BITTER FIGHTING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 May 1942, Page 3

BITTER FIGHTING

1 ENEMY MECHANISED REINFORCEMENTS SMASHED BY RUSSIAN GUNNERS. LUFTWAFFE ON DEFENSIVE. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) LONDON, May 19. The Moscow radio stated that German counter-attacks on the Kharkov front yesterday and today were much fiercer than in the first days of the battle. The fighting is growing more bitter every day. ? The enemy is bringing up more and more mechanised forces, but the Russian gunners, tanks and infantry .are smashing these reinforcements and the Soviet advance is gaining further momentum. The Luftwaffe is on the defensive, the radio stated. Crashed Messerschmitts and Heinkels are scattered in the fields of collective farms. The roads to Kharkov are also strewn with the remains of tanks and other fighting vehicles. Making an effort to stem Marshal Timoshenko’s advance by confusing his rear, the Germans are launching groups of parachutists to a maximum of 120 men. However, these are being wiped Out mostly before reaching the ground. The latest Moscow communiques have stated merely th'at offensive operations continued in the Kharkov direction. A supplement says that Marshal Timoshenko’s trobps are still advancing in several sectors. The midday announcement in Moscow added that fighting continued in the area of the town of Kerch during last night. There was nothing important to report from the other fronts. CONTINUED ADVANCE SOVIET OFFICIAL REPORT. FIGHTING IN TOWN OF KERCH. (Received This Day, 11 a.m.) LONDON, May 19. A Moscow communique states: “Our troops in the Kharkov area continue to advance. There is intense fighting in the town of Kerch.”