AIR MASTERY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25302, 12 August 1943, Page 5

AIR MASTERY

PANZER ATTACK SMASHED HEAVY LOSSES INFLICTED (Rec. 1.40 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 11. The Moscow radio reports that massed formations of Stormovik divebombers are hammering the retreating German columns. Air mastery has definitely passed to the Red Air Force. The mopping-up of encircled garrisons and isolated enemy units is progressing satisfactorily in many sectors. Russian planes smashed an attack from Hitler’s crack Death’s Head panzer brigade on the Kharkov front, knocking out more than 40 tanks from a force of about 90.

The German-controlled Swedish News Agency admits that the Russian mass attacks west of Byelgorod resulted in deep breaches at several points in the German lines around Kharkov. Another Stockholm report says the capture of Khotynets jeopardises a number of German troops, whose retreat along the 15-mile road to Karachev is dangerously threatened by the northern arm of the Russian pincer. The Germans are reported to have suffered particularly severe losses when the Red Army captured Khotynets. According to the Vichy radio a heavy artillery bombardment has begun in the region of Chuguev. The German High Command expects new attacks. Violent fighting continues on the Kuban bridgehead, where the Russian infantry are powerfully supported by armoured units.

The Russians have not yet mentioned the attacks in the Vyazma area, but the Berlin radio claims that the Germans have repulsed continuous assaults, in this area by 11 Red Army divisions.