COMING OFFENSIVE

Waikato Times, Volume 196, Issue 22568, 23 March 1945, Page 3

COMING OFFENSIVE

EXPECTANCY IN BRITAIN FACTOR OF THE WEATHER (Special Correspondent;) (Received' March 23, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, March 22 This is the period of the “ watch on the Rhine.” What amounts to the mopping up of the Germans by General Patton’s army, great victory as it it, is somewhat overshadowed in the public’s nlind here by the pre-“ D Day ” atmosphere reported to be pervading Field-Marshal Montgomery’s front. Recent air operations in that theatre all smack of a coming offensive, while from German sources come statements that it is likely to begin at any hour now and that airborne landings are also expected.

When it does it will be the last of the amphibious operations which began with North Africa and continued with Sicily, Italy and Normandy. New Zealand is represented in the offensive on the air side by the New Zealand Tempest squadron and by numerous airmen in the Second Tactical Air Force. Expectancy, like spring, is in the air, and it is hoped that the weather for once will favour the Allied attack.

Just how long the war has been delayed and how many lives have been lost by fickle Weather during previous operations on the Continent would be interesting to know. But now finer days are here, and over 13 hours’ daylight.