FRONT SURVEYED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 October 1941, Page 5

FRONT SURVEYED

ON PATCHY INFORMATION INDICATIONS OF DEEP NAZI PENETRATION. TIMOSHENKO’S RETIREMENT. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) RUGBY, October 8. ihe Russian morning communique repeats the statement of the night communique, that fighting is proceeding along the entire front, and adds that it is particularly fierce in the Viazma and Bryansk directions, which are considerably east of the fighting last mentioned by the Russians in the Smolensk direction. There is no doubt now that a full-scale offensive has been started by the Germans and expert commentators consider that the new “pincers” movement constitutes a threat to Marshal Timoshenko, who was operating recently much nearer to Smolensk, although it is very likely, as the communique specifiically mentions the Viazma and Bryansk directions, that Marshal Timoshenko’s army is now back on this line. A German communique reports that a big battle has occurred in an area north of the Sea of Azov and claims the capture of the staff of the Soviet 9th Army. A Berlin spokesman, who often states as a reality what in fact may only be a probability, claims the capture of Mariupol and Berdyansk, on the Sea of Azov, both of which as far east of any place yet mentioned. in this sector. If the Germans areable to maintain themselves on the line of Zaporozhe — Mariupol, it will mean that the Russian forces which were counter-attacking from the north-east, in the direction of Perekop, can only escape encirclement by forcing their way into the Crimea, after overcoming the German forces attacking there. Presumably the Germans made a quick movement, south from Zaporozhe, behind the Russians, but no official confirmation has been received here from either side and no estimate can yet be made of the size of the German force which may drive south to Mariupol. There is no news of any activity in the Leningrad sector. CANADIAN TANKS NUMBERS fo BE SENT TO RUSSIA. OTTAWA, October 7. Canada has decided on all-out aid to Russia. The Minister of Munitions, Mr Howe, announced that he is sending at least 100 tanks before January, and also all other equipment which can be spared from shipments to Britain. Canada’s tank output has exceeded. expectations, and it will be further stimulated.