GATHERING SPEED IN ITALY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 234, 30 June 1944, Page 6

GATHERING SPEED IN ITALY

Pursuit On French Sector (Received June 30, 1.30 a.m.) LONDON. June 29. The Allied armies continue to exert pressure on the enemy and have again advanced on a number of sectors,” says today's communique from General Alexander’s headquarters. “Fifth Army troops on the coastal sector have taken Castagneto and are thrusting forward on Highway 1. The road junction and town of Monteciano’ was captured, and advanced elements are now only 12 miles south-west of Siena. “French troops to the east made substantial gains, with advanced units beyond Moutichiello, Pienza and Montalcino. Eighth Army troops, driving back the enemy north-west of Chiusi, occupied among other places the villages of laforcc and Frattavecchia, west of Lake Trasimeno. Limited gains against strong resistance were made round Perugia. “Medium forces of heavy bombers yesterday attacked two oil refineries and a railway yard in the Bucharest area and also the aerodrome at Karlovo. Tactical Air Force operations were hampered by adverse weather. Fighter-bombers ranged over the battle area and also in the north of Italy, striking against railway targets and motor transport, also shipping and other objectives. Twentythree enemy planes were destroyed in these operations for the. loss of six. Me flew approximately 1200 sorties.” .The gathering speed of the Fifth Army’s advance up the Italian coast has thrown Kesselring's army into coufusiou. says Reuter’s correspondent at Allied headquarters in Italy. The Germans, after French troops had smashed through strong defences and overrun three towns, broke off contact. The Eighth Army meanwhile is forging steadily forward. The enemy, after devastating the whole area north of Chiusi, has taken up a line along the Chienti River.