Struggle On Eastern Front

Northern Advocate, 9 October 1941, Page 4

Struggle On Eastern Front

THOUGH an impenetrable screen is maintained by both Germans and Russians, whose censorship of news is drastically severe, it is to be taken for granted that the Germans have launched another full-scale offensive evidently Avith the intention of securing strong positions before the coming of winter halts hostilities. The Russians had commenced counter-offensives in the central and southern sectors, and reports Avhich appeared to bear the impress of truth indicated that these efforts had driven the Germans back at several points. Today, a German story refers to Marshal Timoshenko as occupying a line considerably to the east of Avhere he AA T as fighting a feAV days ago. It is likely that the marshal has merely withdraAvn Ins troops to his old line in order to frustrate the pincers movement the enemy is attempting. The same circumstances are reported in the southern sector, though, there is evidence that the Germans are in a stronger position. The attempt to encircle the Russians has progressed, and it is said that Marshal Budenny may have to retreat into the Crimea if he wishes to aA'oid encirclement. However, there is evidently much to be done before such a retreat Avill become necessary, and it Avill not be surprising if tbe Russians are able to hold up the enemy, though it is obvious that the war on the eastern front has entered a critical stage.