RUSSIAN ATTACKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25384, 16 November 1943, Page 5

RUSSIAN ATTACKS

BREAK-THROUGH AT GOMEL REINFORCEMENT OF CRIMEA LONDON, Nov. 14. The Germans, in .the past few days, have made very determined counterattacks around Fastov, where they had, concentrated heavy reserves, and held up the Russian advance against Vinnitsa. The enemy also held up the extension of the Russians’ salient southwest of Kiev through counter-attacks between Byelayatserkov and Fastov. The Red Army resumed its drives on both sides of Gomel with several infantry and tank attacks. The German News Agency commentator, von Hammer, admitted that the Russian broke through twice, but claimed that they were beaten back. He said that the Russians also broke the German line in the Neval area, but were repelled. According to the Stockholm newspaper Social Demokraten, the Russians have sent an ultimatum, demanding the surrender of the Germans in the Crimea. General von Mannstein is stated to have ordered General Jaenecke, commander of the Crimean forces, to refuse the ultimatum, and to hold out at all costs. Von Mannstein told General Jaenecke that reinforcements of tanks, ammunition, and food were being rushed to the Crimea by air.

The newspaper Red Star declares that Marshal Stalin's genius and leadership, which have raised modern military science to a new level, are smashing the enemy’s plans. The whole world can see that the Red Army is superior to the Fascist troops in all respects.