LULL IN ITALY

Grey River Argus, 17 August 1944, Page 5

LULL IN ITALY

LONDON, August 13. Polish troops of the Eighth Army have occupied Monte Vecchio, bringing them even closer ■ to the eastern wing of the Gothic Line.

West of Florence Allied troops have been mopping up pockets in the Empoli area and east of the city destroyed a bridge across the Arno River.

Communal kitchens have been set up in Florence and rations of food are being made to civilians. Clothing is being distributed. Allied patrols found the Germans alert on both sides of Florence to prevent a crossing of the Arno River. The Eighth Army are shelling the German positions on both sides of the city. German positions in the Signa area, five miles west of Florence, are under shellfire.. (Rec. 1.15.) LONDON, August 16. The situation of the civilian population of Florence continues to improve, says to-day’s Allied communique from Italy. There has been some sniping. Further supplies have been delivered to the inhabitants. .There is no change in the situation of the Fifth and Eighth Army fronts.