CLIMAX NEAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25456, 10 February 1944, Page 5

CLIMAX NEAR

BEACH-HEAD FIGHTING DECISIVE BATTLE? CONFLICTING REPORTS (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 9. The decisive battle for the beachhead south of Rome was begun yesierday by the Germans, who threw in spearheads of tanks and infantry against the Allied positions at six points, says Reuter’s correspondent. The Germans attacked throughout the but were solidly counter-punched after making shallow penetrations. To-day’s Allied communique, however, reports no major change in the land situation. It states that the Germans yesterday kept up their probing thrusts into the positions of the Allied forces, which were also active. The Allies have further consolidated their positions. A 8.8. C. correspondent points out that a major counter-attack by the Germans is not expected until they have received further reinforcements. The communique also states that the Allied air forces, which had 'been grounded for some days owing to bad weather, yesterday carried out wide-

spread attacks on enemy communications, airfields, and troop concentrations. Many heavy raids were made, and altogether nearly 1500 sorties were flown. Allied warships kept up their bombardment of the Formia area.

“There is no sense in playing down the Allies’ difficulties at the beachhead,” says a broadcast from Naples by the National Broadcasting System. “The German' position is extremely strong, with the advantage of interior lines. When our troops landed they could have taken a chance and pushed on to Rome. Instead they were ordered to consolidate and are still consolidating. There has been no significant extension of the beach-head, while outside 1 it the German forces are growing.” The Germans have intensified their psychological warfare against the Allies at the Anzio beach-head, says the Daily Express. They have erected a powerful radio transmitter close to the front, and throughout the day broadcast sentimental songs and dance music interspersed with propaganda in English. The station calls itself “Jerry’s Front.” The announcer tells the Allies how “ Big Berthas ” are sinking Allied ’warships and transports, leaving the troops stranded. The Berlin radio reports that important reinforcements, including two Polish divisions, have reached the Eighth Army.

Madrid newspapers publish German reports that the British 56th Division is re-embarking from the Nettuno beach-head.