SPECTACULAR RUSSIAN SUCCESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24189, 3 February 1942, Page 5

SPECTACULAR RUSSIAN SUCCESS

CAPTURE OF BERESTOVOIE

IMPORTANCE OF TAGANROG DEFENCES

(Received February 2, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 2 The Times' Stockholm correspondent says the Russian capture of Berestovoie, west of Taganrog, on the Sea of Azov, caused unusual surprise in Berlin, where it is described as an isolated success achieved partly or wholly by organised guerillas, and therefore cannot be regarded as marking the progress of Marshal Timoshenko's regular forces. It is also claimed that the position will quickly be retaken. However, if the occupation is only transitory, it is an exploit of the greatest importance, reflecting the insecurity of German troops along the Sea of Azov. If the Russians are in Berestovoie in force it represents phenomenal progress, auguring well for further developments in this area. German military authorities declare the Germans will fight to the utmost to avoid a retirement from the Taganrog positions, which they describe as the most important section of the whole front and must be held in readiness for a resumption of the spring offensive. For the same reason the Russians advancing westwards from Losovaga will be fiercely opposed. Red Star, the Red Army newspaper, says after stubborn battles extending over the last fortnight, there is a lull in the Sebastopol sector. The Germans have withdrawn their battered units beyond the second defence line and the remainder are hurriedly constructing new fortifications. The Germans recently lost four infantry regiments and now are apparently gathering forces in preparation for a new offensive against the fortress. Russian artillery is giving the Germans and Rumanians no respite, Russian infantry constantly nibbling at the enemy's strong points and the Red Air Force ceaselessly attacking. The Russians are gradually taking the initiative. The Rumanian troops' morale is declining daily. Prisoners of war report that guerillas blew up the headquarters of the German 68th Division on the Leningrad front and killed many officers, including the commander, General Braun. The commander of the 62nd German Army Corps has also been killed. Moscow radio says the staff officers of four Italian divisions in the Donetz Basin handed the Italian army chief, General Cavallero, a memorandum demanding the divisions* withdrawal. These divisions are reported to have experienced very severe losses.