A FIRM HOLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25275, 12 July 1943, Page 3

A FIRM HOLD

BRIDGEHEADS EXTENDED CASUALTIES BELIEVED SLIGHT (Rec. 1 a.m.) LONDON, July 11. The latest news from Sicily is contained in a communique from General Eisenhower’s headquarters stating that the Allied bridgeheads are being extended, and with the beaches firmly held, the troops are advancing inland. The task of the navy yesterday was to land further Allied forces, with the necessary equipment and stores. No information is available regarding casualties, but these are believed to have been slight. In the landing operations, the communique says, the Americans stormed the beach at Avola, and alter overcoming the beach defences swept on inland.

An earlier despatch said that the Canadians practically walked ashore without opposition on the south-eastern tip. They smashed the beach defences and established a bridgehead inland. North and west of Pachino the Axis offered stubborn resistance, and heavy fighting developed, but later groups of prisoners numbering 100 or 50 began to come in, sometimes guarded by only one or two Canadians.

Rome radio said that the Allies were aiming to secure control of the harbours so that landings could be made in greater strength.