UNABATED VIOLENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21480, 23 July 1941, Page 5

UNABATED VIOLENCE

TERRIFIC BATTLES IN RUSSIA ADVANCE TOWARDS LENINGRAD HELD UP RAID ON MOSCOW—2OO PLANES PARTICIPATE (Official Wireless) (Received July 23, 1 p.m.) RUGBY, July 22 The great battle between the Germans and Russians, in which the opposing armies are wrestling in fighting zones of great depth, continues with unabated violence. It is considered by military circles in London that certain developments are now clear. Firstly, the German advance from Pskov towards Leningrad seems to be held up by the Russians. Secondly, the Russians seem to be putting up fierce resistance to the Germans who are endeavouring to advance on both flanks of Smolensk. It is still uncertain whether the Germans have occupied the city, but it is possible that German detachments are fighting beyond it to the east, although the main supporting forces are still doing their best to break through on the flanks. Thirdly, the Germans seem to be making an advance in the Kiev direction by a thrust developing down the right bank of the Dnieper river, which will be watched carefully, as its success might endanger the Russian forces in the Bessarabian sector. The Moscow radio reported this morning that more than 200 German pi anes took part in a raid on Moscow last night. Seventeen of them were shot down. A few fires were started and several persons were killed or injured. The alarm lasted for five and a-half hours, and reached what is described as a “ mass scale.” Broadcasts from Moscow this morning claim that the raid failed, and that the Russian defences prevented the main body of planes reaching the city. Only single planes broke through. No military objectives were hit.