PRESSED BACK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25208, 24 April 1943, Page 5

PRESSED BACK

GERMANS IN KUBAN AREA STRONG COUNTER-ATTACKS (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, Apl. 22. The tempo of the German counterattacks in -the Kuban is rising as the Russians are slowly but steadily pushing on towards the Black Sea, but elsewhere on the Russian front only local activity is reported. The Germans are using more planes and tanks in the Kuban, where apparently determined fighting for several key heights is increasing. A number of Rumanians captured in the Kuban area complain that the Germans are exploiting them. Others state that the Russian artillery barrages are causing heavy casualties. The newspaper Pravda reported that the Russians are not only holding all counter-attacks, but have definitely beaten back the Germans in some sectors. Small-scale artillery duels occurred on other fronts.

A Soviet communique states that no important changes took place on Thursday. A supplement to the communique states: “Yesterday units of the Soviet Air Force on various fronts destroyed or damaged 50 troop-carrying lorries, blew up ammunition and fuel dumps, and silenced enemy batteries. On the central front our troops continued to consolidate their positions. The Air Arm of the Soviet Baltic Navy yesterday raided an enemy harbour, causing serious damage. One patrol vessel and three troopships were sunk, and 13 enemy planes were shot down.”