ON GERMAN DEFENSIVE LINE IN ITALY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 November 1943, Page 3

ON GERMAN DEFENSIVE LINE IN ITALY

Considerable Headway Made by Fifth Army MUCH HIGH GROUND CAPTURED AIR AND LAND ACTIVITY IN IMPROVING WEATHER LONDON, November 3. In Italy, much of the high ground, which the Germans held strongly a few days ago is now in the Fifth Army’s hands. It is the Allies’ turn to hold the dominating hill positions, in readiness for the next stage. The Germans say the next stage has already begun. They state that the Allies have launched and made some progress in the long-expected attack in the western coastal sector. The attack was preceded by a big artillery .preparation. The German positions are also exposed to shell fire from Allied warships. Allied correspondents state that British troops have broken the enemy positions on the Massico Ridge and now hold so much high ground that they have a complete view of the plains ahead. Five miles from Teano they have captured much of another 3000 ft, hill and this, too, gives them full observation over tile plains;. . , Still further inland American troops have gained more high ground and are within ten miles of a key town. All these Fifth Army gains have been made against strong German resistance. On the central front the enemy hurriedly threw in tanks in an effort to restore the situation. The tanks were thrown back, again. The Eighth Army is increasing its pressure against the Germans in better weather. Bombers based in the Mediterranean had their biggest day yesterday since the first landing in Italy. The greatest raid of all was that of American heavy bombers on a Messerschmitt works in Austria. Considerable dama t ge was done. Six bombers were lost. At least 30 German fighters were shot down.