GERMAN RETREAT

Grey River Argus, 22 October 1943, Page 5

GERMAN RETREAT

FROM CAPUA PLAIN HEAVY BATTLE LIKELY Will Enemy Evacuate Rome ? * LONDON, Oct. 20. The Germans are. making a fullscale but orderly withdrawal from the whole Volturno front into the hills to the north. Fifth Army forces, alter further crossings of the Volturno River captured Dragoone. A Reuter correspondent stated: German forces, having been defeated on the Volturno line, are falling back to a line running from Mondragone (on the west coast ten miles north of the Volturno estuary) to Venafro southwest of Isernia, an inland road junction The new enemy line takes advantage of the 2,300 ft Massico nidge, which runs inland to Venafro, where it overlooks the upper reaches of the Volturno. The Germans are covering their retreat with desultory artillery and mortar lire, but are tinaoio to shake off the vanguard of tne Fifth Army. Great pillars of smoxe from burning villages pin-point the Germans path. Peaceful villages, have been shot, cattle destroyed, rail tracks torn up, and rain-soaked haystacks used as smoke screens. f’ne whole centre of the Allied line moved forward between live and seven miles yesterday. The Algiers Uniteu Nations radio says the Fifth Army is continuing to drive the Germans back towards the Appennines and is also progressing in the heights north of the Vzniurno and Calore. The port of Naples is now in good order. The water supply is working and telephone communications re-established. A 8.8. C. correspondent stated: The Germans may be nolding outposts round Ivlondragone, about five miles north of the Volturno raver, near the west coast, but everywhere else on the Volturno front the Germans ) are giving ground. ‘ American troops on the right flank of the Volturno front crossed the angle made byj the bend in the river. They have reached points several miles north of the bend and have made new crossings. General Eisenhower's Headquarters has released the news that the British 78th Infantry Division is engaged on the Italian battlefront. This division fought with the Eighth Army in S'icily. Captain Sertorius, Berlin radio commentator, says the presence of Allied attack is imminent. Latest News ENEMY LEAVING CAPUA PLAIN. (Rec. 12.40.) LONDON, Oct. 21. The United Nations’ Algiers radio stated: German forces are in full retreat between Capua and the sea. An earlier message, however, stated: “The Fifth Army's reconnaissance have spotted heavy concentrations of German troops on high ground north of the Capua Plain, in preparation for a large-scale counterblow.” . Correspondents at Allied Headquarters said that a heavy battle could now be expected. The Swiss radio said: “British and American ’planes bombed Crosseto and Arezzo. The Algiers radio said: The Fifth Army, after a fierce fight, captured a road junction, Lapidna, south-east of Pionatoro, from where roads lead to Rome and Pescara. American troops forced German troops to evacuate the whole eastern part of the Volturno Valley. ENEMY LOOTING IN ROME REPORTED. (Rec. 12.25.) LONDON, Oct. 21. The British United Press says: An impression that the Germans have decided to evacuate Rome is strengthened by Madrid reports that they are looting the city’s art treasures, and also those of Florence. Several trainloads of works of art have already left for Germany. One of the pilots who dropped leaflets on Rome warning it was going to be bombed was Pilot Oflicei Bernard Cullinane, D.F.M., of Wanganui, who has now returned to England after carrying out 40 raids in the Tunis and Sicilian campaigns. Cullinane described it briefly as ‘ a good tour.” He met his brother, Fly. ing Officer Maurice Cullinane, D. F.C., on his return. Maurice won his decoration for bombing Germany. His citation stated his example at all times had been an inspiration to other members of the crew. Eornerd’s citation stated he was a firstclass pilot whose record was worthy of praise. Landing Near Rome ? allied preparations INDICATED. (Rec. 12.40.) LONDON, Oct. 21. The German News Agency said: An Allied landing in the Rome area from the sea seems to be imminent. Axis radios continue to suggest that an Allied landing is likely near Berlin radio said: “Considerable Allied air-borrie units are behind the front, and are ready to take oil iol the Rome area, while there are i feverish efforts to nut Naples harbour .into operation, which Indicate that a great maritime action is imminent. Eighth Army COASTAL PROGRESS. STIFF FIGHTING INLAND. ’ LONDON, Oct. 20. The Eighth Army on the Adriatic coast advanced ten miles beyond lerm “The Times’s” Algiers correspondent says the capture of Petacdato. eight miles north of „ lerm< ?“l_ ntrv lowed a heavy attack from ’nfimtiy tanks and artillery. thereby carried forward about e» ■ miles. The coastal railway and enemy positions have been persistently bombed, for the past rortnight. On Tuesday the enemy was surprised just after dawn when tor bombers paralysed the eastern coastal railway by wrecking bridges at the four points between Ancone, and Pescara. They encountered no enemy fighters and only! light antiaircraft fire; all returned; safely, me attack has made it practically ™- possible for the Germans to supply their troops facing the eighth Army by this?* railway, which is the only' one that runs along the coast. The bridges destroyed are located near Portocivitanova, south of Elpido, north of Fendasco, and north of Cupramartima. The attack, which was opened at 6.30 a.m. lasted 30 minutes. Two British destroyers engaged in sweeps of the Adriatic on Saturday intercepted two Italian steamers. One with a German armed guard on board, was taken to harbour. The other, manned by Germans, was set on fire by her crew, and had to be sunk b'y; bur forces. One report stated: The Eighth

Army, which pierced. German defences west of Termoli, simultaneously threatens to encircle German forces whose only escape is through Isernia. General Montgomery holds the initiative. Stern fighting is now occurring on the Eighth Army front. Press correspondents says there are indications that the Germans on this flank have been reinforced. They have strongly counter-attacked to try and recapture Monte Cal tone, but without success. Enemy resistance has stiffened considerably in the westward sector, especially around Monte Calfone, San Stefano, and Baranello.