BID FOR METZ

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25001, 18 September 1944, Page 5

BID FOR METZ

APPROACH FROM) REAR TROOPS ACROSS MOSELLE AMERICANS TAKE NANCY (Recti. 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 17 Considerable advances have been made by the American Third Army east of Nancy, which has been captured, and 14 miles bteyond the town. Other forces have pushed forward north and south of Nancy, crossed the Moselle and now are pushing on to attack the great fortress of Metz from the rear. Correspondents say that both sides are straining every nerve to keep up their strength in this area. The Germans continue to push in supplies in spite of heavy losses from Allied air attacks. American armour which crossed the Moselle has wheeled north to cut behind Metz in a manoeuvre threatening to outflank the town, says the Associated Press correspondent. The Americans in the Nancy area are driving north on the east side of the Moselle. The Third Army spokesman said the battle of the Moselle had taken a definite turn in our favour, although there was still hard fighting ahead. There lias been artillery duelling across the river in tho Thionvillo area, where the Third Army holds part of the town on the western bank of the Moselle. Krupp guns and ammunition captured in the Maginot Line are being used to shell German positions at Thionville.