BY THE EIGHTH ARMY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 October 1943, Page 3

BY THE EIGHTH ARMY

Strong German Counter-Attacks AT ADRIATIC END OF ITALIAN FRONT ALLIED SUCCESSES IN LAND, AIR AND SEA OPERATIONS LONDON, October 7. Heavy fighting is still reported at the Adriatic end of the Italian front. The Eighth Army has repelled counter-attacks by strong German forces, including a panzer division switched across from the Fifth Army’s front. Yesterday aircraft in the battle area made destructive attacks on enemy road transport and destroyers shelled a railway leading to the battle area. On the Fifth Army’s front further progress has been made towards the Volturno River. The Germans are reported to be holding this line in considerable strength. Yesterday’s report that one Fifth Army spearhead had crossed the Volturno River is not confirmed. It is now stated that the river crossed (by American forces in hill country) is a tributary of the Volturno. Light and medium Allied bombers were again active yesterday. Fighter-bombers attacked railway targets and destroyed six aircraft on an airfield near Rome. Flying Fortresses bombed marshalling yards. British submarines have continued their offensive against German-controlled shipping in the Mediterranean. They have sunk six enemy ships and damaged two others.