FURTHER ADVANCE

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22467, 30 September 1944, Page 5

FURTHER ADVANCE

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS FIFTH ARMY’S PROGRESS FIERCE BATTLES RAGING (Received Sept. 30, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 29 It can now be stated that the New Zealanders have been operating north of Rimini, says the Exchange Telegraph’s Rome correspondent. It was they who advanced along the coastal road from Rimini. Now they have jumped a further two miles beyond Bellaria, but are encountering strong resistance 1000 yards from the mouth of the Fiumicino river. The New Zealand Division in Italy is commanded by MajorGeneral C. E. Weir, in the absence of Lieutenant-General Freyberg, who was injured in an air crash three weeks ago. New Zealand tanks , and guns renewed their old fighting partnership with the Greeks in the capture c £ Rimini. Two New Zealand officers, reconnaissancing on foot, were the first to enter Rimini. A correspondent at Allied Headquarters, reporting that the entire Gothic Line has been penetrated with the exception of a small area on the west coast, added that important advances were made on the Fifth Army’s left flank. It is revealed that the Fifth Army since September 15 has taken over 3400 prisoners. Battle for Ridge Eighth Army forces are again involved in fierce battles in the Savignano area. They managed to establish themselves on a ridge west of Savignano, but tank support was held up by rain and enemy demolitions and a heavy enemy counterattack forced them to relinquish their hold on the ridge. Fighting continues, with the enemy in possession of the ridge. Fierce fighting is also proceeding on the road westward of Savignano. British troops reached the village of Tribola in this area, but were unable to maintain their hold.

We have taken 9000 prisoners since the beginning of the Adriatic offensive against the Gothic Line.