HARD FIGHTING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25457, 11 February 1944, Page 3

HARD FIGHTING

BATTLE FOR CASSINO FURTHER ALLIED GAINS (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 10. Savage fighting continues at Cassino, where the Germans still hold the major portion of the town, in addition to the crest of Abbey Hill and the monastery. American artillery is laying down terrific barrages. British and American troops have driven a wedge between Cassino and the German positions at Monte Cassino. The Cairo radio declared that the garrison at Cassino is now completely encircled. The British forces have further deepened the lower Barigliano bridgehead and advanced north-east of Castel Forte against heavy opposition. Eighth Army units ambushed an enemy patrol which penetrated the Orsogna area. The patrol was equipped with flame-throwers. The German News Agency said that the Americans have launched. largescale tank attacks north of Cassino. A British correspondent reports that three Germans on one sector of tha Fifth Army front to-day drove a flock of sheep towards our lines to find our whether .we had set anti-personnel mines. “ There may 'or may not have been mines at the front to-day, but it is certain that there will be mutton chops to-night,” the correspondent comments. 1

The combined press correspondent at Anzio says: “We hear echoes of dramatic stories circulating in the world's capitals that the Allies are throwing back fierce, determined German counter-attacks. There will be no mistaking it when the big attack comes; it has not come yet.” The Rome radio declared that the Allies have been hemmed in in a space 12 miles long and six miles deep. It added that the Fifth Army counterattacked strongly, using reserves and fresh tank formations.

To-day's German High Command communique states that the Germans advanced several miles in the Nettuno area. They took 700 prisoners and repelled strong counter-attacks from enemy tanks and infantry.