CRIMEAN BATTLES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 September 1941, Page 5

CRIMEAN BATTLES

NAZI ATTACKS SMASHED STRONG RUSSIAN DEFENCE OF ISTHMUS. EXTENSIVE AREA MINED & FORTIFIED. LONDON,; September 26. Moscow gives the first results of the battle of the Crimea, which was opened with a direct German attack on the isthmus. The enemy, it is reported, were repulsed in fortified territory and the Russians have the situation in hand. A Moscow spokesman, describing the attack, says that the enemy preparations began at midnight 'on September 24 with a heavy artillery bombardment. ’ This was followed by attacks by tanks and mechanised infantry, while a number of parachutists were also used| The Russians, operating with the support of vast minefields, smashed large enemy forces, and the enemy withdrew to reform for an attack eight hours later. This attack met with a withering fire from Russian long-range artillery from the isthmus and from the bay to the west of the isthmus. Before noon yesterday this attack was also broken. Some infiltration was made, but the enemy were soon surrounded and annihilated. ATTACK CONTINUES ON .CRIMEAN ISTHMUS. SEVERE FIGHTING ON WHOLE FRONT. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) RUGBY, September 26. Information reaching London indicate sthat the German attack on the Crimea, which has been proceeding during the last 24 hours, continues to develop in the region of Perekop. Severe fighting continues along the whole front, especially around Leningrad, where the Russians have beaten off attacks from three different directions and the Germans do not appear to have made any fresh progress.