Hazards of Battle Increased by Fires Ravaging Steppes

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1942, Page 3

Hazards of Battle Increased by Fires Ravaging Steppes

Riverlets and lakes drying up in summer heat. London, Aug. 23. Describing the fighting north-east of Kotelnikov, a Moscow message says that the weather is very hot, the rivulets and lakes have dried up and drinking water is precious. Bursting shells and the heat are setting fire to the steppe brush, allowing the Germans to strike behind a screen of fire and smoke. Braving the hazards and using water only to revive those who collapse, the Russians are repulsing attack after attack. The Pravda, also describing these battles, says that only the red sun reminded the troops that it was daytime. The Red army suffered torture, but firmly held its line. Tongues of flame began to Lick the trenches, and behind a screen of smoke and fire surged enemy tanks and tommy-gunners. On orders from their commanders the Red army men rose from the bottom of their trenches and fired, the steppe being strewn with. German corpses. Baby Tanks Destroyed. The Iszvestia says that the Germans are holding a narrow line on the east bank of the Don south-east of Klietskaya, but Soviet counter-attacks are preventing the enemy widening the line. Baby tanks brought by the Germans to the east bank were destroyed and fighting is raging along the west bank as the Germans try to find a weak spot in the defences. The enemy is hurling masses of tanks and planes into the battle on this narrow sector. In an unamed vital settlement persistent attacks made by the Germans against the Soviet forces defending a valley led to the penetration of the entire Soviet defences. The Germans turned and struek from the rear. The Russians gave battle and stopped the enemy everywhere, but were forced to abandon the valley. Fierce fighting continues. The Germans at the week-end made further territorial progress in the western Caucasus, where Krymskaya Junction is claimed. Fighting along the Caspian towards the Caspian Sea is reported to be going on in valleys and gorges among the foothills. Russian alpine-trained troops occupy strong defensive positions in many places. The Germans have already fallen into some carefully prepared traps in the Pyatigorsk sector but the Russians are still withdrawing.