SOVIET ATTACKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25136, 29 January 1943, Page 3

SOVIET ATTACKS

OFFENSIVE SPREADING OIL CENTRES RECAPTURED (Rec. 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 2.8. The Russian offensive is still spreading to new areas. The Berlin radio divulged that the Russians are attacking north-west of Voronezh in a sector which has not previously been mentioned, simultaneously with the strengthening of pressure south and south-west of Voronezh. The Russians attacked north-west of Voronezh with considerable infantry forces, supported by strong armoured formations. The Moscow correspondent of Reuters says the Russians have cut the main Moscow-Taganrog railway at a point 25 miles south of the key junction of Kastornoie. The Russian forces further to the south on the northern and north-eastern approaches to Rostov are consolidating their positions before launching a fresh attack. Moscow reports state that Neftegorsk, which has been retaken, is 30 miles south-west of Maikop, and is the centre of one of the newest and best oilfields in the Caucasus. It was developed in 1935, and produces oil yielding a higher proportion of aviation spirit than Maikop. The Russians have also captured Apsheronskoye. 20 miles south-west of Maikop.

The Swiss radio says it is reported from Stockholm that the Russians have captured Petsamo. Good news is expected to be announced shortly from the Leningrad sector, says the Daily Telegraph military correspondent, Mr Morley Richards. Last night there were new reports of fierce fighting south of Lake Ladoga. The Vichy radio reports major fighting in the Leningrad, Schlusselburg, and Velikie Luki areas, ‘ where the Russians are attacking with enormous forces.