MASSIVE SCALE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25735, 5 January 1945, Page 3

MASSIVE SCALE

NEW ALLIED BLOW NORTH FLANK OF WEDGE LONDON, Jan. 3. A special communique issued by Allicdl Supreme Headquarters states that the American First Army has launched an attack on a massive scale against the northern flank of von Rundstedt’s Ardennes salient. This new blow is designed to contain the enemy forces in the salient, the assault being co-ordinated with continued pressure being exerted on the southern flank of the salient by General Patton's Third Army. The Third Army is reported to have entered St. Hubert and to Ttave cut many lateral roads held by the enemy that were of first Importance in maintaining his lines of communication. American Seventh Army troops have withdrawn from the narrow 20-mile strip of Reich territory running west of the Rhine. They have moved to more advantageous positions over the Lautern River which runs along the frontiers, blowing up bridges behind them, says Reuter’s correspondent on the Western Front. The foothold inside Germany from which the troops were withdrawn ran from Bitche to the Rhine. ' The movement Was dictated by developments elsewhere. A British United Press correspondent says that enemy gains across the Blies River have wiped out the results of a fortnight’s hard fighting by the Third Army. 'Phis new battle m the Saar Valley is part of the increasing threat to the 40-mile front from Schaffhausen to Bannstein. The enemy objective is to sweep into the Belfort Gap and isolate Strasbourg. Reuter's corresDondent in a later despatch to-night stated that the Germans ’ were furiously attacking the Saar area trying to expand their salient. The battle is in a fluid state.

The Germans, when they breached the American lines east of Bitche, captured a few American tanks. These, with their American markings, the Germans are now using in their attack. Some spearheads of S.S. troops and tanks have driven in to a depth of five miles. The base of the salient is roughly the same length. Small, sharp battles are being fought in thick woods as the American counter-attack to roll back the spearheads which jumped forward in four prongs and to slice into the flanks of. the German salient.

The Daily Mail correspondent with the United States forces on the Western Front says the main battle to determine the outcome of Rundstedt's break-through has yet to be fought. An American staff officer said to-day: “ It is going to be one of the fiercest and toughest battles.” Bluntly, the German threat to Liege and beyond is still very real, with not a shred of evidence to suggest that Rundstedt has given up the big ideas he held when he struck on December 16.

The prompt reaction of our generals and troops has definitely upset Rundstedt’s time table but the offensive so far is only slightly blunted. Both sides have made considerable buildups for the big battle which must occur soon. Bastogne may become as famous as Waterloo, for it is clear this area will become the axis of Rundstedt’s drive.

The Daily Express correspondent at Malmedy says this town has been burning for 18 days. The Germans have practically not ceased shelling and bombing.