NAZIS STRIVING DESPERATELY TO REACH KIEV

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 August 1941, Page 5

NAZIS STRIVING DESPERATELY TO REACH KIEV

No Major Change on Other Parts of Front STRONG RUSSIAN COUNTER-ATTACKS CONTINUE INTRODUCTION OF HEAVY REINFORCEMENTS LONDON, August 3. In the southern zone of the Eastern Front, in the Ukraine, a great battle flared up yesterday and continued to rage all through the night. The Russian commander in this area (Marshal Budenny) said today that the Germans had thrown an arc around the southern and western approaches to Kiev. It appears that the Germans are making their most dangerous thrust in the hilly country 45 miles south of Kiev. While the Russian forces on the extreme south front are stoutly resisting the Germans, in the extreme north they are reported to be striking repeated counter-blows at the enemy, ahe Finns admit that a number of Russian counter-attacks have been launched. In the Baltic zone Moscow reports further fighting in Estonia and the Germans speak of the destruction of Russian units in this area. . jn „ . In the heart of the vast eastern battlefront—m the Smolensk area—there is no news of any major change. The Germans are now referring to the Smolensk battle as one of attiition, and except in the Ukraine, it is now clear that the second great German offensive has been checked on all fronts. It is pointed out in London that the Germans may be preparing another offensive in a desperate attempt to gain a decision before winter comes. , . A Moscow communique states that German motorised troops who forced a crossing of a river by the use of pontoon bridges were thrown back by a swift counterattack. Further up the river the Russians blew up a dam, which swept avzay the pontoon bridges, cutting off the German forces. Foui hundred were killed or drowned, more than 40 lorries were put out of action and the rest of the force was captured. It is reported that fresh Russian forces are continually . going into the line and their courage and resolution are described as unlimited. The German army on the Eastern Front is stated to be suffering from an extreme shortage of ammunition. A warning has been issued to the men to be sparing in its use, as its transportation to the front involves great difficulties. Every day, it is stated, 18 to' 20 trains loaded with wounded soldiers leave for Germany. Preparations are already in hand in Moscow to free the Polish prisoners of war in Russia, who will form a Polish legion.