NAZI CLAIM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 19 October 1942, Page 2

NAZI CLAIM

STALINGRAD BATTLE CAPTURE Of FACTORY DISTRICT SITUATION VERY CRITICAL (Rec. 1.40 p.m.) London, Oct. 18. The Germans have been forced to divert forces from their all-out attack on Stalingrad. Increasing pressure by Marshal Timoshenko’s northern relief army compelled the Germans to switch part of their armies northward. This is admitted I,V Berlin radio but 'll reports indicate that Stalingrad’s position is more critical than at any stare In the two months’ assault on the. city. Russians continue their tenacious defence. but the Germans arc clearly detormined to occupy the city before winter closes in. and they are launching ceaseless assaults with ever-renewed forces. It is generally agreed now that it. will be another Russian “miracle” jf the Germans are again thv/arted. A German communique states that German troops in Stalingrad broke stubborn resistance and captured all parts of the Red Barricade factory and threw the Russians out of the neighbouring district. Berlin radio stated the Russians are still desperately resisting the remaining parts of the Red October factory. The German High Command claims that Germans continued attacks in the Nr.vorossiisk and Tuapse sector, and at one point captured 60 fortified positions. The Germans also advanced south of the Terek river. A Soviet communique reports: “Our troopi fought battlei in the Stalingrad and Mosdok areas. There are no changes elsewhere. In the week ending 17th October the Germans lost 130 planes. We lost forty-nine in the same period.” A supplementary Soviet communique says enemy tank and infantry attacks in the Stalingrad area were repelled by ground forces aided by effective work of the Soviet Air Force. —P.A .