Earlier Messages

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 95, 22 April 1941, Page 5

Earlier Messages

Orderly Allied Withdrawal ANZACS WIN NEW GLORY ON OLYMPUS LONDON, April 20. Along the whole front held by Imperial and Greek forces, the Germans *re continuing to attack fiercely, but the Allied line, which has been modified at some points, remains unbroken, aavs the Greek Press Ministry in a statement issued to-day. To-day's communique from British General Headquarters at Cairo says: •‘Greek and Imperial troops are con tinuing their withdrawal, covered by their rearguards. By able handling and Helermined fighting, their rearguards have succeeded in delaying the German advance and have inflicted heavy casualties." Terrific pressure has been maintained by the enemy along the whole line, stretching from a point south of Mount Olympus to the Adriatic Sea. A Greek communique admits that the Germans lave advanced some distance in the Central area. The enemy is bringing up more and tnore reinforcements in infantry, mechanised units, and aircraft, but in ■pite of all their efforts, the British and Greek troops are fighting like lions and still holding their positions. In the Kalabaka area, the Germans, advancing in waves, have attempted tn lore© the passes, but have failed. German reports that the Kalabaka Pass has been forced and Larissa occupied have not been confirmed. The Kalabaka Pass is one of the important Yoads leading to the plains of Thessaly, and command of it would threaten the Year of an army defending the passes to the north. South of Mount Olympus the Germans continue to sacrifice the lives of their soldiers by thousands without being able to break through. King George of the Hellenes, in n broadcast, said: “The heroic exploits of our allies the Australians and New Zealanders are weaving new legends around the slopes of Mount Olympus." According to official Press informa tion from Athens, the Australian and New Zealand forces that had been resisting stubbornly in the region of l r ount Olympus were withdrawn before the enemy occupied these positions. Greek communiques indicate that the enemy has failed to break up the Greek forces withdrawing to a shorter line. In several instances. hea\*y attacks bv the Italians were thrown back with severe losses to the attackers. The R.A.F. continues its support in bombing supply columns and fighting off dive-bombing attacks on our troops. In two days without loss to outselves, ten planes have been shot down, and many more damaged. Agency messages state that the itreets in the Athens area were machine-gunned by 30 German planes.