NAZI ATTACK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 June 1942, Page 3

NAZI ATTACK

ON THE KHARKOV FRONT ENDS iN TOTAL FAILURE. SIXTY ENEMY TANKS -DESTROYED (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, June 20. Moscow radio says that the Russians advanced on the Kharkov front, overcame stubborn resistance and broke into the outskirts of an important town on the river. Street fighting is still in progress. Moscow radio also reports that in one sector of the Kharkov front, the Germans launched an attack with 100 tanks. The attack was met by Russian tanks and a fierce battle ensued during which 23 German tanks were destroyed. Other German tanks were turned back and the Russian tanks took the offensive. On this small sector, two days’ fighting resulted in the destruction of 39 German tanks with 65 badly damaged. A Soviet communique reports: “In one sector of the Kharkov front our troops fought stubbornly against the attacking enemy. Fighting of local importance and reconnaissance activities occurred on other sectors of the front.” Further details of the fighting on a sector of the Kharkov front —presumably that referred to in the above communique—are given by Moscow radio. In one small sector, the Germans, after a terrific artillery bombardment and a raid by 40 bombers, launched an attack with 60 tanks. The Russians decided to die rather than let the enemy advance. They opened fire on enemy tanks and set several on fire, but. the others continued to advance, followed by infantry and motor-cyclists. A further number of German tanks was destroyed by Molotov cocktails, and a small group of tanks which succeeded in breaking through the Soviet lines was eventually destroyed. At the end of the day, all 60 German tanks were destroyed and the enemy failed to advance one yard.

Russian people is magnificent,” he said, “and every man and woman is playing a vital part in the war effort. “The Red Air Force pilots are topnotch fighters, many with six to 10 years’ experience. Their average age is about 26. Russia has no shortage of fighter pilots. Their aircraft are fast and well armoured, and they land at speeds that took our breath away. “The R.A.F. trained many Russian pilots. When the British airmen left Russia they were the best of friends. “The Russian forces, both on land and in the air, are well equipped, well fed and well clothed. Living conditions are good and the physical standing of both men and women is astounding.”