FIVE GERMAN ATTACKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 September 1943, Page 3

FIVE GERMAN ATTACKS

ON LANDING BEACHES REPELLED BY FIFTH ARMY. ENEMY WITHDRAWAL IN SOUTH. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) RUGBY, September 10. The Fifth Army z in the Naples area, composed of British and American troops, is fighting its way against the stiffest German opposition, and Has repulsed five separate German attacks on the lariding beaches, which have been well protected, says a correspondent at headquarters in North Africa. The Allies identified the Sixteenth German , Panzer Divisions, which had not been 1 heard of since Stalingrad, and evident- , ly had been reformed since. | In the south the Eighth Army is advancing, and all along the Italian front progress is satisfactory and well ahead of timetable. Commando forces, which , landed in a bay south of Pizzo, and were met by the Germans on the beaches, have joined the rest of the army at Vibo Valenda. All over the front the Germans are withdrawing steadily, fighting rearguard actions and putting extensive demolitions in the way of the advancing Allied forces. The Allied line runs from north of Pizzo, southwards down the road to Clinque Fronde, then across to Siderno and up the east coast road to Monasterace Marina. All day powerful air cover was given by NorthWest African forces over the landing near Naples and over the southern battle fronts. No serious enemy fighter opposition was encountered, and not more than 40 enemy aircraft were seen during the day, although some bombed the beaches. Heavy blows were delivered on German motor transport, and thirty hits were scored on trucks east of Naples. Ninety-five trucks were destroyed and 133 were damaged by strafing fighter-bombers.