ANNOUNCED BY MARSHAL STALIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 November 1943, Page 3

ANNOUNCED BY MARSHAL STALIN

Another Heavy and Damaging German Defeat

ENEMY RETREATING UNDER PRESSURE TO WEST AND NORTH-WEST

SOVIET TROOPS DRIVING TOWARDS BOBRUISK

LONDON, November 26. Marshal Stalin has issued a special order of the day announcing the capture of Gomel, the great enemy stronghold in White Russia and the last held by the Germans east of the Dnieper. Marshal Stalin described Gomel as an important railway junction and powerful strongpoint in the enemy’s defences. The victory will be celebrated by the firing of 20 salvos from Moscow’s 224 guns. The Germans earlier announced the evacuation of Gomel and talked about a move to shorten their lines. There is no question, however, but that the Germans have suffered another big defeat. They fought desperately to hold Gomel but their position became more and more precarious. The crowning blow was the new Soviet offensive in the north, which carried the Red Army astride the main road from Gomel and left the railway to the north-west as the only way out for the garrison. The railway is already under fire from Russian guns. The Russians, are making further progress in their drive towards Bobruisk, a vital road and railway junction 90 miles north-west of Gomel. The Moscow radio says the Germans are in full retreat in this area. The Red Army has deepened its wedge in the enemy’s defences. Tommy-gunners penetrated deep into the enemy’s rear, capturing road junctions and bridges, the enemy’s defences being completely disorganised.