Street Fighting in Riev

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 206, 29 August 1942, Page 5

Street Fighting in Riev

Received Saturday, 12.15 a.m. LONDON, Aug. 28. The latest reports from Moscow elaim that the Russians stormed and captured Rjev’s northern suburbs, and street fighting is now in progress near the city’s heart. Ooe Russian foree is reported to have by-passed the city. The Daily Express’ Moscow corresSondejit says the Russians captured ychevka, on the railway between Rjev and Viazma, thus cutting a vital German supply line. The Russians yesterday threw back ten German attacks north-westward of Stalingrad and 11 south-westward.

Last winter the Red Army halfencircled Rjev, but the Germans, determined to hold the town at any cost, reinforced the six divisions operating in that area by three in July and another five in August. They have also continued to strengthen the fortifications in adjacent towns. Rjev is nearly 700 miles from Stalingrad, and, even if the Germans wished to transfer to the central front some of their strength from the Stalingrad and Caucasian fronts, it is doubtful if communications are sufficiently good to make such an operation quickly feasible. Thus the Russian offensive in the centre is not regarded in informed circles in London as likely to have any immediate effect on the situation around Stalingrad, which remains extremely serious.