ITALIAN CAMPAIGN

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22790, 14 January 1944, Page 5

ITALIAN CAMPAIGN

Hampering Weather

Conditions

French Troops Capture Heights

Americans Push Beyond

Cervaro

By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright (1 a.m.) LONDON. Jan. 13.

The Americans, after taking Cervaro, four miles east of Cassino, made a slight advance. French troops on the Fifth Army front captured several important heights. The Eighth Army made an advance of a mile, the weather improving sufficiently to make movement possible.

Stiff fighting is in progress for high ground overlooking Cervaro. says Reuter’s correspondent. British and American infantry thrusting south from the main road have reached Monte Trocchio. A thaw is setting in along the front, causing the rivers to rise. Ground conditions are again hindering operations. The Germans crossed the Garigliano south-east of Castleforte and established themselves in houses. Our troops Immediately counter-attacked and drove the enemy back across the river.

Approaching Cassino The Algiers radio stated this morning that Allied forces are now a little less than five miles away from Cassino. Having cleared the remnants of Nazi defenders from the Monte Porchio area, American troops of the Fifth Army are

now within a mile of Monte Trocchio, which stands between the main Cas-sino-Rome road and railway. It is the last of a group lying between the advancing troops of the Fifth Army and Cassino, the nerve centre of the whole German defence network south of the Apennines. Further west, British troops have now consolidated their positions following the forcing a few days ago of the Peccia River. Patrols are again active in the coastal sector. German patrols which had crossed the lower Garigliano River were thrown out yesterday from some high ground near the river bank.

To-day’s official communique states: “The advance of British and American troops on the Fifth Army front continues. Some further high ground has been seized and enemy pockets of resistance cleaned up. Our front line has been straightened out. Patrols have been active along the fronts of both the Fifth and Eighth Armies.” The Allied attack on Cassino is being made from three directions and the nearest column is now only about three miles from the town. East of the town there has been extremely bitter fighting. An American column, which is about three miles from Cassino, has experienced very tough going and the Germans are fighting bitterly for every foot of ground. The terrain is adding to the difficulties of the advance. The Germans realise the importance of Cassino and should it fall they would have to stage a large-scale withdrawal.

Supply Lines Bombed “A considerable force of heavy bombers yesterday attacked Piraeus Harbour, the port of Athens,” states the Allied communique. “Large explosions and several fires were observed. This objective was again bombed last night. Medium bombers attacked the railway junction of Fazriano, in the province of Ancona, and a goods yard at Falconara, three miles north of Ancona. Over the Dalmatian coast fighters hit several enemy vessels. Light bombers again bombed Palena.

“Fighter - bombers ranged over enemy lines of communication, attacking transport and positions at Sora Cerraro and Santelia. A small force of bombers on Monday night attacked the iron and steel works at Piombino, causing large explosions. Eleven enemy aircraft were destroyed. Seven of ours are missing. “British destroyers operating off the Adriatic coast of Italy bn Sunday night damaged railway trains by gunfire and effectively bombarded San Benedetto. They also hit a schooner and drove it ashore.”

The Cairo radio stated that the whole of the United States 15th Air Force heavy bomber group in the Mediterranean—has been transferred from North Africa to Italian bases. Tie move was completed without missing a single day’s operation. It brings the bombers 690 miles nearer the enemy.