NAZIS PUSHED BACK IN PLACES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25083, 22 December 1944, Page 5

NAZIS PUSHED BACK IN PLACES

driven from monschau and stavelot By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received December 21, 10.45 p.m.) LONDON, December 21 Von Rundstedt has been slowed, but not yet stopped, said a staff officer of the American First Army early today in summing up the position on the Western Front. A correspondent early this morning said American divisions at the danger points along the 60-mile front through the Ardennes Forest had stopped the German spearheads at some points and even driven them back. It was still too early to say that a definite holding line had been formed. It was quite possible that the German forces mustered for the offensive were not yet fully committed. However, as the offensive took shape a growing confidence among Allied commanders was noted. The battle appears to be going best for the Americans in the northern sector. In desperate street battles Hitler's tanks have been driven out of two important road and rail centres, Monschau anfil Stavelot. The deepest enemy penetration so far announced was the one that reached Stavelot. The most southerly wing of the German attack in Luxemburg seems to be well in hand. According to the Brussels radio formidable Allied reinforcements are now hampering the development of the enemy's counteroffensive. A pea-soup fog blankets large areas of the battle zone and the rear areas. It was stated at Supreme Headquarters that the worst flying weather since D Day yesterday kept the Allied air forces from flying a single sortie.