CAPTURE OF KRASNODAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 February 1943, Page 3

CAPTURE OF KRASNODAR

GREAT MILITARY FEAT. IN WILDERNESS OF ICE. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 13. The Russian feat in capturing Krasnodar, the capital of the Kuban district, can be appreciated from an account which is given by the Moscow radio of the extent of the fortifications which were erected by the Germans round the stronghold. Several thousands of the Soviet civilians were compelled to help erect these fortifications, which included anti-tank obstacles, dug-outs, trenches and minefields. A terrific artillery barrage faced the Soviet troops. Several days of torrential rains followed by sudden frosts and blizzards converted the whole area into a wilderness of ice, broken by swollen streams. The Soviet troops overcame all obstacles in wiping out the enemy garrisons in innumerable strongpoints, and half encircled the city, while other forces cut the main road to prevent the enemy from retreating or sending up reinforcements. After vain attempts to hold the crossing on the Kuban River, the enemy fell back to the northwest and the Russians entered Krasnodar. More than 1000 Germans were killed.