Hail Of Death Decimates Nazi Division At Tula

Northern Advocate, 21 November 1941, Page 6

Hail Of Death Decimates Nazi Division At Tula

LONDON, November 20.

The Moscow newspaper “Red Star” says a German infantry division and between 70 and 80 tanks struck a new blow against Tula, 110 miles south of Moscow, from the south-east after a heavy artillery and air bombardment. In one area only 25 men of two German companies reached the Russian positions, where they were killed by bayonets.

After a preliminary artillery barrage and bombing by 20 planes. German tanks, supported by motorised infantry, simultaneously attacked from three points, and bloody fighting continued all day. The “Red Star” added that hordes of drunken soldiers attacked Major Tereshkcff’s units but were mown down by machinegun fire and rifle fire. Tanks Thrown In

Some of the heaviest lighting on the central front is now centred at Volokolamsk. 70 miles west of Moscow. where the Germans are flinging in large numbers of tanks. They have made some headway, but MajorGeneral Rokossovsky's men have prevented a spectacular advance. The Russians also successfully parried a new German blow at Kalinin, 100 miles north-west of the capital. The Germans have been equally unsuccessful in the Mojaisk sector, in spite of the use of “three-ply” tanks to give the appearance of great numbers. The Germans here sent a column of “alcoholised” infantry into action. To Junction With Finns

Reports from the Leningrad front state that the Russians defeated a German offensive along the Volkhov river, which aimed at joining up with the Finns east of Leningrad, but reconnaissances show that a new offensive is under preparation and the Germans are massing troops, including a “death’s head division.” The Russians meanwhile have recaptured a number of villages lost in the recent German drive to Tikhvin, which appears to have completely petered out. Red Advance at Leningrad

The Moscow radio says that, in spite of the Germans’ powerful fortifications, the Russians arc stubbornly advancing on the Leningrad front, with strong support from hcavv artillery and the air force. One Russian detachment has occupied important new positions in the past 24 hours. The Spanish Blue Division, operating near Novgorod, is reported to be bogged in the snow and swamps of the Lake liman region.