FIFTH ARMY OFFENSIVE IN ITALY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 January 1944, Page 3

FIFTH ARMY OFFENSIVE IN ITALY

Mountain Peaks Stormed by French Troops CERVARO IN AMERICAN HANDS ALLIED TROOPS WITHIN THREE MILES OF CASSINO LONDON, January 13. In Italy, French troops have launched, an offensive on. a seven-mile front .north-east of Cassino, and have taken two important positions. The capture of Cervaro by the Americans is now officially confirmed. Allied, troops are now blasting their way towards Cassino on a front of nearly 20 miles. Originally, an attack was launched on a front a little more than half that distance but the French troops extended it by a good seven miles. Before the day was finished, they had advanced 1000 yards and had stormed two more of the many fortified peaks that are a feature of the battlefield. They took prisoners. The Americans now firmly hold the village of Cervaro, the capture of which was effected soon after midday yesterday. The Americans are now little more than three miles from Cassino. The country stretching towards Cassino is flatter and less difficult, though it is expected that the Germans will dispute every yard of it. South and south-east of the town, British and American troops are also blasting their way nearer to Cassino, and at one point are only three miles from the town. Artillery duels and patrol activity are reported elsewhere on the Fifth Army front and on that of the Eighth Army.