ENEMY ADVANCE IN SOUTH-WEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24368, 2 September 1942, Page 3

ENEMY ADVANCE IN SOUTH-WEST

RUSSIAN RESERVES HOLDING GERMANS PENETRATE ON OTHER FLANK By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received September 1, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, September 1 A German column consisting of several hundred tanks, supported by a great number of Stuka dive-bombers and fresh infantry regiments, has advanced four miles toward Stalingrad along the Kotelnikovo-Stalingrad railway, says the Stockholm correspondent of the Daily Express. The Germans claim to have reached the defence belt 1 5 miles from the centre of the city, but this is not confirmed. The Germans were severely mauled during this advance by Russian artillery and tanks, and at some points lost 80 per cent of their men and tanks. Late messages state that Marshal Timoshenko has sent in fresh reserves, who are holding well. North-west of the city the enemy has penetrated the Soviet positions and is trying to rush up reinforcements. Russian artillery and planes are constantly attacking and one enemy column has been completely routed. German tanks and infantry, heavily reinforced, have launched attack after attack regardless of losses and have forced their way north of the city within the past 24 hours. Soviet forces are still attacking the enemy's left flank in the Klietsk area. These forces have secured yet another success by overwhelming Italian troops defending the enemy flank and taking much booty. , _ A German communique states that German troops south or Stalingrad are piercing enemy positions and wiping out considerable Soviet forces. The German people are being warned not to expect victory too soon. They are being told that Stalingrad is not likely to be taken in a day or so and that it is still very strong.