German Losses in Anzio Beachhead

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 58, 11 March 1944, Page 5

German Losses in Anzio Beachhead

LONDON, March 9. Since the first landings on the Anzio beachhead the Germans have lost 240 tanks in hammering against the beachhead’s anti-tank defences, which have been strengthened further during the past few days’ lull, says the British United Press correspondent. The defences have also accounted for over 20 field guns. The beachhead fortress today is stronger than ever. Allied fighters and fighter-bombers were active over the beachhead and ahead of the main army front on Wednesday. The Luftwaffe flew over the beachhead last night showering antipersonnel bombs. Port Stefano, 60 miles north of Rome, has become very important to the Germans since the widespread Allied air attacks on railway communications forcea them to bring more supplies by sea for their armies south of Rome. Marauders again raiding the port on Wednesday started several fires on the waterfront and also bombed railway installations. The Marauders confirm the damage to Rome railway centres during the recent raids. Piles of debris cover the marshalling yards and many warehouses were blasted. Marauder crews saw no sign of panic or confusion among the Rome population. One gunner said: “I can guarantee that all Rome’s monuments are standing.” FAMINE CONDITIONS IN ROME. Cut off from the rest of the world and approaching a state of famine Rome is one of the world’s most unfortunate cities, says the Rome correspondent oi the Basler Nachrichten, quoted by the Official Wireless. The ever present danger of air attacks is worsening the situation of the hospitals which .are crowded with wounded from the battlefields a few miles away. To deepen the general atmosphere of anxiety ana hardship the air-raids have broken the water and gas mains, the food shortage is reaching a climax, and the bus services are practically suspended. Military cookhouses, erected in public squares, are dispensing soup to bombedout people and the destitute. The Vatican is also distributing food. The heavy raid last week worsened the plight of the population which is almost doubled with the influx of refugees. In addition thousands are now homeless as a result of the air raids.