Russians Gain Initiative At Leningrad Other Sectors

Northern Advocate, 15 November 1941, Page 5

Russians Gain Initiative At Leningrad Other Sectors

[British Official Wireless] (Received 11 a.m.) Rl T GP>Y. November 14. WHILE DETAILED INFORMATION AS TO THE SITUATION ON THE EASTERN FRONT IS LACKING IN INFORMED QUARTERS IN LONDON, THERE SEEMS TO BE EVIDENCE IN VARIOUS STATEMENTS FROM RUSSIA THAT IN SOME SECTORS THE INITIATIVE HAS PASSED TO THE RUSSIANS. Regarding tlie Leningrad sector such a claim is. in fact, made today by the Moscow radio quoting despatches from the front. It described how Russian infantry, supported by bombers and dive bombers and heavy artillery barrage, stormed the enemy lines and broke through to the German rear despite stubborn resistance. The Leningrad radio, meanwhile, reports that Russian troops after fierce attacks by Russian planes, occupied a well fortified village on the Leningrad front, but whether the two operations arc connected is not clear.

Village Recaptured The. midday Russian communique, after stating that fighting continued on all fronts last night, adds that on the north-western front, after fierce fighting cur troops captured the village “K,” inflicting heavy losses in men and materials. Heavy artillery duels continue to rage in the Maloyaroslavets area, according to the Moscow radio, which describes how the Russians occupied a height north-west of “O.” Russian Successes Reported Successful Russian actions are reported on three sections of the Eastern front. The Germans have been driven from a number of villages in the Tula area, and the enemy is now trying to turn the flanks of the defenders, who are resisting as stubbornly as ever. A Moscow message says the highway between Orel and Tula is a veritable cemetery of German tanks, trucks and soldiers. The Tass News Agency reports that the Germans have been driven out of 20 villages in the direction of Kalinin in the last 24 hours. Red Army counter-attacks halted a German drive against the Russians’ right flank at Kalinip, and dashing cavalry attacks drove the enemy out of five villages. The Red army has taken several important strategic heights on the Murmansk front. German Losses Pile Up German losses continue to pile up in the fighting, which continues all night. The latest German communique says: “Our troops are in front of Kerch, and the town and harbour are under the fire of German artiL lery. The Luftwaffe has put out of action coastal batteries at Sebastopol, and has destroyed military installations.” The latest Moscow communique says: “Our troops fought along the whole front throughout the night. A unit operating on the north-western front routed three German regiments.