ITALIAN CAMPAIGN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24748, 23 November 1943, Page 3

ITALIAN CAMPAIGN

EIGHTH AMY'S GBII' SUCCESSES SHORTEN LINE LONDON, Nov. 21 The Eighth Army in Italy has captured four valuable centres in the past 'IB hours, resulting in a shortening of its line by 21 miles. Since it sprang into activity following a week of inactivity owing to bad weather, this army has captured Archi, an important town on the south bank of the Sangro, 15 miles from the Adriatic coast, Agnone, 30 miles from the Adriatic, the village of Castel San Vincenzo, nine miles north-west of Isernia, and the village of Rochetta near by. Altogether 145 square miles of territory have been gained and also the command of a 60-mile stretch of the road which crosses Italy from Vasto to Venafro. By occupying the villages of Castel San Vincenzo and Roclietta, the Allies have increased their outflanking threat to Cassino.

In taking Agnone heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy. Eighth Army units have now advanced Beyond the town. The Fifth Army, although still experiencing bad weather, has renewed its dogged nibbling tactics in the mountains. Renter's correspondent says the Fifth Army's right flank north of lsernia has advanced three miles. There are no important changes on the rest of the front, where activity is confined to artillery exchanges. Bad flying weather has stopped heavy bombing in the past two days. Military experts in Italy are speculating on' the possibility of Rome being reached by Christmas, but much depends on the weather. If there is another spell of fine weather, there is no doubt that operations will emerge from the present patrol and artillery activity into heavy Allied pressure, with the troops determined to avenge the recent, slight reverses in the mountainous central sector. SECOND FRONT SOON MOSCOW PAPER'S BELIEF BRITISH HOME GUARD'S ROLE (Reed. 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. '22 "There is reason for believing that a second front in Europe is not far off," says the Moscow journal War ana the Working Class. "This will considerably hasten victory and strengthen our union with Britain and America." Mr. Arthur Henderson, Financial Secretary to the War Office, addressing the Home Guard, said that great armies were preparing for the final assault against Europe. More regular soldiers would have to leave Britain and the country's protection would depend more on the Home Guard. VICHY MINISTER RESIGNS LONDON, Nov. 21 The German news agency announced that the Vichy Minister for Labour, Huizert Lagardelle, has resigned.