BRITISH STRIKE FROM ORNE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24969, 11 August 1944, Page 5

BRITISH STRIKE FROM ORNE

AMERICAN LIBERATION OF LE MANS Uy lelegraph Press Association—Copyright (Received Augu.t 10, 11.10 p.m.) LONDON, Augu.t 10 The Canadian First Army, which includes a number of Eng. Ikh regiments, has broken through the first and second lines of the enemy defences south of Caen on a limited front and is driving a great wedge along both sides of the road to Falaise. The Canadians were last reported just over five miles from this big German base. So far the Canadians have taken 2000 prisoners, most of them from the German 89th Infantry Division, which has taken a very bad beating. The Germans last night appeared to be marshalling armour for a stand north of Falaise instead of falling back for a stand before Falaise itself, according to Reuter's correspondent. The enemy last night counter-attacked at several points where the Canadians occupy dominating positions. United Kingdom troops, from their bridgehead across the One, have gone over to the offensive. A report from Supreme Headquarters says the Germans are on the retreat. There are indications that the Germans are withdrawing from the whole of the ! salient between the Rivers Orne and Laize, where for three days they have held a wedge between the Canadian First Army and the British Second Army. In the centre of the Normandy line there has been more hard fighting. The Germans are back in Mortain, but the Americans have advanced toward the road between Mortain and Vire. The capture of Mortain by the enemy is not regarded at the moment bs a serious threat to Avranches. It is probable that the Germans are fighting desperately because they must either fight or surrender. Retreat would lay them open to destruction from the air. In their drive from Brittany to the heart of France the Americans, reported yesterday to have reached Le Mans, have now liberated the town, which is 116 miles south-west of Paris. The Berlin radio says columns which by-passed Le Mans have reached points 87 miles from Paris. The sudden entry into Le Mans was somewhat unexpected as it was thought the Germans were heavily fortifying the city and preparing it for a siege. The American infantry has been intermittently strafed by the Luftwaffe along the road of advance, but generally there has been only sporadic opposition from batteries of 88mm. guns. It is believed that the Germans still have strong forces in the Le Mans area. In the Brittany Peninsula American forces have captured St. Malo and mopping up is proceeding. The enemy in the Brest area has refused to surrender and fighting continues. The German local commander, Lieutenant-General Karl Spang, commanding the 266 th Infantry Division, has been captured. The American troops are attacking the outer defences of the port. Lorient is completely cut off. It is reported that German naval ships and transports have entered Brest and Lorient, presumably to try to evacuate the garrison troops.