GRIP TIGHTENING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 July 1943, Page 3

GRIP TIGHTENING

ON REMAINING AXIS FOOTHOLD IN ITALY Resemblance to the Final Phase in North Africa OPERATIONS OF HEAVY BOMBERS HINDERED BY WEATHER BUT LIGHTER AIRCRAFT BRISKLY MAINTAINING ATTACKS LONDON. July 26. ' The Allies are tightening’ their grip on the north-eastern corner of Sicily. One United States armoured column is advancing along the northern coast and other American forces further inland are also advancing, The Canadians are fighting their way steadily forward against stiffening German resistance. The Eighth Army is keeping up constant pressure against the enemy near Catania. The Germans are now well dug in in this area. Such is the setting as the final battle for Sicily approaches. The situation is remarkably similar to that which existed before the final battle in Tunisia.

Inside the Axis bridgehead are about German divisions and two Italian divisions with some fight left in them. Latest reports state that German reinforcements are still coming in. All round the Mt. Etna line the enemy is firmly dug in. Elsewhere, the American Seventh Army is collecting Italian prisoners by the thousand. It is believed that 70,000, including ten generals and two admirals, have now been captured by the Americans. (A message yesterday from a correspondent at Allied Headquarters said that at least 110,000 Axis prisoners had been taken in Sicily).

Bad weather has held up operations by heavy bombers, but lighter planes have attacked Axis communications and troops. Six enemy aircraft were destroyed last night over Malta, when the enemy made a sharp raid. The defences turned back many of the raiders, but some got through and dropped bombs over a wide area.