CENTRAL SECTOR

Grey River Argus, 17 September 1941, Page 5

CENTRAL SECTOR

Russians Attacking IN SMOLENSK AREA. LONDON, September. 15. From the central sector comes news of continued counter-attacks by the Russians Marshal Timoshenko’s army is said to be closing in on the ruins of Smolensk. Moscow claims that Russian artillery is shelling German positions round Smolensk and advanced Russian units are said to be only 12 miles away. Other Russian forces are said to be fighting near Yartsevo, 26 miles north-east of Smolensk, where they have taken many prisoners. Powerful Russian attacks from the Valdai Hills, between Smolensk and Leningrad, are announced by the Germans. Here the Russians are believed to have considerable reserves. The Germans claim that the Russians were repulsed. A Soviet supplementary communique gives instances of recent successful Russian counter-attacks. The sector is not indicated, but as it is since known that successful local counter-attacks continue to be launched by the Russians in the central sector, it is presumed that they have taken place in this area. The communique says: A very important point on the front was reinforced by the Germans. “Our troops received the order to take this position and our attack was launched. The Germans counter-attacked with tanks, supported by infantry. Our units destroyed eight German tanks, and inflicted heavy losses upon enemy infantry. German infantry called off their attack, and were then attacked from the flank. Six hundred Germans were killed. “A second counter-attack was launched by the enemy, but this again failed. In fighting on Thursday, two German regiments were routed. The Germans lost 25 tanks, 28 guns, four wireless stations, many machine-guns, mine throwers, armoured cars, and a large amount of ammunition destroyed.” The communique then refers to the successful Russian partisan activities behind the German lines, saying: “In White Russia, partisan warfare is steadily increasing, and in the second half of August, the losses inflicted by partisans were very heavy. In consequence of serious losses on the Eastern Front, the Germans have been compelled to remove a great part of their garrison from White Russia, in order to replace losses at the front. The Germans sought to replace this garrison with Kulaks, and the partisans dealt with these traitors.” SOUTH FRONT Defence of Odessa ENEMY AGAIN REPULSED. LONDON, September 15. Big battles are still raging round Odessa. A Russian report states that the Roumanians are still suffering heavy losses in both men and materials. Twenty thousand Roumanian troops have been killed during the first ten days of the present month. (Rec. 11.35). RUGBY, September 16. A Russian communique on Monday night stated: In the course ot September 13 and 14, German and Roumanian troops once more attempted to break through to Odessa, by means of constant attacks. The number of enemy troops thrown into the attack was large. Soviet army find marine forces repulsed the attacks of superior numbers of enemy. The Fourth Roumanian Infantry Regiment has been dispersed, one battalion being wiped out-. The operations of our land forces were supported by of the Black Sea naval vessels Russian Air Activity ROUMANIAN TOWN BOMBED. (Rec. 11.35) RUGBY. Sept. 16. A Russian communique issued on Monday night stated: On September 15. our troops engaged the enemy in stubborn fighting along the entire front. On Saturday, September 13, 15 German planes were brought' down in aerial combat. Our losses were ten planes. Our aircraft bombed the Roumanian towns of Galatz, Subina, and Constanza. ; SABOTAGE IN ROUMANIA. RUSSIANS REPORT DESERTIONS. (Rec. 8.5). LONDON. Sept. 15. , Roumania provides highlights tonight for news of a “subterranean war” against the Germans. Despatches from Bucharest say sabotage is suspected to have been the cause of a big fire in a chemical factory in the suburbs of Bucharest. It is also stated that an organisation of young men named “Troika,” has been discovered in Bessarabia, whose objects are destruction of bridges and communications behind front lines. Moscow radio quoted neutral military observers for that Germany was most dissatisfied with the performance of the Roumanian Army. The radio added: “Assassination of Roumanian officers bv their men has become frequent. Desertions have assumed large proportions Roumanian deserters are taking arms and ammunition to the Russians. Roumanian deserters are- believed to be responsible for recent attacks on small German detachments, and the Germans have established special storm troop detachments to guard each Roumanian regiment.” Germans Wiped Out AT OESEL ISLAND. LANDING PREVENTED. (Received September 16, 11.35 p.ni-L BO.W- RUGBY, September 16. A Russian communique issued on Monday night stated: Gn Saturday September 13, the_ enemy attempted a landing 1 on the island of Oesel, at the entrance of the Gulf of Riga. Our warships, aircraft, and coastal batteries wiped out the landing party, sinking four enemy transports and one destroyer. Two enemy transports and several destroyers were heavllv ' Finland’s Intention NOT yet CLEAR. (Rec. 12.10) WASHINGTON. Sept. 16 The Finnish Legation spokesman here saj.d that the. Finnish troops have almost reached a line which thev will for thp future be able to defand- He added: “Therefore 1* seems logical for us_ to cease fi o htm His statement came only a few hours after the statement, ot tne Finnish Minister, M. Tanner gabled vesterday. denying that Finland had begun anv peace talks with Russia.