Battle For Rostov In Full Swing

Northern Advocate, 21 November 1941, Page 6

Battle For Rostov In Full Swing

LONDON, November 20.

The battle for Rostov, northern gateway of the Caucasus, is in full swing. The Germans have brought up new forces which are attacking on a wide arc running from Novochakhtinsk in the north, to the Sea of Azov. The spearhead of the attack is a mixed force under General Guderian, comprising a tank division, two infantry divisions and a cavalry unit. The Germans are losing heavily in men and equipment, but are pressing the offensive with great determination. In one sub-sector Soviet artillery, aided by special anti-tank units, defeated an entire battalion of infantry and large numbers of tanks. Russian forces elsewhere, under Commander Kreuzcr, successfully counter-attacked and cut off and practically wiped out an infantry regiment. They also severely mauled other German forces attempting to relieve this regiment.

For Winter Quarters

The Germans immediately start to fortify every village that is captured, evidently aiming at making them tenable for the winter, but in spite of these precautions the Russians recaptured two fortified villages. The “Red Star” reports that the Germans incessantly attacked the approaches to Sebastopol, but were beaten off. The midday Moscow communique announced the evacuation ot Kerch by the Russians by order of the High Command.