TWELVE DIVISIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25734, 4 January 1945, Page 5

TWELVE DIVISIONS

GENERAL PATTON’S ARMY STRONG REINFORCEMENTS LONDON, Jan. 2. Four more divisions have been incorporated in General Patton’s Third Army, making la total of 12 divisions, states the Associated Press correspondent with the Third Army. An American division is normally equal to 15,000 men.

Activity Is slowing down in the northern part of the salient, says the British United Press correspondent on the western front. It would appear that a settling-down process will continue as long as snow and ice prevail. Any large-scale movements would have to be undertaken under considerable handicaps. Allied’ patrolling is continuing on both sides of Hotton, where penetrations of as much as 3000 yards were made before contact with the enemy was established. This is not regarded as indicating a retreat, but merely a withdrawal to a defensive position. The enemy in the southern part of the salient concentrated more men and tanks, putting in an increased number of counter-attacks.

The Third Army, despite opposition, is extending its area around Bastogne. The\Daily Express correspondent with the Third Army says General Patton has now two distinct drives under way into the German salient, the first of which began at dawn on December 30, west of Bastogne. This has gained in places up to six miles on an 11-mile front. According to the latest official information the second, which started .off early, on the morning of December 31, is the spearhead of a drive northward from Bastogne towards the road hub of Houffalize. Our convoys continue t.o roll into Bastogne, and combat officers have no fear of losing control. We have the weight and measure of the enemy now. The Times Brussels correspondent says: “It must be confessed that personal observation and some talk at a military headquarters during my trip eastwards from the Meuse made me reflect ruefully that the enemy still has the better of us when it comes to prompt and right reaction to an unexpected change in the tactical situation, despite all that has been alleged about lack of flexibility in his military planning and methods. This amounts to saying that, to a mere observer, it seems the enemy in all "circumstances at least ought not to be allowed to take things quietly.”