IN PROGRESS AT STARAYA RUSSA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 February 1942, Page 3

IN PROGRESS AT STARAYA RUSSA

Ninety-Six Thousand Germans Surrounded RUSSIANS BEAT OFF RELIEVING FORCES OFFENSIVE GATHERING MOMENTUM IN OTHER AREAS LONDON, February 26. In Russia some of the bloodiest fighting of the war is now taking place at Staraya Russa, south of Lake Ilmen, where 96,000 Germans are surrounded. Strong Russian forces have beaten off German reinforcements and the Germans inside the ring are making desperate efforts to break through. The initial stages of the battle cost the Germans 12,000 men and so far the Russians have retaken 147 places in this sector. Russian guerillas are playing an important part in the operations. Aircraft and anti-aircraft defences have been particularly successful in preventing the Germans from supplying the encircled troops from the air. The Moscow radio states that a large number of Russian planes and guns are reaching the north-western front, where the Russian offensive is gaining momentum. A battle is in progress between Smolensk and Viazma. There is also heavy fighting north and south of Kharkov. In the Donetz area the Russians have won successes by the skilful use of cavalry.