RENEWED FURY

Waikato Times, Volume 196, Issue 22548, 5 January 1945, Page 3

RENEWED FURY

OFFENSIVE BY AMERICANS “ATTACK GOING WELL” SURPRISE FOR GERMANS (united Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Jan. 5, 1 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 4 The weather has deteriorated on the northern flank of the German salient, where the American First Army is attacking on a six-mile front. Snow storms have limited visibility to 100 yards, but a First Army staff officer is quoted by Reuter’s correspondent as saying: “Our attack is going exceedingly well.” The Americans beat off several counter-attacks before dawn today, and at daylight the offensive went ahead with renewed fury. One small town has already been captured and five others reached. Anti-tank fire is providing the main opposition, with the weather shielding the German positions until the range is point-blank, thus making armoured progress very difficult. The German forward line’s outposts have been overrun, but the Allies have not yet contacted the main panzer strength. The Americans have encountered thickly-mined areas even in forests and the most rugged countryside, says an American Press correspondent The Germans have evidently thrown infantry elements out in front, preferring to let them take the first brunt of the American attack, saving the majority of their armour for a clash with American tanks wherever the penetration develops. Surprise Counter-Offensive Tanks and infantry swept over the snow-covered hills in freezing weather at 8.30 a.m. yesterday to launch General Hodges’ surprise counter-offensive, says the British United Press’ correspondent with the First Army. No spectacular artillery or air barrage preceded the attack, which took the Germans off their balance. The first wave of Allied tanks and men smashed the forward defences, but the Germans soon rallied, moving back slowly until their lines were stabilised. The Americans encountred for the first time Germans wearing white winter camouflage, but despite this and minefileds the Allied battle casualties in the early stages were extremely light. The advance proceeded over rugged country, which one staff officer described as “the roughest tank battlefield in Europe outside Switzerland.” The battle started in the bleakest and bitterest weather of the winter. The skies were heavy and low, preventing direct support from divebombers. A staff officer estimated that if the drive hit high gear within five days and closed the enemy escape route thousands of Germans might be trapped, but he added that the Germans are past masters in escaping from pockets.