have been cut off inside the town, says the Associated Press’ correspondent at Supreme Allied Headquarters. Refusing tthe Germans’ demand of surrender, the Americans radioed their supporting artillery to shell the town, although they were in it. The infantry, with their artillery's help, were able to turn the tide and drive out the Germans. Over 100 enemy prisoners were taken. Correspondents at Supreme Allied Headquarters agree that the Luftwaffe yesterday put up its biggest show of strength for weeks over the battle-fronts. At least 75 jet-propelled planes were sent against the British at Venlo, and others were seen in the Duren area.

The Exchange and Telegraph correspondent reports that Thunderbolts, attacking enemy concentrations near Duren, eight times directly hit a cluster of 17 guns on the edge of a wooded area.

To-day ? s communique from Supreme Allied Headquarters says that Allied forces have made good progress against the last remaining enemy bridgehead over the Maas, west of Venlo. British troops reached the river in the area of the German bridgehead, and mopped up all but a few small pockets. Allied forces in the Roer Valley repulsed a counter-attack in the Lindern area, and captured Roerdorf and Flossdorf.

American troops crossed the Inder River 1 at Inden, and have cleared the eastern portion of the town. The spearhead force which crossed the Inder River advanced 1500 yards south-east of Inden and captured Lucherburg after heavy fighting. Troops driving north from Langcrwehe have captured Luchem and advanced beyond the town, reaching the Aachen-Cologne autobahn. We have cleared the enemy from Saarunion. Our units have advanced eastwards in the Southern Vosges, capturing high ground dominating the lower Thur Valley.