DONETZ BATTLE OVER

Grey River Argus, 23 July 1942, Page 5

DONETZ BATTLE OVER

RUSSIANS DESTROY MINES.

LONDON, July 21

The Stockholm correspondent says the battle for the Don Basin has ended. Moscow “Pravda” says the Russians left the Donetz Basin coalmines in ruins in the retreat from Voroshilovgrad The paner appeals to Russians to collect peat to keep the electric power stations going, leaving coal for war industries. Districts where peat is not found must collect local fuel such as wood, to make each part of the country independent of transported coal. A Soviet communique says that in one sector south-east of Voroshilovgrad the Russians repelled incessant enemy attacks and only withdrew when they saw the danger of encirclement. Soviet cavalry are successfully operating in surprise at(Rec S . 10.40) LONDON, July 22. The Moscow correspondent of the “Daily Express” reports: The Russians destroyed the great Don Basin coalmines. The development of these mines was associated with the Don Basin .industries, and they had been one of the greatest achievements and prides of the Bolshevik regime. Russia has now destroyed possessions that were dearer to her than was the Dnieoer dam. Moscow has not disguised the fact that th : s destruction of the Don Basin mines represents a heavy blow against Russia s industrial war potential.