MOSCOW SILENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 June 1943, Page 4

MOSCOW SILENT

ON ATTACKS IN OREL AREA GERMANS REPORT UNBROKEN DEFENCE. SEA OF AZOV PORT SHELLED. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, Noon.) LONDON. June 13. Although Moscow today is silent regarding the fighting In the Orel sector reported from Berlin, Russian attacks, according to Berlin, have been launched south of Byelev, which is north of Orel and also around Orel itself and south-east of Orel. The Germans state that the Russians laid down the heaviest artillery and bombing barrage and attempted a major thrust along a four-mile front, which has been frustrated. The German News Agency reports that the Russians are using increased numbers of bombers and battle planes in this sector, with the support of a number of new batteries, under cover of which Soviet riflemen worked their way to the level of the German forward defences. The Russians made several more attempts to force a success, the enemy news agency adds, but everywhere failed in the face of determined resistance.

The news agency also asserts that German light naval units on June 11 bombarded Akhtari, a Soviet harbour on the east coast of the Sea of Azov. It is claimed that landing places and harbour installations suffered heavily.

IMPORTANT TOWN CAPTURED BY RUSSIANS. ENEMY ATTACKS WEST OF ROSTOV. (Received This Day 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, June 13. The Russians have captured Velish, an important town on the central Russian front, 50 miles north-east of the railway junction of Vitebsk. This was announced by the Algiers radio, which was quoting reports from Berlin, which stated that the Russians made thirteen attacks around the town before entering it. German reports claimed that German counter-attacks were in progress. The capture of the town is not confirmed from Moscow. There have been many, reports during the past six weeks of minor activity in the Velish area, but no indications were given that this was likely to develop into a major attack. Reuter’s Moscow correspondent describes a strong German attack west of Rostov during the weekend. He says the near future will tell whether this was the prelude to a German offensive. It was the most serious attempt the Germans have yet made to test the strength' of the Soviet defences since the spring lull set in. The German attacks were beaten back only after a day and night of heavy fighting, including hand to hand clashes. The enemy began by pushing forward a regiment which was immediately engaged. Two other attacks were then made on' the flanks, involving three battalions, supported by tanks. The right flank force was easily defeated within two hours, but the left flank fought till nightfall. Hundreds of Germans were left on the battlefield, but the enemy evidently is determined to continue the attacks.