IMPORTANT GAINS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25051, 15 November 1944, Page 6

IMPORTANT GAINS

EIGHTH ARMY IN ITALY

PROGRESS PAST FORLI

BITTERNESS OF DEFENCE By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Kecd. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 14 Eighth Army troops in Italy thrusting toward Bologna have made what the Allied communique calls important gains. It says our men have made progress up to two miles north-west of Forli and captured a village after bitter fighting. On the left flank of this thrust, more British troops have crossed the Montorio River at many points, and are pushing into the foothills north of it in the face of strong opposition. Still further inland, Polish troops have captured another village and fought their •way to the top of a hill. Eighth Army troops yesterday made further important gains toward Faenza, after a day and night of fierce house-to-house fighting in the built-up areas across the Raveldino Canal, north-west of Forli, says a correspondent. The Germans suffered heavy losses when driven from these buildings, where they tried to make a determined stand. While this action was taking place another British infantry and armoured column from the south-west drove northward, also clearing the Germans house by house from a stretch of about 1000 yards to link up with our positions north-west of the city. After heavy casualties .the Germans were pushed back so rapidly that they abandoned large numbers of motor vehicles and quantities of other equipment Our troops immediately exploited the ■break-through and, starting in the early hours of the morning, advanced about two miles north of Highway 9 in the direction of Montone Canal,_ about four miles west of Forli, which is the next German defence lino. This line runs south-west along the Montone River and carries straight on past Highway 9, whence the river turns eastward to Forli.