CONSOLIDATED BY THE EIGHTH ARMY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 November 1943, Page 3

CONSOLIDATED BY THE EIGHTH ARMY

Preparations for Further Attack

IN ATROCIOUS CONDITIONS OF GROUND AND WEATHER

POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE ALLIED AIR SUPPORT LONDON, November 26. In Italy the Eighth Army is consolidating and improving its bridgehead on the north bank of the River Sangro and building up strength for another bite into the German winter line. Conditions of ground and weather are atrocious. The icy waters of the Sangro are swollen by continued rain and the banks on either side are seas of mud. In spite of these conditions, and the attentions of the Luftwaffe and German guns, bridges have been built and additional troops are moving into the bridgehead. Allied aircraft are putting in plenty of firstclass offensive work. Prisoners state that Allied air attacks on the Germans in < Mheir positions on high ground north of the river—attacks in which anti-personnel and other bombs are being dropped in large numbers—are very demoralising. Eighth Army troops have captured high ground north-west of Castel Di Sangro from which they dominate that town. About five miles further inland Allied troops, who have captured a town, are meeting stiff enemy resistance. On the Fifth Army’s front patrols and artillery duels are reported.