Allies Have Little Trouble In Crossing Tiber, Pressing On

Northern Advocate, 7 June 1944, Page 5

Allies Have Little Trouble In Crossing Tiber, Pressing On

(Rec. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 6 Allied troops have met little resistance while crossing the Tiber and the northern parts of the city, and are now advancing along the general route of Highway 2, writes a correspondent at Allied headquarters. The Eighth Army in the mountinous region is meeting stubborn resistance. Guarcino has been occupied. General Alexander’s troops are making good progress, with the Germans failing back in some disorder north of Rome and west of the Tiber, stated a spokesman at Allied headquarters, Italy.

Infantry followed the Allied armour across the Tiber and are now driving due west in force.

Reuter’s correspondent says that 11 of the 14 main Tiber bridges were found intact. Additional mechanised forces and infantrymen are now across the Tiber, mid-way between Rome and Ostia, about five miles from Rome’s southern outskirts. The Allied armour fanned out" in a wide area three miles west of Rome, with the leading elements several miles farther ahead.

British troops advancing along the coast reached the Tiber at several points. They have already taken over 2000 prisoners, and other British troops are pouring in, with the Germans trapped, as all the bridges downstream from Rome were destroyed. The correspondent adds that the German’s claim that Rome was an open city was disproved after an inspection of the battered railway yards had revealed wrecked military equipment. At least 40 Geramn guns were seen in the smashed Otiense yards in the southern part of the city. The Exchange Telegraph’s correspondent says the Eighth Army front has now extended to over 70 miles. The Eighth Army joined up with the Fifth Army in the Rome sector, and also continued to advance in the north and centre of the peninsula in a methodical drive towards Northern Italy. French troops have occupied Tivoli. Lines Td France Blocked

Bombers today attacked targets on rail lines leading from the Po Valley to the battle area, states a correspondent at Allied Headquarters. Flak was encountered at some points, but few enemy aircraft were met. The bombers were escorted by Lightnings and Mustangs. Other Lightnings strafed airfields and other ground targets in the Po Valley. On Sunday heavy bombers attacked targets on lines between Italy and France. Both major routes are temporarily blocked.

Badoglio has dissolved the Italian Government and Prince Umberto has entrusted him with the formation of a new Cabinet. including political leaders in liberated Rome. Badoglio is expected to go to Rome shortly to meet political leaders there. 72.436 Scholars at Auckland With the capture of Rome, the Allied armies in Italy have brought another phase of the campaign to a most successful conclusion, says today’s Allied communique from General Alexander’s headquarters. The battle to destroy the enemy continues without pause. Fifth Army troops are now crossing the River Tiber in many places and have advanced some five miles beyond. Only weak resistance is at present being encountered in this sector. The enemy in the hills north of Highway 6 are still strongly resisting the Eighth Army in order to cover his withdrawal. The enemy abandoned Palena Station and some mountain positions.