ITALIAN ATTACK BROKEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23839, 14 December 1940, Page 11

ITALIAN ATTACK BROKEN

GREEKS WIN THREE-DAY BATTLE NEW POSITIONS CAPTURED ADVANCE CONTINUES ON WHOLE FRONT By Telegraph—.Press Association—Copyright (Received December K J <, 10.50 p.m.) LONDON*, Dec. 13 Despatches from the Albanian front state that the Greeks have smashed General Soddu's desperate attempt to recapture the northern heights of Mokra, which were the greatest obstacle to the Greek advance toward Elbasan. The heights remain in Greek hands after a fierce "infantryman's battle" lasting three days on a 30-mile front. The Italians were lost without the aid of their aircraft, which the snow has kept on the ground. Enemy air activity has also been hampered by the heavy British bombings which severely damaged their airports at Durazzo and Tirana. Prisoners say the Italians have abandoned the airports and are busily building temporary aerodromes. An unconfirmed report says empty cargo ships and transports have arrived at Valona, possibly for the evacuation of Italian troops.

Greek scouts have reported that the famous Italian Centaur Armoured Division, which was not broken during the retreat, has jettisoned its tanks, armoured cars and trucks in the ravine of Foyusa rather than permit them to fall into Greek hands. The Greek War Ministry announced over the radio advance on the whole front continues. The Italians were driven back near Tepelini. On the northern front the Greeks broke the resistance of six Alpine battalions, capturing important heights. A despatch from Athens says the Greeks are systematically pursuing the methods which brought earlier victories. There are continued signs that a fresh major tactical movement is developing. A Greek communique reports the capture by a reconnaissance party of about 150 Italians, including some officers.