"MOST BITTER BATTLE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN'

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 166, 16 July 1942, Page 5

"MOST BITTER BATTLE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN'

IMMENSE FORCES

Thousands Of Tanks In Non-Stop Fighting

U.P.A. and British Wlrrtww. Rec. 1.30 p.m. LONDON, July 15

The battle of Voronezh is described by Moscow newspapers as one of the greatest in history. Thousands of tanks, tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of planes and field guns are engaged day and night. Striking from the west the Germans, trying to encircle the city, crossed the river both south and north of Voronezh. The Russians, however, rushed to these sectors, d« 'ing back the enemy to the river in the south and holding them in the north.

The five miles between the Don and Voronezh Rivers has become the scene of one of the bitterest battles the world has ever seen. The Germans are meeting the Soviet counter blows north-west of Voronezh by strengthening their anti-tank defences and converting tanks into pillboxes. They are also stiffening their artillery and are continuously attacking the Russians with divebombers. They have lost many tanks in this sector in trying to recapture lost ground.

The Germans had to blow up an important bridge which they had clung to grimly for days. Much of their reinforcement had been brought over it. Nevertheless, most of the other sectors are being subjected to hard pressure by the Nazis, and a most dangerous situation is reported to be developing.

Unconfirmed reports from Stockholm say von Kleist's armoured forces advancing towards Rostov have reached Rovenkl, on the Gulf of Taganrog. It is also reported that fighting is proceeding in the itreets of Voroshilovgrad. Rnsmlan'a Gains In North Moscow reports say a fierce Russian surprise attack resulted in the capture of an important German stronghold and considerable booty, on the Volkhov front. German counter attacks failed to regain the stronghold. The Russians are steadily improving their position between Lake Ilmen and Leningrad. The Russians have repulsed large German units attempting to penetrate the Russian lines in the Lake Ilmen area. The Germans here in the past ten days have lost several thousands killed and wounded. Investia says a Russian unit on the Kalinin front north west of Moscow, annihilated 2000 Germans and destroyed 54 tanks. The' Paris radio claims that the Germans have reached Povorino from Novokhopersk and are advancing ca.jtw.ird from Migulinskaya. The Krssians between Voronezh and Povorino ;ire encircled. Moscow radio states that the Germans on the Don have again advanced several miles to the somri of Boguchar, where fierce is taking place against German tanko and motorlsed infantry. Russian units are gradually withdrawing. The • are making a stand in order to a', low the main Russian forces to

take up new positions. Soviet tanks are making vicious thrusts and adding to the toll of the enemy. An artillery bombardment, which lasted throughout the night, preceded von Bock's dawn offensive yesterday between Stalino and Taganrog. This advance, according to unconfirmed reports from Stockholm, has already taken von Bock to within six miles of Rostov. He is reported to be attacking with 24 divisions. Rostov is being heavily bombed. One correspondent says it may be the German intention to bypass Rostov for the time being and advance straight through to Stalingrad. The Germans, ne says, may be unwilling to resume the frontal attack on Rostov, which ended so disastrously last year.