SOVIET ONSLAUGHTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 67, 20 March 1942, Page 5

SOVIET ONSLAUGHTS

FIGHTING BECCMES MORE VIOLENT Rugby. March 18. From a number of reports reaching London from both Russian and German sources it would appear that fighting almost along the whole length of the vast front is becoming more violent. After listing an impressive amount of German war material destroyed by the Red air force during March 16 a Soviet communique says that in one sector alone of the central front in one day’s fighting 600 Germans were killed and much booty was captured. In another sector of the central front enemy counter-attacks supported by tanks were repelled by Russian .n--fantry. Berlin wireless admitted that tho Russians made 59 onslaughts against the German lines east of Orel. Russian units operating in a sector of the south-western front, continues the Soviet communique, broke through the enemy defence positions and forced the Germans to retreat. During the battle 1300 Germans were

killed and 382 captured. Eight enemy tanks were damaged. 30 guns, 80 machine-^-ins, 88 trench mortars, and large quantities of other weapons and ammunition were captured. On the Kalinin front several places were also occupied by the Russians, and 500 Germans were killed. Renewed activity in the Crimea, especially around Sebastopol is reported by both Moscow and Berlin wireless. In the Sebastopol area. Moscow says, the Russian artillery and air force are becoming very active in the Donetz Basin. Both capitals agree that, lighting is growing in intensity. Moscow says that the Germans are repeatedly counter-attack-ing, with the support of tanks, hut the Russians are “methodically destroying the Gorman manpower.” Both the German communique and the German war correspondents again emphasise the return of hitter weather, not only on the northern and central fronts, but also in the Crimea. Th°y admit that despite the unbearable cold and snowstorms the Russians are attacking incessantly.— 8.0.W.