SOVIET VICTORY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24793, 18 December 1941, Page 7

SOVIET VICTORY

RECAPTURE OF KALININ NAZIS HEAVILY DEFEATED . f SIX DIVISIONS DESTROYED (Rec. 11 p.m.) MOSCOW, Dec. 10. The Russians have recaptured Kalinin. The German Ninth Army was heavily defeated, six divisions being practically destroyed, the remnants of them retreating westwards. The fate of Napoleon hangs like a shadow over the retreating German armies. The Leningrad radio states that since their defeat at Tikhvin the Germans have been speedily retreating towards Gorodische, 45 miles westward, and Chudovo. Russian troops are pursuing and constantly attacking them and guerrillas are harassing them in the rear. Frozen bodies of German soldiers, crippled tanks, arms, ammunition and vehicles litter this area.

A Moscow communique states: “ Our troops on the central and south-western fronts continued to advance, occupying several .towns and villages, including Kalinin,‘Vysokoie and Novopetrovsk, westward of Istra.

A Finnish communique states that artillery battles are raging on both sides of the Karelian Isthmus.

The Russians have begun a general offensive at the southern end of Lake Onega and a battle is raging about 200 miles north-east of Leningrad. The Russians are attacking under cover of artillery and mortar fire. A blizzard is sweeping the area.

M. Stalin presided at a War Council, which leading generals attended. The future of the Russian offensive and the question of co-operation with Britain and America was discussed. Marshal Blucher, the former Far East commander-in-chief, is now with Marshal Voroshilov. Marshal Budenny is commanding the new Volga armies.