ATTACK ON ROYAN

Waikato Times, Volume 196, Issue 22549, 6 January 1945, Page 5

ATTACK ON ROYAN

CONTROL OF BORDEAUX PORT BIG FORCE OF LANCASTERS (Official Wireless) RUGBY, Jan. 5 More than 1600 tons of bombs were dropped early on Friday morning by 350 Royal Air Force Lancasters on German troops, artillery strongpoints and supplies at the mouth of the Gironde, in the defended area of Royan, between 50 and 60 miles north-west of Bordeaux, states the Air Ministry. The attack was made in two waves, the heavier assault having been the first. Both forces found no clouds obstructing their view, although there was a little ground haze. Master bombers controlled each attack. The enemy had light and heavy flak defences in and around the town and the guns opened up at both waves of Lancasters. An oil fire was started during the first attack and during the second a large and violent explosion was heard. Three aircraft are missing from this operation and last night’s raid on Berlin. All French civilians have been evacuated from Royan and between 5000 and 10,000 German troops are holding out there, surrounded by French Forces of the Interior, but making frequent raids into the countryside. In a rqcent sortie they rustled 300 head of cattle, though at a cost of 300 casualties. Royan is one of the main points of German resistance on the west coast of France and while the enemy holds this area at the mouth of the Gironde they deny the use of the port of Bordeaux to the Allies.

ledge that Field Marshal Montgomery now has full control will be received with relief in j Britain. It had been the cause jof some distress that he api peared lately to have been rele- ; gated to a comparatively minor role, j This feeling was based on the belief j that one of the best soldiers the i Allies possess was not being used to i his full power. J “I* was perhaps a little unfortuni ate,” said the paper, “that this change had to be made at a time . when signs were not lacking of . nerves on edge between Britain and America, but we believe the bulk of the American people, with that justice and common, sense which they nearly always show in times of crisis, will themselves approve this choice.”