DOUBLE THRUST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21603, 4 January 1945, Page 5

DOUBLE THRUST

AMERICAN FORCES SNOW IMPEDES PUSH BASTOGNE FIRMLY HELD ! , LONDON, Jan. 2. Four more divisions have been incorporated into the American Third Army, making a total of 12 divisions in it, states the Associated Press’ correspondent. An American division is normally equal to 15,000 men. Activity is slowing down on the northern part of the salient, says the British United Press’ correspondent on the Western Front. It would appear that the settling-down process will continue as long as the snow and ice prevail. Any large-scale movements would have to be undertaken under considerable handicaps. Allied patrolling is continuing on both sides of Hotton. where penetrations as much as 3000 yards were made before making contact with the enemy. This is not regarded as indicating a retreat, but is merely a withdrawal to defensive positions. The enemy on the southern part of the salient has concentrated more men and tanks and is putting in an increased number of counter-attacks. The Third Army, despite opposition, is extending its area around Bastogne. The Daily Express’ correspondent with the Third Army says that General Patton has now two distinct drives under way into the German salient. The first, which began at dawn on December 30, west of Bastogne, has gained, in places, up to "six miles on an 11-mile front, according to the latest official information. The second, which started off early on the morning of December 31, is the spearhead of the drive northward from Bastogne towards the road hub of Ilouffalize. Our convoys continue to roll into Bastogne and combat officers have no fear of losing control. We have the weight ano measure of the enemy now. The Times’ correspondent in Brussels says: “It must be confessed that personal observation and some talk at a military headquarters during my trip eastwards from the River Meuse made mo reflect ruefully that* the enemy still lias the better of us when it comes to prompt and right reaction to an unexpected change in the tactical situation. Despite all that has been alleged about the lack of flexibility in his military planning and methods, this amounts to saying that, to a mere observer, it seems the enemy, in all circumstances, at least ought not to be allowed to be taking things quietly.” The German News Agency says tha: three British formations are now engaged in the Ardennes battle.