IN THE DEFENCES OF MOSCOW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 October 1941, Page 5

IN THE DEFENCES OF MOSCOW

Russians Counter-Attack In All Sectors TERRIFIC BATTLES ON APPROACHES TO ROSTOV ASSURANCE OF BRITISH AID ON GREAT SCALE LONDON, October 28. While there is no slackening in the German pressure on Moscow, the Soviet Army newspaper “Red Star’’ states that after a series of furious attacks by the Germans, the Russian troops today launched counter-attacks in all sectors. The Germans had succeeded in making some headway in a number of places and fortifying themselves in new positions. In London it is thought that the Germans may be within 40 miles of the Russian capital, but that no vital breach has been made in the defences. The Russians are still holding the north-eastern part oi Kalinill - „ x , xzl The fact that the Germans make no reference to the battle is taken to indicate that their troops are making little headway. A German announcer spoke of the difficulty that is being found in bringing up supplies. Moscow reports that yesterday Russian dive-bombers destroyed 70 tanks, 200 lorries and at least two infantry battalions. Today’s Russian reports from the southern sector speak of heavy fighting in the vicinity of Kharkov and Taganrog. There is still no confirmation from Russian sources of the German claim to have captured Kharkov. One report speaks of fighting in the suburbs of that city. The Germans are stated to have lost 3,500 officers and men in a single assault. Terrific battles are still going on on the approaches to Rostov. The Germans are said to be within 10 to 15 miles of the city. 1 . . , , An indication of the scale of British aid to Russia has been given by Sir John Anderson, Lord President of the Council. He said that if he could give details of the supplies that Britain had promised and would send to Russia his hearers would be staggered. This was quite apart from what would be sent by the United States. Some people, Sir John said, were asking if Britain had a plan in the matter of helping Russia. The answer was in the affirmative, but they could not say what they were going to do without conveying information to the enemy.