FIFTH ARMY ATTACKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 October 1943, Page 3

FIFTH ARMY ATTACKS

VOLTURNO RIVER CROSSED IN STRENGTH Grim Straggle Proceeding GERMANS REPORT LANDING IN REAR TWO AMERICAN DESTROYERS SUNK LONDON, October 14. A grim struggle is proceeding north of the Volturno River, in Italy. British and American troops with the Fifth Army have crossed the river east and west of Capua, in considerable strength at several points and have got a number of tanks across. Beyond Capua they are astride the main road to Rome. According to the Germans, the Allies landed a seaborne force in the rear of their line, north of the Volturno River. The Germans are reported to be fighting with skill and ferocity. A correspondent states that the battle of the Volturno bridgehead is approaching a climax. The Germans expected the attack and on Tuesday night tried to cross the river themselves. Some of their troops reached the Allies’ side of the river but were flung back. The Allies then attacked in great strength. The Germans concentrated a terrific barrage on the river. Further fierce fighting is expected. The German positions are threatened by the right flank of the Fifth Army, which is now 23 miles north-east of Capua, and by the Eighth Army, which was last reported to be within seven miles of an important crossroads town. Allied planes are keeping up their attacks on enemy targets. American bombers went to Albania and raided an airfield used by the Luftwaffe. Two American destroyers have been lost in the Mediterranean, one at Salerno a few days ago and the other yesterday elsewhere in the Mediterranean.