HEIGHTS CONSOLIDATED

Evening Star, Issue 24325, 14 October 1942, Page 3

HEIGHTS CONSOLIDATED

FIGHTING TO NORTH-WEST 'BIG BATTLE IN KUBAN AREA (Rec. 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 13. The Associated Press Moscow correspondent describes the fighting northwest of Stalingrad as trench, warfare with encircling movements by smaller mobile units. The Russians’ latest advance in this sector was made after intensive artillery preparation. The Russians then drove a wedge through a gap between two hills. They turned the German holding troops from their defensive positions and consolidated on the heights. The struggle which began a fortnight ago is still raging for the main mountain pass from Kuban to Tuapse, says Reuter’s Moscow correspondent. A thirteen-hour tank battle ensued after the Germans had made a night attack under a smoke screen. The Russians turned back this thrust, but the Germans are still attacking. The Vichy radio claims that the Russians lost from 5,000 to 10,000 men on the road to Tuapse, and that a further 4,000 were taken prisoner. Heavy" fighting 'is reported* ‘ in the Sinyavino area, where the Russians beat back an infantry regiment and 30 tanks, and killed 600 men and destroyed 13 tanks. The Russians in another sector also repelled German infantry supported by tanks, and destroyed 400 troops and nine tanks. Reports from Stalingrad mention intensification of German terror raids, lengths of railway tracks riddled with • small holes being dropped from 5,000 feet, producing prolonged, ear-splitting howls. The Luftwaffe is also using screech whistles and screaming bombs. 4 Izvestia ’ says ' Italian _ tanks were recently in action at Stalingrad. The Russians found their armour easily pierced. 4 Pravda ’ reports that the great tractor works at Stalingrad are still in production. Most of the equipment of the works was transferred east of the Volga, but sufficient was retained .to produce some tanks and effect major tank repairs. - The ‘ Times’s ’ Moscow correspondent says it is revealed that the defence of the north Russian coast, including Murmansk, Archangel, and the Rybachi Peninsula, and the north submarine fleet, are under the 36-year-old Cossack, Vice-Admiral Golovko. NO FOOD SHORTAGE RED ARMY WELL FED LONDON, October 12. The Mayor of Moscow made a statement that the city was not taking chances, but was preparing for a possible German offensive. The defences are constantly being strengthened, and the anti-aircraft defences increased. The population during the last six months has increased by 400,000 to 3,200,000. “We are determined that the people will get warmth,” said the mayor, “ and also essential food, transport, electricity, gas, hospitals, baths, theatres, and cinemas. Eighty thousand wood cutters have been mobilised, chiefly women, and they are doing wonderfully, but transport is the main . problem. We are well supplied with food, which has been stored throughout the city to prevent undue loss in air raids.” ‘ The Times ’ correspondent reports that members of the Red Array get three hot meals a day, and the Ger- . man soldiers only one. The Germans for breakfast get bread, margarine, tea, or ersatz coffee; the Russians get a basin of hot pea soup or rice soup. For dinner the Germans get hot potato soup and mashed potatoes; the Russians got soup, meat or fish, and vegetables. For supper the Germans get the same as for breakfast; the Russians get porridge, peas, often herrings, and tea. The Russians seldom miss their .meals, even in the heaviest engagements. There are many inconspicuous heroes among the cooks and food carriers. Junior commanders take turns at kitchen duty, where they see that the correct quantities of food are put into the cookers. Sanitary instructors attached to each subdivision are responsible for the quality. The rations contain adequate fats and vegetables, and when fresh vegetables are not available vitamin preparations are added. These are sometimes made on the spot by specially treating sweet briar or pine needles. British and American lard, egg powder. i and tinned meat are among the rations The Red Army is fully supplied in spite of the loss of the Ukraine, the Don, and the Kuban grain. German plunderers have had some luxurious feasts, but the officers and non-com-missioned officers mostly benefit. The plundering is so thorough that Germans following up do not find anything.’