ARTILLERY ACTIVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25503, 5 April 1944, Page 5

ARTILLERY ACTIVE

PATROL CLASHES IN ITALY CASSINO REMAINS QUIET (Rec. 1.15 a.m.) LONDON. Apl. 4. “ Our artillery has been active, firing many concentrations on enemy positions. dumps, and supply routes,” reports to-day’s Allied communique from Italy. “Patrol clashes occurred on all fronts. “Formations of heavy bombers yesterday attacked rail yards at Brod, Knin, and Drnis, in Jugoslavia. Tactical Air Force medium bombers attacked a bridge north of Orvieto, and light bombers and fighter-bombers struck against supply dumps, troop concentrations, communication lines, and motor transport north of the battle area. During these operations, which included a raid on Budapest, 26 enemy planes were destroyed. We lost 13 planes.” Italian troops have seized another snow-capped mountain north of Cassino, giving them a whole string of dominant strategic heights in this tough sector, says Reuter’s correspondent at advanced headquarters in Italy. Cassino itself remains quiet, but the Germans are throwing in mortar shellfire in the vicinity of Monte Castellone, three miles to the north. Precision fire by Fifth Army artil-, lery has destroyed at least 13 bridges on the main front during recent weeks. All these were on important lines of communication. The destruction continued as repairs were effected. Auxiliary bridges have also been destroyed. Our bridges across the Rapido and Garigliano are covered with smoke during the daytime to prevent effective , observation by the Germans. Pessimism over the outcome of the war and over the Germans’ ability to reduce the Anzio beach-head has become more pronounced among more recent prisoners taken in the beach-head area. A reduction in the' percentage of wool in German uniforms from 40 to 35 per cent, has been noted, and also a lowering in the standard of auxiliary material. Jackboots, formerly regular issue, are now available only to special units. Webbing has been substituted for leather, and plastics are increasingly used in place of metals. Continued wiring of enemy positions indicates continuance of the Germans’ defensive attitude.