RUSSIAN THRUSTS

Grey River Argus, 17 June 1943, Page 5

RUSSIAN THRUSTS

ENEMY FEARS Of Great Offensive [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, June 15. Moscow radio reported that the Germans, after suffering a heavy defeat in two days’ fighting in the sec--tor west of Rostov, again failed to gain any success. Moscow radio said that a comparative lull has now set in in this sector. Axis military- critics, according to statements from Berlin and Faris, consider that the flaring up of activity in various sectors of the Eastern Front indicates that a new great Russian offensive is impending. Berlin radio stated that military intelligence, confirmed that the Russians a're massing south of Moscow and added that the Soviet forces in this area are reported to total a whole army. The German High Command reports that the Russians have made new thrusts against the German position on the Kuban front. "The enemy repeatedly attacked our lines with about one regiment at a time. All were repulsed, and further attacks on the high ground north-west of Krvjnskaya were also beaten off. Berlin radio reported a Russian attack in a sector which has been quiet for several months—near Byelev. The radio said that the Russians broke into the German positions at two points but that the Germans closed the breaches. Moscow radio reports that several enemy troop trains were bombed and fires and explosions were seen when Russian bombers in daylight attacked a railway station at the German base of Orel, south-west of Moscow. Three Soviet planes are missing. The Berlin radio claimed that the Germans repulsed Russian attempts to cross the river Volkhov in barges, and held back three local Russian thrusts before Leningrad. Moscow radio stated: An air battle lasting three hours in which aircraft of Russia’s northern army escorting a convoy), defeated a series of attacks by a number of German planes. The convoy which is carrying valuable cargoes, was at first attacked by twenty of the enemy. This was beaten off but ten Focke-Wulfs developed another attack and after fighting lasting some time, both sides received reinforcements. As the result of these engagements, five Messerschmitts and four Locke-Wuits were shot into the sea. An enemy hydro-plane attempted to rescue the German crews, but was herself damaged and capsized. Four German airmen were drowned and three others taken prisoner. Moscow stated German aircraft which attempted to raid Saratov, north of Stalingrad, were broken up by Soviet fighters. Some of the raiders, however, managed to get through and some civilians were injured. The damage was negligible, but six of the German machines were shot down.

RUSSIAN AIR RAID ON PORT.

(Rec. 9.0.) LONDON, J'une 16. In a surprise raid on an enemyheld northern port, Soviet bombers sank a German transport, also several cutters and other auxiliary craft, and set fire to harbour buildings. Escorting fighters shot down two Messerschmitts. No Russian machines were lost.

Allied Double Offensive RUSSIAN RADIO PREDICTION.

(Rec. 7.50.) LONDON, June 16. Leningrad radio has forecast simultaneous blows/ against the Axis from the east and the west. It says: The Allies are preparing to overcome the German anti-invasion defences, and to invade the European, continent. There can be no doubt that an Allied blow from the west, will coincide with a crushing blow from the east by the Red Army, and that they will join into single mighty blow, striking a death knell for the Fascists.