VON BOCK DISMISSED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 225, 24 September 1942, Page 5

VON BOCK DISMISSED

(Recd. 11 p.m.) Stockholm, Sept. 22. The Svenskadas Bladet says that the leader of the Nazi military forces in the Don Basin drive, von Bock, was dismissed a fortnight ago following a sharp difference with Hitler. Von Boek wanted to concentrate on the Caucasus and not attack Stalingrad simultaneously, arguing that Stalingrad would prove too costly in casualties. sian front is seven times the length of the Western Front. Defence works are not continuous but both sides have blocked all the open country with strong-points. German resistance has stiffened on the Voronej and Sinyavino fronts, where they are violently counterattacking. The Russians further advanced north-west of Voronej after beating off four counter-attacks. They also repulsed eight counterattacks in the city area. The Russians continue to gnaw at the German neck between Shlusselburg and the German Baltic army. The Russians recaptured an important height on the Karelian Isthmus after a forced march. The Germans captured an inhabited locality in the Mosdok area in a heavy attack supported by 100 tanks, but the Russians are generally holding firm in the Caucasus. The Stockholm correspondent of the Daily Telegraph reports that von Bock has been calied to Berlin. He has been seen in Berlin wearing civilian clothes. (Recd. 11.30 p.m.) Rugby, Sept. 22. Giving the latest details of the fighting in the Stalingrad area, Moscow radio says that Soviet troops are taking the offensive on several sectors. A Soviet rifle unit, in cooperation with tanks, artillery and aircraft, attacked the enemy, who offered stubborn resistance, and a bloody engagement ensued, with hand-to-hand fighting. By mid-day the Russians repelled the enemy and occupied an important height, the Russians successfully repelling attacks launched by enemy reserves. The Germans are throwing in large reserves in street fighting, but are nowhere able to advance more than a few yards, and this at great cost. The Russians are constantly counter-at-tacking and annihilating surrounding German units in fierce fighting whereever the Germans are trying to establish strong-points.—B.O.W.