Marvels of Engineering In Armoured Advance

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 208, 2 September 1944, Page 5

Marvels of Engineering In Armoured Advance

PIPELINES FOLLOW PATTON’S ARMIES Received Friday, 11.50 p.m. WASHINGTON, Aug. 21. The Assistant War Secretary (Mr. Patterson) at a press conference speaking about the events in France said the supply programme was so carefully planned that the advances were never retarded. Army engineers with the exact bridge built in England were ready to cross a given French river at a certain place—and that applied to everything right down the line. Engineers laid oil pipelines at the rate of 70 miles a day with the result that oil was pumped across Western France to a point not far behind Patton’s tanks. Mr. Patterson added that while the movement of supplies had so- far kept pace with the battle advances there was a real need for increased production in certain categories, including heavy artillery and shells, aircraft, bombs, trucks and heavy duty tyres. He said it was very satisfying to hear General Dietmar’s bleak radio commentary. “He does not leave much hope for the Germans- to escape the retribution they have earned. _ Nevertheless, German opposition may stiffen. There have been some movements of troops from Germany and the redisposition of enemy troops on the coast, suggesting an effort to form a cohesive front.”