LAUNCHED BY RUSSIANS IN VORONEZH AREA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 January 1943, Page 4

LAUNCHED BY RUSSIANS IN VORONEZH AREA

Germans Admit Break-Through BUT SAY IT WAS IMMEDIATELY “SEALED OFF” HEAVY FIGHTING ALSO IN LENINGRAD AREA (By Telegraph.—Press Association. —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 11.55 a.m.) LONDON, January 13. The Russians have launched a new offensive in the Voronezh area (midway between Stalingrad and Moscow). Announcing this, the German High Command said: “The sector south of Voronezh is now drawn into the gigantic East front battle. The Russian offensive, which had been expected for some time, began with a very violent artillery barrage. The Russians achieved a local break-through, which was immediately sealed off. Fighting everywhere is very fierce.” The Berlin radio simultaneously reported that the Leningrad garrison is strongly attacking towards Lake Ladoga, while another strong Russian force is attacking the eastern side of the German ring compressing Leningrad. The Berlin radio added that it is not yet clear whether this is a major offensive or an attempt to draw off German reserves from other sectors. Berlin spokesmen now admit that the Russians are aiming at Rostov. They say the Red Army is employing terrific numbers of reserves in the Millerovo and Mineralnie Vodi areas. The Russians report that the Germans are making a major effort to stem the Lower Don drive towards Rostov, particularly in the Manich area, where the Germans are energetically exploiting the last natural defence line before Rostov. The Germans counter-attacked in the Manich area with a large tank formation', and pushed the Russians back slightly, but the Red Army regrouped and recaptured the lost points. The Germans must retain the Manich line to enable their forces further south to carry out their withdrawal which is progressing under heavy Russian pressure.