FINAL ASSAULT ON CATANIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 July 1943, Page 3

FINAL ASSAULT ON CATANIA

Eighth Army Armoured Patrols Probing Enemy Positions CANADIANS OVERCOMING OPPOSITION FURTHER WEST AMERICANS THRUSTING INTO INTERIOR > OF ISLAND LONDON, July 20. Correspondents state that the Brjtish Eighth Army in Sicily is preparing itself for the final assault on Catania. Armoured patrols are probing the enemy’s positions. The Germans are trying desperately to upset the Allied offensive plans, but the Eighth Army is holding firm and time and again enemy tanks have been flung back. In all these actions the Germans are losing valuable men and material, while more men, guns and supplies are pouring up to the front lines on the Allied side. On the western flank of the Eighth Army, the Canadians are meeting strong German opposition and very bitter fightihg is reported in this sector. The Canadians are still making headway and are now reported to be 12 miles from Enna, an important road and railway junction in the centre of the island. Further west, the Americans are pushing well inland and prisoners are coming in by hundreds. Mutinies are reported among Italian troops commanded by German officers. Catania is a main target for air and sea forces. It was heavily shelled by a British cruiser this morning. The railway station was hit by six shells and other enemy targets along the Sicilian coast were also badly damaged. Catania was attacked again by bombers, together with its nearby supply base, Hitler and Mussolini are reported to have met in a town in Northern Italy to discuss military questions.