IN AREA OF CAUCASIAN FOOTHILLS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 August 1942, Page 3

IN AREA OF CAUCASIAN FOOTHILLS

But Drive on Stalingrad Held Firmly AFTER WEEKS OF TERRIFIC FIGHTING BOTH SIDES EMPLOYING GREAT ARMOURED FORCES LONDON, August 11. In South Russia the situation is more clearly defined. The Germans are pushing their advantages in the area of the Caucasus and have gained more ground. They are being held in the more concentrated battle which is being fought higher up the Don, on the approaches to Stalingrad and the Volga. The battle for Stalingrad has reached a tremendous pitch of intensity. In the elbow of the Lower Don and a nearby area, the greatest struggle of armoured forces the war has witnessed is taking place. Enormous tank concentrations, motorised infantry and large air forces are being employed by both sides. In terrific clashes the enemy has made little if any impression on the Russian defences. After three weeks of the most intensive fighting, the enemy has not yet fought his way out of the elbow of the Don and over the river. Both sides are making almost superhuman efforts. The Germans know it is absolutely vital to them to get to the Volga and continue to press on regardless of losses. If the Germans need Stalingrad desperately, the Russians need it even more desperately and intend to keep it if that is humanly possible. In the Caucasus area the Russians admit further withdrawals on the Caspian-Black Sea railway. It appears that the main strength of the German army is about the line of this railway. It is thought that the enemy is trying to occupy the entire line of the North Caucasus foothills across to the Caspian. Enemy units are also operating towards the Black Sea ports. Enemy aircraft have been active over three cities. The Germans claim to have sunk several transports carrying Russian troops.