MINOR ATTACK AT ANZIO

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 189, 9 May 1944, Page 5

MINOR ATTACK AT ANZIO

Enemy Beaten Back

LONDON, May 7. A German force, which attacked the Anzio perimeter yesterday, ran into deep machinegun defences, well sited behind wire, and minefields, says Reuter's correspondent at Allied headquarters in Italv. The attacking force, which is officially said to have been of company strength, was supported by tanks, artillery and mortars, and the push failed. Patrols south of the main points of the attack were engaged in small-arms and grenade exchanges. Another sharp German attack on the upper Garigliano broke up under mortar fire. There was a stubborn fight for a forward position, both sides suffering losses. The Germans also attempted unsuccessfully to penetrate the Allied positions further downstream. . , . , . Apart from these comparatively isolated clashes, the battlefield has been quiet during the past 36 hours.

BLOOD OF SAINT

Annual Liquefaction (Received May 8, 10 p.m.) LONDON, May 8. The liquifaction of the blood of San Gennard, Patron Saint of Naples, reputed to occur annually on the first Saturday in May, was announced at 2.30 p.m. bn Sunday by the ringing of bells. The solemnities began on Saturday, Many British and American officers were among those present. The liquifaction took 2'- „ ~ , A priest bore the liquified blood among the slender congregation, evoking much emotion. „ , The British United Press Naples correspondent says Cardinal Ascalese, when the blood failed to liquify at the, ceremony on Saturday, said: llns J- , first time since 1884 the blood has failed to liquify. Then, a cholera epidemic followed. Even if the blood liquifies in tile next few days, it will be a bad omen for Naples. We cun expect a visitation, disaster, or catastrophe. It is a punishment for the corruption of Neapolitans.