Both Sides Ready For Big Clash In Russia

Northern Advocate, 15 May 1943, Page 3

Both Sides Ready For Big Clash In Russia

(Rec. 12 Noon) LONDON, May 14. No new developments are reported from the Russian land front, but each side is warning that the other may soon launch large-scale attacks. Where the big clash will come is a matter of conjecture. The Germans have large concentrations of men, tanks and planes ready to attack in a number of sectors, where the Red Air Force is raiding key communications. “Red Star” warns that the hour is approaching for large-scale battles, involving gi'eat masses of troops. It claims that German generals are pinning all hopes on their armour- and air force. Berlin radio says that in view of big transport movements observed in the past few days, the Germans hourly expect the Russians to resume large-scale attacks in the Kuban area. German and Rumanian forces have taken all necessary measures to repulse the enemy. The Germans might attempt to deal a swift blow in the two or more months in which Hitler may reckon he ‘will be relatively free of the necessity of warding off invasion from the west, says Reuter's Moscow correspondent. Recent local activity suggests that the Germans plan to launch two offensives concurrently, or in swift succession: (1) From the Briansk-Orel sector eastwards, and then northwards to threaten Moscow from the rear; (2) Through the Donetz line to Rostov in an attempt to gain a hold on the western part of the north Caucasus as far south as Krasnodar, with an additional force striking towards Batum and thence across Caucasia to the Caspian to invest Baku. Bombing of Warsaw A Soviet special communique states; “On Wednesday night long-range Soviet bombers attacked the railway junction at Warsaw. German trains, arms and ammunition dumps and railway installations were bombed. Our bombers also attacked the Warsaw suburb of Prage. As a result of the bombing large fires and large explosions among enemy trains and ammunition dumps were observed. All the Soviet planes returned to their bases.” Moscow radio broadcast a report of bitter fighting north-east of Novorossisk and in an area in the lower regions of the Kuban. “The enemy is offering fierce fire resistance and attempting to stem our advance by massed air-raids, but air supremacy is in Soviet hands,” the report said. “On several sectors our troops pushed forward and occupied valuable positions.” Tremendous Air War Russians in the Kuban, battling against resistance which is still stubborn, advanced in some sectors and captured additional lines north-east of Novorossisk. Despatches from the front do not indicate big gains but. in face of the current strong counter-attacks, definite progress has been made. The Russians at Lisichansk seized the initiative in a forward drive, considerably improving their positions. They made the best progress in this area since the Germans began to counter-attack three weeks ago. The tremendous air war, which at present is fiercer than anything on land, continued. Russians blasted many objectives. including Warsaw communications. The Germans simultaneously struck at Liski communications.