NOT INCREASED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 August 1942, Page 3

NOT INCREASED

GERMAN FOOTHOLD EAST OF DON IN SPITE OF TREMENDOUS EFFORTS. BATTLES FOUGHT IN TORRID HEAT. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) RUGBY, August 23. Although the German attacks in j the Stalingrad sector have been intensified from the south-west, it is thought in London that the Russians are still holding the enemy. In the Don Bend, where violent fighting is reported, the Germans, despite every effort, have not increased their foothold on the east bank. There has been a further advance towards Novorossisk, but, generally speaking, the advance everywhere in the Caucasus region has been very much slowed down. Describing the fighting north-east of Kotelnikovo, a Moscow message says: “The weather is very hot. Rivulets and lakes have dried up and drinking water is precious. Bursting shells and the firing of the steppe brush have allowed the Germans to strike from behind a screen of fire and smoke. Braving hazards, and using water only to revive ’ those who collapse, the Russians are repulsing attack after attack.” ' The “Pravda,” also describing these battles, says: “Only a red sun reminded the troops that it was day time. The Red Army suffered torture, but firmly held the line Tongues of flame began to lick the trenches and behind the ~ screen of smoke and fire surged enemy tanks and tommy-gunners. On orders from their commanders, the Red Army men rose from the bottom of their trenches and fired, the steppe being strewn with German corpses.” The “Izvestia” says the Germans are holding a narrow line on the east bank of the Don, south-east of Kletskaya, but Soviet counter-attacks are preventing the enemy widening their line. Baby tanks, brought by the Germans to the east bank, were destroyed and fighting is raging along the west bank, as the Germans try to find a weak spot in the defences. The enemy is hurling masses of tanks and planes into the battle on this narrow sector. Successful Soviet actions in the Caucasian mountain passes have prevented an enemy drive in otner sectors. , In an unnamed vital settlement, persistent attacks made by the Germans against Soviet forces defending a valley led to the penetration of the entire Soviet defence. The Germans turned and struck from the rear. The Russians gave battle and spotted the enemy everywhere, but were forced to abandon the valley. ” '’Fierce fighting continues.