MASS ATTACKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23599, 7 March 1940, Page 9

MASS ATTACKS

RUSSIANS ON ICE FINNS WREAK HAVOC FLANKING PRTVE HELD By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON, March 5 The Russians, in their latest attempt to outflank the Finnish defences, launched masses of troops across the ice to the shores of the Gulf of Finland, says a message from Helsinki.

The attacks were centred against Vederlaks, 40 miles west from Viipuri, against the coastal islands near Virolahti, and farther west against the- islands of Haapasaari, which is 20 miles from Kotka.

Coastal batteries cut the .Russian troops to pieces and bombers wrought havoc among the vanguard of light tanks and motorised units. Fighter aeroplanes mercilessly spattered supporting columns with machine-guns.

Continuous Cannonading The same fate met attackers trying to cross the ice in the outer harbour of Yiipuri, but 300 Russians managed to reach the north-west shore in the morning, and held on while support came up. Bitter fighting continues, accompanied by fierce air encounters and continuous cannonading .of coastal forts. The direct thrust on Viipuri marked -time while the Russians attempted to protect their flanks to avoid being caught in Viipuri in a pincers movement, which has spelt disaster to 80 many of their forces to the north. The Finns repulsed local attacks west of the Karelian Isthmus. Russian onslaughts throughout the day against mid-isthmus and east-isthmus strongholds have also failed.

Finnish Successes Fighting continues at Kuhmo, where the Finns captured, several strongholds and killed 500 Russians. A number of Russian bombers attempted to fly over Helsinki, - but were driven off by anti-aircraft guns. A Finnish communique reports that the enemy made attacks throughout the day on islands in Viipuri Bay and on the north-western beach. Fighting continued north of the bay, but Russian attacks at other points were repulsed.

RUSSIAN APQLOGY BOMBING OF SWEDISH TOWN STOCKHOLM, March 5 The Soviet has sent a Note deeply regretting the bombing of Pajala by mistake. AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS NEW YORK, March 5 The first detachment of 1000 American volunteers is sailing for shortly, being the vanguard of 3000 soldiers and mechanics who have been signing on throughout the United States.