THREAT TO KIEV

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 September 1941, Page 5

THREAT TO KIEV

\ GERMAN DRIVE MAKING r HEADWAY CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS REPORTED. RUSSIANS’ POWER TO HIT BACK. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) RUGBY, September 11. In addition to the Murmansk area thrust the German advance, in a south-easterly direction from Gomel, also appears to have been renewed and is making considerable headway. Thus the threat to Kiev and the line of the lower Dnieper, which began with the German capture of Gomel, is increased. There is no news today of any change south of Kiev or round Leningrad. Nevertheless Marshal Timoshenko’S counter-offensive in the Smolensk sector, which appears to have made substantial advance in the last week or two is an encouraging sign of the Russians’ ability to force the Germans back. Although it is uncertain whether the Russians can maintain the ground they have regained their advance at least shows that theii long retreat has not destroyed the power of their armies to attack in theii turn when the occasion demands and opportunity offers. It is also remark - able as being the first occasion on which the German armed forces have been compelled to retire since Hitler came into power, indeed since 1918.

GERMAN WOUNDED ENORMOUS DEATH RATE. THROUGH LACK OF ATTENTION. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. September 10. Renerts from the Eastern Front, states the London German newspaper “Die Zeitung,” confirm that the Gelman command has been unable to secure timely evacuation of wounded from the front. Because of the shortage of ambulances and transport vehicles the Germans are using ammunition lorries to evacuate the wounded. Thousands of wounded who are gathered along the roads waiting for transport receive no medical aid. A German military doctor stated that half of the wounded Germans and Rumanians fail to reach the field casualty 'stations and hospitals. , , . After fighting near Blazovescnenßa, in the Odessa region, stretcher bearers picked up 900 killed, 2100 wounded German and Rumanian officeis and men. Of the wounded, 900 died within three days, as the command did not send a single vehicle even for gravelywounded officers. An enormous death rate has also been caused by the shortage of medical supplies and personnel.