ADVANCE OF RUSSIANS

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21599, 9 December 1941, Page 6

ADVANCE OF RUSSIANS

GERMANS IN RETREAT MOSCOW STANDS FIRM (United Press Assn. —ciec. Tel. Copyrignt) LONDON, Dec. 8 Advanced Russian units are tignting at Kuibishevo, 50 miles northwest of Mariupol, says the Daily Telegraph’s Stockholm correspondent. A second Russian force ls fighting for possession of Kaievka and a third is advancing north against Stalino. The Russians have now advanced 75 miles from Rostov. The Germans have withdrawn their forces from the Voroshilovgrad area and concentrated all available strength in the Stalino region. The Germans threat against Moscow from tfie south developed as the Germans closed around luJa after the arrival of reinforcements including powerful armoured forces from southern sectors, probably the OrelKurst region, where, Berlin claims a German push led to tne occupation of OtsensK, Novisil and Livny, says the Times’ Stockholm correspondent. However, the Russians claim that after an offensive lasting three weeks the Germans are nowhere in sight of capturing Moscow. Counter-attacks north of Maloyaroslavets, south-west of Moscow, nave thrown back the Germans across tne Naro River. The Germans are retreating in disorder from the Mojaisk Highway, west of Moscow, losing thousands killed and wounded, states a Kuibyshev message. Terrific Russian counter-attacks smashed a wedge which the Germans have formed across the highway. The German retreat relieved the pressure on Russian positions, wnich became most dangerous after the first German break through to the highway. General Rokossovsky, in the Volokaiamsk sector further north, has turned from the defence to the offensive, forcing the Germans to retire. Further German Retreat The Pravda says the Russians have driven the enemy from the whole length of the SerpukhovTula highway. The Germans are retreating southeastward, abandoning tanks, lorries and arms. Bitter Winter While the Russians claim to have forced the German drives in practically every sector on the Eastern front to a standstll, the German radio states that the bitter winter is responsible for little activity beyond local engagements. Capture of General In the Leningrad sector the Russians claim to have captured a German general and his staff. A Zurich message says it is reported from Berlin that General Otto von Kries, who was chief of staff of von Leeb’s army corps, and seven of von Kries’ staff have been killed.