ALL-OUT ATTACK

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22456, 18 September 1944, Page 3

ALL-OUT ATTACK

LAUNCHED BY CANADIANS FIGHTING AT BOULOGNE FLAMETHROWERS USED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Sept. 18, 1 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 17. Canadian troops today launched an all-out attack on Boulogne, says Reuter’s correspondent on September 17. By 6 p.m., in stiff fighting, they had fought through the outer defences of the town. They dominate the town from the north-east and still are driving ahead. The strength of the Boulogne garrison is believed to be 5000 and may be considerably more. The American Press says that the Canadian troops assaulting Boulogne used flame-throwers and other special equipment. The attack was coordinated with a big Bomber Command effort. Another Reuter correspondent says that the Canadians attacked Cap Gris Nez, tightening the noose around the strongpoint. A third Canadian force moved closer to Dunkirk, occupying Bergues, three miles south-eastward. The Germans abandoned Bergues during the night. The perimeter of the Dunkirk defences has narrowed considerably in the past 24 hours. There is still fighting at Zeebruge. The Canadians are on one side and the Germans on the other side. More Canadian armoured vehicles have improved their positions on the Leopold Canal, south-east of Bruges. The Poles in Holland are in fair strength north of Ghent, cutting the road between Hulst and Axel. They are over the Hulst Canal. There is still fighting on the. northern outskirts of Ghent. CALL TO STRIKE RAILWAYS IN NETHERLANDS “THE MOMENT HAS COME” (Received Sept. 18, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 17 The Dutch Government, broadcasting to Holland on the night of September 17, called for a general strike on the Netherlands railways. “After consultation with the High Command,” it said, “the Dutch Government deems that the moment has come to order a general strike of all railway workers in order to impede German transport and troop concentrations. The Government is fully aware of the great responsibility that it is taking, but after careful consultation it considers that a strike is of such primary military importance that it must be put into practice without delay. The Government appreciates the difficulties that the strike measure will cause, and therefore leaves the methods of carrying out the measure to individual judgment. It wishes all faithful and courageous patriots to carry out this action to the best of their ability.”