GRIM TASK AHEAD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 24 November 1943, Page 5

GRIM TASK AHEAD

INVASION OF EUROPE COSTLY AND DIFFICULT OPERATION (Rec. 10.35 a.m.) London, Nov. 23* The Germans could in the past assemble more divisions on any front than the United Nations could possibly land in three weeks. Lord Croft, joint Under-Secretary of State for War. declared when speaking in London. “The next month or next year that may no longer be true,” he added. “We may be able to fight on something like equal terms and shipping may become available to open up the great new venture which will be bloody and test us as nothing yet, but most certainly it wilL be undertaken and pressed through to victory.” Every hundred miles the enemy was driven back, however, the nearer the circumference of his defence was brought to his bases and reserves, and the more easily the Germans would be able to supply the firing line and switch reserves speedily by rail from the centre to any threatened point. The Allies could only reach the enemy over the seas, and to effect fresh lodgments on a defended coastline, as Salerno and Dieppe provI ed. was a costly and difficult operation demanding a very great concentration of men and shipping. This showed that what was probably by far their grimmest task lay before the Allies, for a fierce wounded animal was far more dangerous defending his lair than when ’ a thousand miles from home. The most desperate and perhaps final phase was yet to open. Of the outcome he had jio doubt, but it required the concentrated willpower, determination and valour of the whole of the people in support of the fighting men.