16 SUBURBS FALL TO RED ARMY

Southland Times, Issue 25655, 24 April 1945, Page 5

16 SUBURBS FALL TO RED ARMY

TROOPS TWO MILES FROM CENTRE OF CITY JUNCTION OF TWO ALLIES THOUGHT IMMINENT (United Prfess Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 23. With 16 suburbs of Berlin in Russian hands, unofficial reports put Red Army troops at within two - miles of the Brandenburg Gate in the centre of the city. In the southern part of the city the Russians are making a determined thrust towards Templehof aerodrome. Russian reports say that the city is swept by flames, with every fit German ordered to the barricades. The Germans have concentrated enormous forces of artillery and brought up tanks, planes and defence units armed with tank destroying weapons. The German defenders have been ordered to halt the Russians at any price. The German News Agency reported today that strong Russian tank spearheads had reached Glienicke, a suburb of Berlin.

The American Associated Press says that the Glienicke district is about eight miles north-west of the heart of Berlin. Russian penetrations there would throw an arc three-quarters of the way around the city. The German radio has announced that Hitler is staying in Berlin.

To the south of Berlin, Dessau has been cleared by the American Ist Army, but as yet there has been nothing to suggest a junction of the American and Russian forces. A most alert watch has been kept by the Ist and 9th Armies north-east of Leipzig, but the eastern and western Allies have not joined up. It appears that the Russians are broadening their front opposite the American lines along the Elbe, and it is likely that the inevitable link-up will be made by big forces along a wide front, and not merely by spearheads. Radio communication has been established between the American and Russian forces, and the Russian voices are becoming increasingly clear over the radio. Vehicles of the 9th Army and reconnaissance forces are poised to move forward at a moment’s notice. Russian-speaking soldiers are ready to follow up. Everything indicates that a link-up is imminent, although the closest Russian approach to the 9th Army is still uncertain.