TOWN CAPTURED

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22063, 14 June 1943, Page 4

TOWN CAPTURED

SUCCESS OF RUSSIANS HAND-TO=HAND FIGHTING GERMANS BEATEN BACK CUnited Pre** a-*=.i. JcSec. Tel. Copyright) (Received June 14, noon) LONDON, June 13 The Russians have captured Velish, an important town on the centiai Russian front, 50 miles north-east of the railway junction of Vitebsk. This is announced by tne Algiers radio, which, quoting reports from Berlin, stated that tne Russians made 13 attacks around the town before entering it. The German reports claimed that German counter-attacks are in progress. The capture of the town is not confirmed from Moscow. There have oeen many reports in the past six weeks of minor activity in the Velish area but no indications were given tnat this was likely to develop into a major attack. Reuter’s Moscow correspondent describes a strong German attack west of Rostov during the week-end. fie says the near future will tell wnelher this was the prelude to a German offensive. It was the most renous attempt the Germans have yet made to test tne strength of the Soviet defences since the spring lull aet in. The German attacks were beaten back only alter day and nignt heavy lignting, including hand-to-hand Clashes. The enemy began by pushing forward a regiment, which was immediately engaged. Two other attacks were then made on the flanks involving three battalions, supported by tanks. The rignt Hank force was easily defeated within two hours, but the left flank fought till nightfall. Hundreds oi Germans were left on the battlefield, but the enemy was evidently determined to continue the attacks. Russian Attacks Launched Although Moscow today was silent regarding the fighting in the Orel sector reported from Berlin, Russian attacks, according to Beilin, were launched soutn of Byelev, which is north of Orel, also around Orel itself and south-east of Orel. The Germans state that the Russians laid down the heaviest artillery and bombing barrage and attempted a major thrust along a four-mile front, which has been frustrated. The German news agency reports that the Russians are using increased numbers of bombers and battle planes in this sector, with the support of a number of new batteries, under cover of which Soviet riflemen have worked their way to the level of the German forward defences. The Russians made several more attempts to force success, bzut everywhere failed in the face of determined resistance. The news agency also asserts that German light naval units on June 11 bombarded Akhtari, a Soviet harbour on the east coast of the Sea of Azov', and claims tnat landing places and harbour installations suffered heavily.