TANKS ACROSS RIVER

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 233, 29 June 1944, Page 5

TANKS ACROSS RIVER

Steady Outflanking Of Caen GAP IN PREPARED DEFENCES (Received June 28, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, June 28. British forces, developing their attack south-west of Caen have crossed the River Odon and established a bridgehead on the south bank. Tanks are already across the river and are now thrusting toward the River Orne, four miles away and south of Caen. Ihe German opposition is strong, and our tanks are being opposed by enemy armour and 88-millimetre guns. The British are more than six miles beyond their startingpoint, and the Germans in Caen are faced with a serious outflanking threat. It is now possible to give a clear picture of the assault. The main attack opened on Monday on a six-mile front between Tilly and Caen. After hard fighting the enemy defences were breached, and in the afternoon our tanks and infantry poured through, tanning out on a three-mile front in country free from mines and prepared defences. All through Monday night the Germans counterattacked in considerable strength but were held, and yesterday morning we widened the breach. After more fierce fighting nis armour and infantry by last night had reached the Odon which they have now crossed. Yesterday about 20 German tanks were put out of action. ' , , • . r Correspondents emphasize the proud achievement ot the troops in this advance. They fought forward in heavy rain, which hampered air support. The Germans, realizing the great va ue o Caen as the hinge of their whole position, are fighting hard tor every inch of ground, but in spite of this Caen is being slowly but steadily outflanked.