Predict Battle For Rome Will Be Fought On New Nazi Line

Northern Advocate, 23 May 1944, Page 5

Predict Battle For Rome Will Be Fought On New Nazi Line

(Received 11.45 a.m.)

LONDON, May 22

THE ALLIES NOW THREATEN TO TURN THE PONTE--1 CORVO-AQUINO LINE WHICH IS THE MOST HIGHLY ORGANISED PORTION OF THE HITLER LINE POSITIONS, SAYS A CORRESPONDENT OF “THE TIMES” AT ALLIED HEADQUARTERS, COMMENTING ON THE ADVANTAGES GAINED BY THE FRENCH AND AMERICAN DRIVE ACROSS THE PONTECORVO-TERRACINA ROAD AND THE CAPTURE OF HEIGHTS BEYOND.

He acids that enemy troop movements in the past 48 hours suggest that the German High Command sets great store on holding the Aquino-Pontecorvo-Pico sector. The Germans certainly have been transferring troops from the Adriatic coast and smoke-screen put up on the eastern side of Anzio beachhead suggest that they are drawing on divisions in that area. A spokesman at Allied headquarters predicted that a battle for Rome would be fought along the new German defence line which aerial reconnaissance revealed is astride the two main roads from the south.

Photographs show a line 50 miles long from Avezzano Mountains southward through Valmontone, incorporating the Alban Hills before continuing to the sea. Reuter’s correspondent, stating that a new phase in the battle is ahead, says there are two especially suitable positions where the Germans may attempt to stabilise their line and make another stand, firstly between San Giovanni and Ceprano, and secondly, between Cec.cano and Frosinone.

Americans Helcl-Up

The Germans have driven back American patrols which entered Terracina. The Canadians have penetralor the Hitler Line north-east of Ponte corvo. The Eighth Army is closely contacting the Hitler Line on both sides of Aquino air field. These are the latest reports from Allied headquarters which add that Kesselring is now using his mobile reserves.

Reuter’s correspondent says that the Fifth Army’s advance from the south in which American patrols reached Terracina before being forced back, aimed at driving the Germans across the Pieo-Terracina Road. The advance was not stopped at the road and the Allies have pushed on and are occupying heights between Fondi anl Terracina and also have seized a height three miles west of the road among the mountains forming the base of the German switch line. The Fifth Army is now less than 25 miles from the Anzio beachhead on the Appian Way, running straight across the Pontine Marshes.

The Americans have been pushed back from Terracina and have retired 5000 yards along the road. They are progressing north of the road towards Monte Mario and are heavily engaged north of Fondi. The French to tho north crossed the Pontecorvo-Pico road to recapture Monte Lucio. within the Hitler Line defences, and less than a mile from the Liri Valley road.

German Supplies Fail

Reuter adds that there are signs that German rations are petering out as a result of the Tactical Air Force cutting the roads. Allied planes have strangled the German supply lines since March 24. General Alexander, in the first Italian patriot communique, reveals the extent of their harassing actions against the Germans in North Italy. The communique says that six of 25 German divisions in Italy were despatched to light against the patriots or meet Yugoslav Partisans. The Itaians cut railway lines, wrecked trains, and set fire to industrial plant working for the Germans. German sources generally stress the power of the Allied offensive. “Volkischer Beobachter” predicts that the German retreat will continue to North Italy, adding that Kesselring will give up territory and prestige to husband his reserves.

Dramatic Climax

“Only the High Command _ knows where the main defence will lie,” the paper says. “It is quite certain that this line is not fixed in Central Italy." The German radio’s chief correspondent declared: “Events in Italy have reached a dramatic climax. The Allies have thrown in an unheard of force of men and material into the fray. They are employing no fewer than 1000 tanks and are daily bringing up new forces." The German News Agency stayed that a gigantic battle is being fought in Southern Italy for the main German defence line. The heaviest fighting is going on along the front from Fondi Plain to the slopes of Mount Cairo. The News Agency added that the Allies started to attack from the Netturn/bridgehead eastwards, but were repulsed and suffered heavy losses.

In Close Contact

The Eighth Army is in close contact with Hitler Line on both sides of Aquino airfield, four miles north-east of Pontecorvo. says a Naples correspondent. The Canadians have penetrated the line north-east of Pontecorvo. All Kesselring's mobile reserves have now been drawn into the battle line, where 17 German divisions are now engaged. The Americans, pushing northwaicls from the Appian Way have captured further heights and are tapping m.o the Hitler switch line. The French, who yesterday were driven off San Leucio. today recaptured it. They also have beaten off a counter-attack. Vigorous offensive action continued in the coastal sector. Monte Marino, Monte Autone and Monte Capicco, which are north and north-west of San Biagio, have been occupied by our troops, it was announced this evening. Algiers radio tonight reported that Piedemonte had been captured. No Slacking In Pace A broadcast statement from the German High Command says the battle for Italy was raging in an unslackened pace. Several hundred Allied 60-ton tanks have been thrown in. The fighting, which formerly was moving westward, was now wheeled northward as the Allies thrust against Fondi which the Germans still hold. Tim fury of the fighting in the last week compares with the Somme, Verdun and Flanders of the last war. ° The German News Agency says: The fcwal point in yesterday’s great battles in Italv was the townshio ol Pontecorvo. against which numerically superior Allied forces all day launched attacks supported by hundreds of medium bombers and a terrific artillery barrage. The German garrison held on and wiped out one major enemy unit which temporarily penetrated the town.’’