TIMOSHENKO’S PLANS

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLXI, Issue 15236, 29 December 1942, Page 3

TIMOSHENKO’S PLANS

RUSSIAN PROGRESS PHENOMENAL. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LiONDON, December 27. The Red Army’s startling Christmas successes show clearly that Timoshenko plans to encompass 55 German divisions south of Vorouej, in a complete ring, the opposite points in its diameter being Stalingrad and Rostov, says the Daily Express’ military correspondent. This involves the 'recapture of Rostov upon which the Russians are closing. Their progress under difficult winter conditions, is phenomenal, suggesting that the Germans’ power of resistance is breaking down. They have failed to consolidate a defensive line anywhere. Timoshenko at the gates of Rostov would seal the fate of the Germans in North Caucasia. Since their mid-Don offensive began 12 days' ago. the Russians have reoccupied 20.000 square miles of territory. One group of Russian forces is driving down the railway from Vorouej, by-passing Millerovo. Another group is moving along the Stalingrad railway line and the two forces are now only from 50 to 00 miles apart. The Russians are now fiom 10 to 20 miles into the Ukraine and less than 100 miles from Rostov. the chief German reserve centre in South Russia. Between Rjev and Velikiye Luki the Russians successfully contained large enemy forces and there were fresh successes at botli ends of this front.