GENERAL ASSAULT EXPECTED

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22353, 20 May 1944, Page 5

GENERAL ASSAULT EXPECTED

ALLIES PRESSING ON HITLER LINE GERMANS WITHDRAW ON SEAWARD FLANK FIFTH ARMY ADVANCE OF 17 MILES LONDON, May 19. All along the Italian front from the Apennines to the sea Allied forces are pressing on the outer defences of the Adolf Hitler Line. At zero hour a general assault is expected. Between the Liri Valley and the sea French and American troops of the Fifth Army have advanced 17 miles through narrow passes and over heights since the offensive began. In the Cassino area British and Polish troops have advanced five miles. Fifth Army forces are in action against the Hitler Line near Pontecorvo. The Poles are mopping-up in high ground north of Highway 6.

On the left flank of the Allied line the Americans who took the coastal town of Formia are now moving up toward the seaward end of the Adolf Hitler Line. French and American guns are shelling the road between Itri and Pico, an important enemy supply route. The Americans are closing in on Itri, and the Germans admit a withdrawal in this area.