ADVANCE CONTINUES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 January 1943, Page 3

ADVANCE CONTINUES

IN THE LENINGRAD ZONE VALIANT SOVIET EFFORTS. WAY BROKEN THROUGH STRONG FORTIFICATIONS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.15- a.m.) RUGBY, January 19. More than a quarter of a million enemy ’troops have died in the battle for Leningrad, it is officially estimated in Moscow. According to the latest agency messages, the advance continues. These messages give an idea of the valour of the Russians in surmounting difficulties. Dense minefields, under a thick layer of snow, blocked the way, but Soviet engineers devised means of blasting the mines and so allowed the infantry, many of whom forced the passage of the Neva in less than ten minutes, speedily to entrench themselves on the left bank, preparatory to capturing a number of strongholds. The Germans resisted stubbornly behind fortifications built during their 516 days of occupation of the terrain, but their counter-attacks, even when supported by tanks, proved futile. In one counter-attack, six out of sixteen tanks were set on fire by Soviet gunners and the remainder were put to flight. An eyewitness account is given in the newspaper “Isvestia” of scenes of relief and delight witnessed in Leningrad last night, following on the announcement of the break in the blockade. Strangers meeting in the streets shook hands and embraced one another. Wounded soldiers in the hospitals cried with happiness. During the most anxious days of the siege workers in the factories were dropping from sheer exhaustion; yet they did not abandon their posts. Today they are rewarded. The weapons they forged 'have defeated the enemy.