ADVANCE ON GOMEL

Waikato Times, Volume 193, Issue 22198, 18 November 1943, Page 5

ADVANCE ON GOMEL

HEAVY RUSSIAN BARRAGE BIG ENCIRCLEMENT „ MOVES LONDON, Nov. 17 The Russian artillery is laying down a heavy barrage on the outskirts of Gomhi as the Red Army advances rapidly or. the town, says Reuter’s Moscow correspondent. The Russians are steadily widening the breach in the German line west of Rieichitsa, definitely isolating Gomel. Batt’es north and south of the Pripet marshes have again flared up to a new climax.

The battle to the south of Kiev salient is developing rapidly as the Soviet troops complete the outsorting of Korosten. With three out of six of its railroad connections cut the position of this important junction is becoming increasingly weak. The latest report states that the Russians have passed Zlobich*, six miles south-east of Korosten, and are marching straight on the town.

The Moscow radio says that the Germans have thrown in new regrouped infantry units and major lank forces in an attempt to restore the position in the Fastov area. The Soviet forces continue to ward off German counter-attacks.

According to toe Paris radio 25 Russian divisions in the last 48 hours have been attacking in successive waves west of Smolensk in an attempt to break through to Orsha. The local breaches achieved by the Russians have been sealed off.

Berfin expects a new Russian encirclement movement between Gomel and Kiev. It is believed that the aim of the Russian attack south of Rietchitsa is to effect a junction with the Russians in the northern part 'of the Kiev pocket. This would be assisted by a thrust west of Chernigov'.