ALLIED CLAWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 274, 19 November 1943, Page 5

ALLIED CLAWS

GAIN GROUND IN ITALY SLOW PROGRESS AGAINST DEEP GERMAN LINES Recd. 7 p.m. Rugby, Nov. 17. Algiers radio stated that the Fifth Army has its claws in the German line and is gaining ground, though slowly. The Germans have a series of natural defence lines 30 to 40 miles deep. When prised out of one position, they fall hack a few hundred yards to the next natural defence line. The radio also reported that the Eighth Army, after heavy fighting, hurled back a German counter-attack in the Montazozli area. A fighterbomber force which attacked targets in the battle area yesterday was one of the greatest ever used Allied headquarters, North Africa, states: “On the ground very bad weather conditions continue to restrict the operations of both the Fifth and Eighth Armies. Patrol clashes took place and some enemy prisoners were captured.” Correspondents report no change on the front for three days in succession. Everything contribut’d to make the life of the soldier miserable. High winds were blowing and heavy rain made the mud even thicker. Bad weather had extended all along the line, which at times was completely silent, with only occasional gun flashes and thunder. An enemy patrol which ventured across the Garigliano River near the coast was badly shot up and prisoners were taken.

North of Vanafro our toops recovered some of the ground lost during the enemy counter-attacks at Montecroce. The Eighth Army slightlv improved its positions north of Atessa. Patrols clashed at Tornareccio, a mile from the Sangro River, and 15 miles north of its source.—B.O.W.