POLISH TROOPS

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

POLISH TROOPS

MILE FROM PIEDMONTE AMERICAN CAPTURES LONDON, May 19 Polish troops in the hills around Cassino were last reported within a mile or so of one of the northern strong-points of the Hitler Line, Piedmonte. British and Canadian tanks have pushed farther up the Liri Valley. Off the coast Allied warships yesterday bombarded more enemy batteries, dumps and roads on the southern flank of the Hitler Line. The Mediterranean Air Force flew 2200 sorties yesterday for the loss of 13 heavy bombers and eight other aircraft. Eighteen enemy aircraft were seen over the battle area in daylight, and of these and others met further afield at least 14 were destroyed.

oesides capturing the coastal town of Formia, American forces in Italy took Maranola, two miles north-east of Formia, and also the nearby village of Trivio. Monte Ruazzo, six and a-half miles west of Spigno, was also captured, representing the farthest westward advance. General Sir Oliver Leese, Commander of the Eighth Army, has sent his congratulations to General Anders, the Polish commander, on the magnificent performance of the corps which took the monastery. “The monastery belongs to the Poles,” General Leese said.