BRIDGEHEAD SECURED

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22461, 23 September 1944, Page 5

BRIDGEHEAD SECURED

TROOPS CROSS MOSELLE RIVER ADVANCE OF SEVENTH ARMY LONDON, Sept. 22 Troops crossing the Moselle river ten miles south-east of Epinal waded thigh-deep through the stream to establish the Seventh Army’s first bridgehead across the upper reaches of the river, says Reuter’s correspondent. The first crossing was made at dawn above the riverside village of Eloyes. Thick mist hid the Americans from the Germans holding wellscreened positions in thick woods sloping almost to the water’s edge. There were brisk skirmishes as long lines of Americans, carrying their rifles over their heads, followed the officers through the fast-running waters with the aid of ropes strung between the banks. The German opposition close to the river waned as more meh reached the east bank and a substantial bridgehead was secured by the end of the day, which the Seventh Army could begin to fan out and continue to press the retreating Germans.

Engineers were quickly at work to span the 100 ft stream with a bridge for armoured and other heavy equipment. The fording of the stream was made necessary by the Germans, blowing up bridges as they withdrew lo the Vosges mountains, well north of the Belfort Gap. Allied artillery from behind the ridges overlooking the river gave Immediate support to the crossing. Few Germans remain west of this part of the river. Southward, however, the Germans are still reluctant to give ground endangering the Belfort Gap. The German news agency reported that the Americans have penetrated Remiremont and heavy fighting is going on for the town. Thousands of Prisoners The Canadian Army in the past 48 [hours has taken almost 10,000 prisoners, of w'ncm more than 7500 were captured in Boulogne. The Poles captured 1700 in their drive to Holland north of Ghent. The German remnants in Boulogne are pinned to two narrow strips of coast north-west and south-west of the town. They are being hammered by artillery and flamethrowers. The Poles are mopping-up the west bank of the Scheldt north-west cf Antwerp. The Canadians on the Poles’ left flank continue to drive towards the Scheldt.