HALTED FOR MOMENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 October 1942, Page 4

HALTED FOR MOMENT

THE GERMAN ONSLAUGHT ON STALINGRAD AFTER FIFTY DAYS OF BATTLE BUT NEW EFFORTS EXPECTED. SOVIET PROGRESS NORTH-WEST OF CITY. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.50 a.m.) LONDON. October 11. On the fiftieth day of the Battle for Stalingrad, the German attackers are fought to at least a temporary standstill. The “Red Star” says that although fighting in Stalingrad continues fiercely, the Ger-

man pressure has somewhat weakened owing to enormous losses of first-line forces. Other correspondents describe a' slackening of both infantry and tank attacks The “Red Star,” however, warns that: “The enemy has not given up the idea of capturing the city and is bringing up fresh reserves for a new onslaught.” German artillery and the Luftwafie are still ceaselessly hammering at Stalingrad, but there has been a perceptible lull in ground fighting. A German report states that the struggle is settling down to trench warfare. “The Times” Moscow correspondent says the Germans 'are largely relying on air power to stem the Russian advances north-west of Stalingrad. The Luftwaffe is constantly over the Russian lines, attempting to' pin down the infantry. The Russians, however, continue to advance, taking further strongpoints and improving their positions.

A Moscow communique reports fierce fighting during the day in the areas of Stalingrad and Mozdok. There is no -material change on other fronts. Russian warships have sunk five enemy transports in the Baltic Sea.