RAIL JUNCTIONS BOMBED

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23974, 15 June 1943, Page 5

RAIL JUNCTIONS BOMBED

Soviet Air Attacks BATTLE AT VELIZH (N.Z. Press Association— Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON. June 13. A special Soviet communique says that on Saturday night large formations of long-range aircraft attacked the enemy-held railway junctions of Gomel and Bryansk, and the railway station at Karachev. Big concentrations of aeroplanes and ammunition dumps were effectively bombed. Two Soviet aircraft are missing. A supplement to the ordinary Soviet communique says that 'during the week, Juhe 6 to 12 inclusive, 548 German aeroplanes were destroyed either in aerial combat, on aerodromes, or by anti-aircraft fire. In addition, large numbers were destroyed on aerodromes during raids by large forces attacking at night. In the same period 153 Soviet aeroplanes were lost. In the Barents Sea one enemy, transport and two cutters were sunk. Another report says that the defenders of Leningrad continue to inflict losses on the enemy. Stormoviks wrecked a train and damaged trucks. Airmen of the Baltic Navy sank an enemy patrol cutter and damaged another. The Russians have captured Velizh. an important town on the central Russian front, 50 miles north-east of the railway junction of Vitebsk. This was announced by the Algiers radio, quoting reports from Berlin which said that the Russians made 13 attacks around the town before entering it. The German report claimed that a German counter-attack was in pro-

gress. The capture of Velizh is not confirmed from Moscow. There have been many reports in the last six weeks of minor activity in the Velizh area, but no indications were given that this was likely to develop into a major attack.

Reuter’s correspondent in Moscow describes a strong German attack west of Rostov during the week-end. He says that the near future will tell whether this was a prelude to a German offensive. It was the most serious attempt the Germans have yet made to test the Soviet defences since the spring lull set in. The German attacks were beaten back only after a day and night of heavy fighting, including hand-to-hand clashes. The . enemy began by pushing forward a regiment, which was immediately engaged. Two other attacks were then made on the flanks, involving three battalions supported by tanks. The force on the right flank was easily defeated within two hours, but that on the left flank fought till nightfall. Hundreds of Germans were left on the battlefield, but the enemy is evidently determined to continue the attacks. Attacks Near Orel Although Moscow is silent about the fighting on the Orel sector reported from Berlin, Russian attacks, according to Berlin, were launched south of Bielev. 60 miles north of Orel, also around Orel itself and south-east of Orel; The Germans say that the Russians laid down a very heavy artillery and bombing barrage and attempted a major thrust along a four-mile front. This was frustrated. The Official German News Agency reports that the Russians are using increased numbers of bombers and battle planes on this sector, with the support of a number pf new b.atteries, under cover of Which Soviet riflemen worked their way to the level of the German forward defences. The Russians made several more attempts to score a success, but they everywhere failed in the face of a determined resistance. The agency also asserts that German light naval units on Friday bombarded Akhtari, a Soviet harbour on the east coast of the Sea of Azov. It claims that landing places and harbour installations suffered heavily. Guerrilla Activities "Guerrilla battles have overshadowed the front-line fighting in Russia,” says the Moscow correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain. “Delayed dispatches from the German rear report how guerrillas repelled a German punitive expedition. The Germans brought in artillery, tanks, and aeroplanes in an effort to end the constant threat to their rear. German troops arrived in an armoured train, and a battle began along the railway line. The guerrillas opposed a numerically superior and modernly equipped enemy with time-tried ambushes and curprise flank attacks. After three days of hard fighting the Germans pushed the Russians back about two miles, capturing several populated places. Several hours later the guerrillas rushed from a forest and threw the Germans into such confusion that they were compelled to evacuate. Many German dead were left on the battlefield. “During one of the most desperate days of the battle. German tommygunners advanced in long lines from three sides, but the guerrillas, anticipating the attack, had dug pits throughout the forest and covered them with grass and branches. The advanc. ing tommy-gunners fell into the pits and were annihilated. At one point 480 Germans attacked a village. Guerrillas drove off the attackers after 28 minutes, killing 83 and. wounding 97.” SEVEN ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) LONDON. June 13. Seven attempts to escape from internment in Germany have been made by a Maori, Corporal Maxie Hau, of Kawakawa. Writing to a friend in London, he says: “Would you kindly please notify my people that I am in the highest spirits and good health; I hope they are the same. I have just served my 21 days’ sentence for escaping ,for the seventh time, but I was just unlucky. They discipline the camf) for any offence, but it means nothing at all to British soldiers. We can take it. Hoping to hear from you soon.” “Idea! Invasion Weather.”—An approaching heat-wave caused by sunspots is likely to produce ideal weather for an invasion of Europe, according to forecasts. Weather authorities say that meteorological observations show that a new sunspot minimum is on the way. Never since reliable records were first taken has this phase of a sunspot cycle failed to give something outstanding in the way of summer heat-waves. The last sunspot minimum was in 1933—0ne of the sunniest years on record.—London, June 14. Better Fitting Uniforms.—Australian soldiers are to be better dressed. Uniforms are now being made in 47 fittings. instead of 22, as previously. No material alteration has been made in the standard pattern.—Sydney, June 14.