Three Axis Divisions Isolated In West

Northern Advocate, 26 July 1943, Page 3

Three Axis Divisions Isolated In West

LONDON. July 25. The Americans have occupied Trapani termini and Castelvetrano. This consolidates isolation of what Algiers radio estimates to be practically three Axis divisions in the western tip of Sicily. All the enemy’s activity is now concentrated on a triangle with a front roughly running from San Stefano to Regalbuto, then to Catania. Reuter's correspondent in Sicily says that Americans occupied Trapani termini, at Castelvetrano, on Friday. Trapani has a natural sheltered harbour. Its great salt works supply the whole island. The termini is also a natural harbour while Castelvetrano is the largest airfield in Sicily. Canadian troops, pushing on beyond Enna, have now swung eastwards and linked up with the Eighth Army south of Catania, according to Algiers radio. The Canadians are struggling through hilly country under great heat. A correspondent of the “Exchange Telegraph” says that the enemy has unavailingly flung in new troops and tanks against Canadians in a series of counter-attacks in an effort to hold them up. Roads and defiles have been heavily cratered but only temporarily delayed the Canadians who smashed many enemy strong-points. One German battalion opposing the Canadians suffered 350 casualties. Another battalion suffered 300. Rome radio in claiming the sinking of a steamer suggests new Allied landings behind Axis positions in Catania. “Italian planes on Acirale eight miles north of Catania sank an 8000 ton enemy steamer which was assisting numerous landing barges.” Reuter’s Algiers correspondent says that combined Allied air forces are heavily punishing Axis attempts to reinforce Sicily. Many of Malta’s fighter planes moved into Sicily a few hours after the Allied forces seized airfields. Ground crews working at top-speed had the bases ready for them. Planes remaining' in Malta, meantime, still give constant support to the Sicilian campaign. Kittyhawks yesterday attacked targets in Misterbianco and Randazzo and set fire to buildings. When a round-up of prisoners taken in Palermo is completed the Italian Army in Sicily can be regarded as having packed up because Italians acquire the large-scale habit of demobilising themselves. Occupied towns are full of young men of military age, apparently quite fit, wearing mufti and apparently jobless. Algiers radio says that the Axis High Command has decided not to defend Central Italy in the event of invasion. This it is reported was decided follow ing the Hitlcr-Mussolini meeting. The Axis intends to make a stand on the River Po defending North Italy. The Italian Government would be transferred to Milan.