LAUNCHING THE BLOW

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24633, 12 July 1943, Page 3

LAUNCHING THE BLOW

GENERAL'S BUSY NIGIIT COINS RUBBED FOR LUCK (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, July 10 General Eisenhower remained at his headquarters all last night except for a visit to the coast to watch the Allied air fleet leaving for Sicily, says the Exchange Telegraph correspondent, representing the combined British press at Algiers. As the planes roared up into the moonlight he stood with his hand raised in salute. Then he returned to the naval section of headquarters and closely followed the operations by means of charts. He also spent some time in the Fighter Command room controlling the air umbrella covering the landing. At 1.30 this morning he went to bed, apparently satisfied with the progress of operations. He slept until 3.40 a.m., when an aide advised him that the assault troops were ashore and that everything was going according to plan. The general was served with a cup of tea and returned to the war room, where reports were coming in regularly. He remained there until he heard tlie_ 8.8.C. broadcast of his message telling the people of France that this was the first stage ot the invasion ot the European continent., lie then left the war room, but only for a change of clothes. He returned within a short period to follow, with the commanders, the progress of operations. General Eisenhower always curries in his pocket M'ven old coins, including a gold English guinea piece, the correspondent adds. He gave them a good rub for luck last night as the Allied invasion fleet approached Sicily to begin the great assault. Indeed, according to one of his aides he gave them several good rubs.

MOST DARING MOVE GERMAN MILITARY VIEW OTHER LANDINGS PREDICTED (Reed. 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, July 11 The German radio claimed that the Allied forces in Sicily sustained heavy losses. The radio added that coastal batteries ami Axis bombers sank a number of landing transports laden with troops and material. German military authorities declare that the invasion of Sicily is the "greatest and most daring undertaking in the history of the war." The military commentator Sertorius said: "The enemy possesses in the north coast of Africa a base of operations with many good harbours. His navy secures for him mastery of the Mediterranean.' Ho doubtless has sufficient transport. His landing troops are mostly well-rested and magnificently equipped. His air forces, although they have suffered heavy losses in the last week, nevertheless have considerable superiority tli ere. "The British and American force in North Africa and the Near Fast is big enough to make possible invasion operations at other points on the South Furopean front or againsi the |);>deranese, Crete and Sardinia, li is highly probable thai the Allied 11 igb ('ommanr! will start one or more action-; against Southern Furope to make the Axis dissipate its forces."