MADE BY GERMANS IN VITAL AREAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 October 1941, Page 6

MADE BY GERMANS IN VITAL AREAS

In Spite of Dogged Russian Defence DANGEROUS THREAT TO MOSCOW BATTLE OF GIGANTIC PROPORTIONS (By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, October 15. While it is authoritatively stated that the Russian troops have nowhere lost their cohesion, the “Red Star’’ says: “Moscow is endangered. The enemy has • reached the far-off approaches to the capital and the city’s defences must immediately be strengthened. The Germans broke some of the defences in the Viazma area, and despite terrific losses hold a considerable advantage in this sector, in parts of which the balance of forces is unfavourable.to the Russians.’’ The “Pravda’’ reports that in the past 24 hours the Germans have advanced again on the central front. The battle for the Moscow Road has assumed a gigantic proportion, both sides throwing in masses of fresh troops. The Germans are advancing slowly in the Bryansk area, with the Russians contesting every yard. In one brief engagement, the Germans lost a thousand men. Snow and rain are hindering operations in the Ukraine. A Moscow message says the German drive along the shore of the Sea of Azov was stopped eastwards of Mariupol. After the fall of that place, the Russians managed to withdraw and establish new lines, against which the Germans suffered heavier losses than before Mariupol. The Moscow radio states that troops from Leningrad are advancing on a broad front and crossing the river “N.” The advance follows on the recapture of three localities and continues despite German minefields. The Russians are effectively using smoke-screens and an artillery barrage.