STALINGRAD BATTLE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 September 1942, Page 4

STALINGRAD BATTLE

FIGHTING ON FRINGES OF CITY

REPORTED BY RUSSIANS. CONFLICT IN CAUCASUS. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) LONDON, September 16. According to the latest Soviet communique the Germans have reached the fringes of Stalingrad. The communique reports heavy engagements on the north-west outskirts of the city. Fierce fighting is also taking place west and south-west of Stalingrad and in the area of Mozdok, in the Caucasus. This is the first time the Russians have mentioned fighting on the outskirts of Stalingrad.

ENEMY WEDGES DRIVEN AT SOME POINTS. STRUGGLE HOURLY GROWING MORE SEVERE. (Received This Day, 1.0 p.m.) LONDON, September 16. Fighting at Stalingrad is growing hourly more severe. The Germans have brought up fresh reinforcements in a number of sectors and are intensifying their attacks. The “Red Star” says the Germans in two sectors west of the city succeeded in driving a wedge into the Russian positions. Heavy fighting developed and the Germans in most places were forced to withdraw. Groups of isolated tommygunners penetrated deeply into the Russian lines, but most of them were accounted for. The Germans south-west of Stalingrad, with large air-supported forces, drove a wedge into the defenders’ positions. The Russians immediately launched counter-attacks from several directions, causing the Germans to withdraw. According to Axis sources, the German advance has continued despite heavy rain. A German communique states: “Important ground was gained on the Stalingrad front after bitter fighting.” The Paris radio says the Germans have passed the central railway station and are now in possession of three-quarters of Stalingrad. German reports via Switzerland claim that Stalingrad should fall within three days. The Vichy radio says the Russians apparently will be unable to prolong their resistance beyond a few days, because the frontal attack has split the defenders in twain. Both parts are fighting with their backs to the Volga, without direct communication with each other. Russian official sources do not admit any such sweeping advance. Moscow reports that five Axis attacks were broken up south of Voronezh, twenty tanks being destroyed. There is- no fresh development in the Caucasus, where German drives against Grozny and towards Tuapse are held up, while thousands of civilians are throwing up defence works. The Russians report that the railway town of Nalchik, in the Eastern Caucasus, is still in Russian hands, but that the inhabitants are preparing for attacks. Nalchik has a population of 18,000 and is thirty miles south-west of Prokhladnaya. This is the first news from the area since the Germans arrived at Prokhladnaya. It is revealed that the Russians in this sector have retaken a settlement.