FRUITFUL CLASH

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24675, 30 August 1943, Page 3

FRUITFUL CLASH

KHARKOV TANK BATTLES THRUST ACROSS PLAINS GERMAN COUNTER-ATTACK "(Reed. 11.35 p.m.) LONDON. Augr. 29 The Russians are now reaping the fruits of the titanic' tank engagements north and north-west of Kharkov, according, to Moscow despatches. These battles were joined when the Germans threw in some tank divisions in an effort to check the Russian threat to the main lateral railway from Briansk to Konotop and Kiev—the last link along which the enemy can transfer reinforcements from sector to sector on the middle Ukraine front. The Moscow correspondent of the British United Press says that after a battle lasting for some days Russian tanks smashed ,an elaborate system of German fortifications between the Vorksla and Psiol Rivers. The Red Armv, over a 50-mile front to the northwest. advancing nine miles a day, has penetrated dense woodland and marshes. It is now thrusting forward over open plains and has reached a point 20 miles from the lateral railway. It is still progressing, although more slowly, and against furious counterattacks.

Russian strategy between Briansk and Poltava is becoming plainer. The intention is a giant pincer movement taking in the strategically vital junction of Koildtop. The German counter-attacks south of Kharkov are stronger and more frequent. The enemy is making an effort to delay the Russians who are moving south from .linking up with the Red Army advancing- west of Isyum ;n the direction of the important railway junction of Losovaya. The Germans are throwing in cooks and carpenters among their reserves in an attempt to stem the Red Army's advance, says the Moscow radio. Prisoners taken at Akhtyra proved that the reserves used in that area were "total mobilisation" troops. CLAIMS BY BERLIN SOVIET. ATTACKS REPELLED LONDON, Aue. 28 Referring to the Russian activity in the Briansk area, Berlin states that a new offensive was launched with mass attacks by Russian tanks, planes and mechanised infantry north and south of Sevsk, which was one of the few enemy hedgehog strongholds left on this front. " The Russians undoubtedly launched their new offensive in the hope that the German command had withdrawn its forces from this section," said Sortorius. "where the situation has been comparatively quiet for a fortnight and surprise at the break-through is therefore possible, but we recognised _ the enemy's offensive preparations in time. The Russian attacks were supported by unusually strong aeroplane formations." Sertorius claimed that the Russian attacks in this area had failed. The Red Army captured Sevsk in March of this year at the end of their winter campaign, but had to abandon it shortly afterward when the Germans launched their counter-offensive. It is important because of its relation to the trunk line which links Briansk with Kiev on the River Dnieper. The British United Press correspondent in Moscow points out that the fact that the Germans have rushed to announce the new offensive may bo a prelude to further admissions of withdrawals, as at Kharkov. USE OF PANTHER TANKS (Reed. 11.35 p.m.) LONDON. An sr. 29 -According .to the Red Star, the Germans are using the new 45-ton Panther tanks on a mass scale. These are armed with the newly-designd 75 mm. gun. They embody features copied from Soviet tanks. Panthers, like Tigers, are able to move under water. They possess vulnerable points, which the Russians have quickly discovered. These novelties are being destroyed in dozens. THREE MEN HOLD ISLAND .(R-ie'd. 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, Autf. 28 Three Russians repelled 50 Germans on the Karelian front, says a Soviet communique. They were defending an island in a lake when 50 enemy troops in hoals nttfinplcd to occupy the island. The Russians opened fire and pank three boats. Twenty Germans were killed and the remainder retreated. RUSSIA AND EGYPT FIRST OFFICIAL TALKS LONDON, Augr. 2i> The former Russian Ambassador to London, M. Maiskv, who is now ViceCommissar of Foreign Affairs, has had a cordial talk with Nab as Pasha, the Egyptian Prime Minister, at Alexandria. it is said to be the first oOicial talk between the Soviet Union and Egypt. M. Maisky, who is on his way to London, had lunch with Lord Killcarn, British Ambassador to Egypt, and was the guest at dinner of Mr. R. G. Casey, British Minister of State in the Middle East.