FURTHER SUCCESS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20913, 13 October 1942, Page 3

FURTHER SUCCESS

RELIEF OF STALINGRAD AXIS WEDGE REMOVED REDUCED LAND ACTIVITY (11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 12. The Russians had a further success in a relief drive north-west of Stalingrad. The Daily Express’ Stockholm correspondent reports that the Russians recaptured a hill which formed a wedge in their lines and advanced 500yds..

“Our ships in the Baltic sank five enemy transports totalling 16,000 tons,” says last night’s Russian communique. It adds that 123 German planes were destroyed in the past week for the loss of 78 Russian. The communique reports artillery duels on the Stalingrad front during the day. Enemy tanks and infantry were not very active. North-west of Stalingrad, local engagements occurred. Seventy-five German bombers, escorted by fighters, attempted to raid Soviet military objectives in the Mosdok area. Twenty-six enemy planes were destroyed. Russian troops surrounded an enemy garrison in one locality in the region of Novorossisk.” Soviet Caucasus Gains Artillery and mortar duels continue in the Stalingrad area, though the Germans clearly are still using infantry. Two enemy infantry battalions, according to this morning’s Russian communique, attacked Russian positions on the outskirts of the workers’ settlement. The attack was repelled and two infantry companies annihilated. North-west of the city, the Russians gained some ground and improved their positions. In the Mosdok area, the Russians forged ahead after stubborn fighting and regained positions lost the previous day. South-east of Novorossisk, stubborn street fighting is proceeding in one locality, the Russians clearing house after house, pushing forward, and inflicting enormous losses on the encircled German garrison. Two Rumanian divisions in the Novorossisk sector were badly mauled, according to a Moscow message. The Russians in the Sinyavino area captured an important height, killed 1200 Germans, and repelled counter-attacks. Military ski-ing is being organised throughout the Soviet as soon as the snow falls. Ski teams are being formed in factories, offices, schools and military camps. Teams will route march, make long cross-country runs, and receive instruction in military aspects of ski-ing.