SECOND EDITION RIVER CROSSED

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24761, 8 December 1943, Page 4

SECOND EDITION RIVER CROSSED

EIGHTH ARMY ADVANCE 1 TANK ENGAGEMENT GRIP ON CAMINO HEIGHTS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Eecd. 1.50 a.m.) LONDON. Dec. 7 The Eighth Army has crossed the Moro River." The crossings were made in the Adriatic coastal sector and the forces engaged included British tanks. These were challenged by German tanks and there was a sharp engagement. Four of the enemy's giant Tiger tanks were knocked out. The Fifth Army, continuing to advance in the mountainous region, has cracked open the complicated German defence system in the face of desperate resistance, reports the Algiers radio Reuter's correspondent says the Fifth Army is tightening its grip on the vital Camino heights commanding Liri Valley and the road to Rome. The dramatic struggle for possession of Monastery Hill, one of the key heights, is nearing a climax. The small German force cut off on this 3000-foot peak will have no alternative but surrender when their ammunition runs out. The Allies are threatening the Mignano gap on the main inland road to Rome. An impressive fact is that our forces Hot only absorbed all the Germans could throw at them in counter-attacks, but have broken into defences in depth which the enemy has had prepared for months, says the Columbia Broadcasting System's Algiers correspondent. It is very evident that the enemy has committed most of his reserves in a final effort to maintain his winter line in the south. f)nce we have gained the valley we can reasonably expect an increased pace of the Allied advance.