WEATHER CLEARER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25473, 1 March 1944, Page 5

WEATHER CLEARER

INCREASING ACTIVITY THREE ITALIAN FRONTS (Rec. 1 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 29. There has been a slight improvement in the weather in all three fronts in Italy, leading to livelier action. Troops of the Eighth Army made a forward move and occupied high ground in the vicinity of Guardigrele. On the Anzio beach-head Allied positions were also improved, and a small German attack was beaten back. Attempts at infiltration on the main Fifth Army front were dealt with effectively. The combined British press correspondent with the Fifth Army reports that the enemy yesterday brought up tanks in support of the German efforts to infiltrate the beach-head lines. He adds that there are indications that another major German attack can be expected. The Germans yesterday tried to flood out the supply lines to the Fifth Army on the Cassino front. They opened the sluice gates across streams which feed the Garigliano River, already swollen by the winter rains. The torrent of water rushing down through the canals now threatens the fragile bridges carrying the Allied supply lines.

The weather continues to hamper all operations in the Italian campaign, writes a correspondent at Allied headquarters. There were minor clashes on all fronts yesterday. Enemy patrols continued intense activity in the Carrocetto sector, and there was skirmishing on the upper reaches of the river Holetta.

In country well suited to infiltration tactics, the enemy continued his efforts to get through the Allied lines, but accurate American artillery fire smashed the attempts. It is announced that the American thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth divisions have been in action in Italy.

Enemy shore batteries opened up during the bombardment of Veialuka Harbour on the Jugoslav island of Koroula by the British destroyers Tyrian and Teaser, blit failed 4o hit the destroyers.