Piles of German Dead Before Greek Defences

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 84, 8 April 1941, Page 7

Piles of German Dead Before Greek Defences

“One of Greatest Epics in Greek History ' 7 Magnificent Struggle Against Tremendous Odds L’uited Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Monday, 10.40 p.m. LONDON, April 7. The Greek Government spokesman said: “The German forces left bodies piled high before the Greek defenders without being able to advance. Our soldiers have written one of the greatest epics in Greek history. We are fighting forces tenfold superior, with mechanical implements a hundredfold greater. German planes race overhead, but our soldiers are holding fast. “Where it was expected our troops would hold out for two hours, we have not only already held out for twelve, but are Twft.iTita.iTiing unbroken lines. The Germans’ enormous forces met a terrible fire.' ’ ▲ Greek Headquarters communique states: “Powerful German forces equipped with the most modern war machines, supported by tanks, abundant heavy artillery and numerous aircraft, on Sunday morning repeatedly attacked our positions, which were defended only by very small Greek forces. “A violent struggle occurred throughout the day in the main zone of the Bulgarian frontier area, particularly the district of Belen (thirty miles north of Kavalla) and the Struma valley. Our forces here waged a hard fight against the aggressors with their restricted means and as much of the Greek Air Force as can bs spared from Albania aiding our efforts. “Our fortifications, despite heavy shelling by artillery and divebombing, resisted except one which fell after a particularly strong enemy attack. The Germans were held on the whole main front. Our forces evacuated some areas of Greek territory to avoid unnecessary sacrifice.”