BRITISH ATTACK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 224, 19 September 1944, Page 5

BRITISH ATTACK

MOVEMENI IN 10 HOLLAND HEAVY ARTILLERY BARRAGE. Heed. 6 p m. London, July 17. While the Allied air-borne forces v. ere dropping into Holland, the British 2nd Army to-day launched an attack into Holland from the bridgeheads over the Escaut Canal, states the Exchange Telegraph’s correspondent with the British 2nd Army. Reuters correspondent, in a later •despatch, reported that the British forces smashed out from the Berengen bridgehead and advanced two miles into Holland. “The operation is going entirely according to plan, under perfect weather conditions.’’ It has been impossible in the last few days to hide the fact that some major attack has been pending, as reinforcements of men and tanks have been pouring through Brussels in a continuous stream. The Exchange Telegraph says that rocket-firing Typhoons and fighterbombers smashed down on the German defences as British tanks went speeding into Holland, with carrierborne infantry following up, ready to deal with German strongpoints. A i

heavy Allied artillery barrage preceded the attack. The rate of fire, slow at the beginning, quickened up in the last 15 minutes, blotting out the countryside with a curtain of smoke and dust as the tanks moved DUTCH’CALL FOR RAILSTRIKE London, Sept. 17. The Dutch Government, broadcasting to Holland last night, called for a general strike of the Netherlands railways. “After consultation with the high command the Dutch Government I 'deems the moment has come to instruct a general strike of al! railway workers in order to impede German transport and troop concentations," it as stated. “The Govenment is fully aware of the great responsibiliy it is aking, but after , careful consultation it is of the opinion that a strike Is of such primary military importance that it must be put. into practice without delay. The Government appreciates the difficulties the strike measures will cause, and therefore leaves methods of carrying out the measures to individual judgment. It wishes all faithful and courageous patriots to , carry out this action to the best of : their abilities." GERMAN WITHDRAWAL IN MOSELLE AREA Recd. 6 p.m. Ixmdon, Sept. 17. Minor, sporadic German counterattacks are screening a general German withdrawal from the Moselle area, according to frontline reports, says Reuter’s correspondent. Intense fighting is going on in the vicinity of Metz, with American armour attacking from the south and infantry from the north. Additional troops' have crossed the Meurthe River immediately east of Nancy, closing the German pocket caught between the town and American troops some 14 miles to the eastward. One particularly severe German counter-attack was made against the 3rd Army's line at Pont Demousson.