ALLIES CAPTURE FOGGIA

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22155, 29 September 1943, Page 3

ALLIES CAPTURE FOGGIA

EIGHTH ARMY’S SWIFT ADVANCE

ENEMY SWEPT OUT BY SURPRISE ATTACK OTHER TOWNS TAKEN—GERMANS’ HEAVY LOSSES LONDON, Sept. 28. Foggia was the chief of several prizes captured in Italy hy the Allies today. Advancing swiftly up the east coast the Eighth Army surprised the Germans at Foggia, and although the enemy offered stiff resistance he was swept out of the town with considerable losses. Foggia has a population of only about 60,000 but with its dozen airfields it has for two years been one of the main air bases of the Axis in the Medilerra- ean. It will be equally valuable to the Allies. Kesselring has evacuated Nocera, south-east of Naples, says the Daily Express correspondent in a despatch late tonight from the Allied Headquarters. He adds: “This may indicate that the Fifth Army has broken through into the Naples plain.” Inland in the mountains the Eighth Army advanced a further 30 miles and captured another town. The Fifth Army also made considerable progress inland and captured a town 50 miles east of Naples.

Fierce fighting continues In the Naples area. A correspondent says the Germans must hold on as long as possible, and that is why the opposition is so fierce. Time is being gained to sink as many ships as possible in Naples harbour, and to destroy buildings in the city.