BATTLE RAGING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 August 1942, Page 3

BATTLE RAGING

DAY & NIGHT IN NORTH CAUCASUS .

FIGHTING ON BOTH SIDES OF KUBAN RIVER.

DOGGED RUSSIAN RESISTANCE IN DON BEND.

(British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) RUGBY, August 18.

A battle is raging day and night in all sectors of the North Caucasus, according to Moscow messages, especially at Mineralnye Vody and the Germans continue to advance in some places . The Russians, taking advantage of the terrain, are trying to halt or at least slow up the advance. The situation in the Krasnodar area has oecome graver since the crossing of the Kuban River by the Germans, who are increasing their pressure on the soviet positions. There is fighting apparently in many places on both sides of the river. The “Red Star” says fighting has practically ceased in most places north-east of Kotelnikovo, as the Germans have retreated several miles since their recent reverses and are building defence lines. The Russians are continually harassing them. They are trying to further improve their positions. South-east of Kletskaya the Germans are still trying to reach the west bank of the Don, but the Russian resistance is as stubborn as ever and the Red Army is dropping parachute troops in the enemy’s rear. The Germans have used air forces, artillery and infantry against the parachutists. There has also been heavy fighting south of Kletskaya, where the Germans yesterday drove a wedge into the Soviet front. After receiving reinforcements, the Red Army struck back on the flanks of the wedge. Fighting is especially bitter in the central part of the Kletskaya area, where large forces of Germans kept advancing in face of stubborn resistance. Finally the Russians, struck simultaneously on two sides, inflicted heavy losses and blocked the enemy advance. The “Red Star” comments: “The Germans continue to amass their forces and attack frequently.”