ADVANCES IN ALL SECTORS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25300, 10 August 1943, Page 3

ADVANCES IN ALL SECTORS

CEASELESS ALLIED PRESSURE DARING AMERICAN LANDING (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Rec. 1.15 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 9. There have been favourable developments in the Allied offensive against the German forces, which are fighting desperately to maintain their foothold in the north-eastern corner of Sicily. To-day’s news describes further advances along the north and east coast as well as on the central front. The advance on the north coast was aided by a daring landing by American troops behind the German lines. At the time the Geririans were landing reinforcements, and they were taken by surprise, losing 300 prisoners before the rest of the reinforcements retreated westward' in confusion. Other American forces pushing along the .coast to join up with those which have just landed have captured two more towns. Further inland another town has been captured by the troops moving on Randazzo, which last night was heavily pounded by Allied bombers. • . The Eighth Army is advancing steadily in the eastern coastal sector and now holds a line stretching inland eight miles beyond Catania. As a result of this move, which gives the Allies control of the road and railway running round Mount Etna, any Germans who fail to escape by the coast road to Messina *will have no way of retreat. In the meanwhile the beaches on both sides of thp Straits of Messina are receiving a terrific pounding from Allied planes operating a half-hour service. So far there has been no sign of a general evacuation, and the fact that the Germans are landing reinforcements shows how anxious they are hold up the American advance in the north. It is officially announced from Algiers that the Allies have captured Acireale, north of Catania. An Italian communique admits that British and American air and naval formations yesterday bombarded the Sicilian and Calabrian coastal areas, causing serious damage.

Algiers radio reports that the Allies are seven miles and a-half from Randazzo, which is being heavily shelled.