Fierce Attack Succeeds

Northern Advocate, 30 December 1938, Page 5

Fierce Attack Succeeds

(Received 2 p.m.) LONDON. December 29

There was again severe fighting in a big- battle on the Catalan front, in which it is estimated 500,000 men were engaged. ■ General Franco’s fiercest attack today centred around the strategic bridgehead, of Balaguer, where, after a shattering artillery barrage, the rebels overcame concrete defences, and by midday were advancing in open country beyond Balaguer. Tanks were leading infantry, which had previously charged and wiped out machinegun nests.

Progress was also made toward Artesa, while a drive in which a large force of Italians were participating continued on the southern sector.

The Hendaye correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that General Franco’s mechanised army is slowly overcoming the opposition, for machineguns, anti-tank guns, rifles and hand grenades cannot indefinitely hold back tanks and armoured cars, supported by bombers and artillery. Inadequately trained Government pilots are proving no match for Italian and German aviators.

The Hendaye correspondent of “The Times” says it does not seem that General Franco’s attack has yet penetrated the main defences of the Government troops.