ON RISING SCALE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 June 1943, Page 3

ON RISING SCALE

FIGHTING IN OREL AREA RUSSIANS BREAK INTO AXIS POSITIONS. COUNTER-ATTACKS REPELLED. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, June 16. On the Russian front the fighting north-east of Orel shows no signs of slackening. Jt is on a much bigger scale than recent clashes. Early today the Germans launched four counter-attacks, after the Russians had broken into their positions. Under cover of a smoke screen, tanks and infantry reached the outskirts of a village, but the Russians then drove them back to their starting point. HEAVY AIR BATTLE DEFENCE OF CONVOY BOUND FOR RUSSIA. SERIES OF GERMAN ATTACKS DEFEATED. LONDON, June 16. An air battle, lasting for three hours, in which aircraft of Russia’s northern navy escorting a convoy defeated a series of attacks by German planes, is reported by the Moscow radio.

The convoy, which was carrying valuable cargoes, was first attacked by 20 of the enemy. This attack was beaten off, but 10 Focke-Wulfs developed another attack, and, after the fighting had lasted some time, both sides received reinforcements.

As a result of these engagements, five Messerschmitts and four Focke-Wulfs were shot into the sea. An enemy hydroplane attempted to rescue the German crews, but was itself damaged and capsized. Four German airmen were drowned and three others were taken prisoner.