RUSSIAN LULL

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1943, Page 5

RUSSIAN LULL

Both Sides Waiting PREPARATIONS CONTINUE

(Rec. 7.45.) LONDON, May 18. News from both sides in Russia becomes more extraordinary daily. Both sides admit a lull in the land fighting. Each emphasises the other’s preparations for attack. The Berlin radio’s commentator, Captain Sertorius, says: “It is possible to assume that there is a tendency on both sides to allow the enemy to be the first to attack. If this is the case, the actual lull may last for many weeks. Such a development is more probable than a sudden break in the lull.” Several observers believe that such remarks invite speculation as to whether the Germans want to restart operations on the Russian front until there is some sign of the Allied Nations’ plans elsewhere. Reuter’s Moscow' correspondent indicates a similar tense hesitancy in Russia where preparations for the next phase continue apace. The British United Press Moscow correspondent quotes a section of opinion in Moscow to the effect that the German concentration of heavy tanks and guns in the Byelgorod sector, north of Kharkov, and also in the Orel sector, may be an indication that the German High Command is preparing another lightning offensive in the east with a view to paralysing the Russian Army before the Allies open a second front KUBAN FIGHTING LONDON, May IG. The latest Moscow communique reports only local actions. North-east of Novorossisk, in the Kuban, a German counter-attack on a hill position failed. South of Izyum, on the Donetz front, Russian scouts attacked an enemy position. Artillery was active west of Rostov.

GERMAN CONCENTRATIONS. LONDON, May 17.

The German Army has moved into assault positions, south-west of Moscow. Vast new battles may begin along the Russian front this week, says the “Express” military writer, Morley Richards. The Germans have great concentrations in three sectors, namely south of -Lake Ladoga, the Bryansk-Orel sector, and behind the Central Donetz. Since March, there has been a regular stream of train and road convoys, bringing supplies to build up huge German dumps. The Red Army has been doing the same. The world may quite likely see the Germans on the offensive in one zone, and the Russians in another. Richards says he has authority for saying that the Red Army is again up to 1942' strength. The Russians have surpassed the enemy in tanks and artillery, and it is probable that, general air parity has been reached.

HEAVY GERMAN LOSSES. LONDON, May 17,

A Soviet supplementary communique says: “During the week ended May 15 we destroyed 370 enemy aeroplanes for the loss of 104 of oui' own. Our aeroplanes on May 15 sank an enemy transport and a trawler. On thg same day the Soviet Air Force destroyed or damaged 60 lorries carrying toops and supplies, and silenced 15 batteries. “In the Kuban, Russian artillery and mortar fire wrecked more than 30 enemy pill-boxes and dug-outs, and destroyed seven gun and 18, machine-gun nests. In one sector, two enemy infantry and tank attacks | were repelled, and in the lower. Kuban, an enemy attempt to cross the river was repulsed. ! “Artillery and mortar duels are reported from the Volkhov front. So-' viet partisans in the Smolensk area in three days’ fighting killed 400 Hitlerites and also routed two garrisons; and captured six machine-guns.”