THROWN IN BY KESSELRING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 May 1944, Page 8

THROWN IN BY KESSELRING

In Attempt to Stem Onslaught on Hitler Line « ' AMERICANS PRESSED BACK FROM TERRACINA y ■ BUT MORE MOUNTAIN PEAKS GAINED BY ALLIES FURTHER INLAND LONDON., May 22. In Italy, Kesselring has throvzn in all available German reserves in an effort to stem the threat to the Hitler Line defences in critical sectors. American forces which had driven forward against scratch opposition penetrated Terracina, at the seaward end of the Hitler switch line, and 20 miles from the Anzio beach-head. In a counter-blow, the Americans at Terracina were pushed back 5000 yards along, the road. In the mountains inland from Terracina, however, the Fifth Army’s offensive is going on vigorously and several more important peaks have been seized. Inland again, heavy fighting is reported in the Pico sector, where the switch line hinges with the defences of the Liri Valley. The Germans are reported to have brought troops to this area from IM Adriatic front. The Germans say the Fifth Army is trying to drive down behind Pontecorvo. At one point Allied forces are only one mile from this town. British and Canadian troops are meeting with determined resistance from the defences of the Hitler Line in the Liri Valley. Canadian troops have broken into the outer defences at one or two points north-east of Pontecorvo. On the extreme right, Polish troops are still engaged against pockets of Austrian mountain troops. Sinse the Allied offensive began, eleven days ago, 6,000 prisoners have been captured. Seven German divisions have been very roughly handled. The enemy losses in killed and wounded have been heavy. The Allied losses are considerable, but not out of proportion to the results achieved. The Germans have 17 divisions engaged in Italy, including those on the Adriatic sector and the beach-head area.