Late War News EAGER TROOPS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 228, 23 June 1944, Page 6

Late War News EAGER TROOPS

Awaiting Order To

Take Port CHERBOURG NOT

BOMBED iß\ Telegraph. — Preset Copyright(Received June 23, 1.40 a.m.) LONDON, June 22. “The Germans can hardly hold out long against our eager troops awaiting the command to advance,” says the “Evening Standard’s” correspondent with the Americans outside Cherbourg. “Our artillery pounded the German defences yesterday and last night, but left the city itself alone, probably from humanitarian considerations and the desire to have the city and port as nearly intact as possible. . Similarly, our planes ignored this “Should the Germans def . e , nd , tb ? to the last they will be able to inflict heavy casualties on our troops, foi they hold excellent positions.’ . A German overseas news a B e J lc J’ l Ha that while the bulk of the 25 United States division*- which were landed in France are pounding the numerically inferior German garrison at Cherbourg, the demolition of the harbour continues and has already reached uc an advanced stage that most of toe installations are unusable. Many entrances to the harbour have also been blocked to prevent Allied naval forces from attacking from the sea. “Wp are trying to destroy the instar* lations so thoroughly that if Cherbourg is lost even the use of mobile loading installations would be difficult, delaying us of. the port,” it says. “German military circles are of the opinion that as, things are now the town will be able to hold out for some time.” . Lo Theil is seven miles south-east of St Croix Hague and seven miles .west or Cherbourg. Cherisy is four miles east of Dreux- « “The Allied drive against Cherbourg continued to make good progress, with an advance of two to three miles along the entire front,” . says today s communique. “Allied forces on the- right reached the River Saire near the village of Le Theil, and on the left penetrated within three miles of the sea in tne vicinity of St. Croix. Hague. In the centre substantial gams were made along the main road from Valogues to artillery and mortar fire was unusually heavy on the Tilly sector. Patrol activity continues in other ar “Fighter-bombers operated successfully against the rail system leading west from Paris, scoring hits on bridges at Chartres, Coltainville, Conches and Cherisy. Slight enemy opposition was encountered in attacks against rail targets m the Aunav and Evreux areas. At least five enemy planes., were destroyed without lOS “Forces of heavy and medium bombers attacked flying-bomb bases across the Channel. Fighter escorts later strafed railway yards and canal barges at Ribecourt, Montdidier and Chauny. Both missions were carried out without loss. Six oil storage tanks at Niort were set aflame after a low-level attack.