TOWN IN FLAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24826, 24 February 1944, Page 5

TOWN IN FLAMES

FIERCE STREET FIGHTS TANKS SMASH BARRICADES LONDON, Feb. 22 Reuter's correspondent in Moscow graphically describes the final Russian attack against Krivoi Rog. ; 'The centre of the town was in flames," he states. "The thunder of exploding ammunition dumps mingled with the roar of guns. Russian shock squads, armed with tommy-guns, advanced street by street under fire from windows and roof-tops. Tanks smashed their way through the German barricades. "The powerful German garrison and. the Germans who took refuge in the town after the Nikopol rout were steadily wiped out. The battle was as fierce as the great two weeks' combat fought at the gates of Krivoi Rog four months ago after the first big Dnieper break-through south of Kremenchug." A German news agency commentator, von Hammer, said that the Germans covering their formations in the area of Krivoi Rog were engaged in stubborn defensive fighting against unusually strong Russian tank and infantry forces. Developments led to the decision to evacuate the area as part of planned large-scale operations. For two days demolition squads were employed in destroying industrial and military installations. The task was completed at noon yesterday, when the last covering troops were withdrawn from the town area.

The ruins ot the town do not represent a military or effective gain for the Russians, added the commentator. All heavy weapons, supplies and vehicles were removed before the evacuation.