MORE GAINS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 December 1943, Page 4

MORE GAINS

MADE BY EIGHTH ARMY ADVANCE ON 25 MILE FRONT. GERMAN COUNTER-ATTACK EXPECTED. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, December 1. The Eighth Army by noon today had overrun the German defences on the Sangro, which are the last known organised line south of the Pescara River, say front line dispatches. This smashing blow has broken dowp nearly half of the German winter line. The Eighth Army, in one day’s fighting, advanced three miles on a 25 mile front and occupied Lanciano, Casoli and Castel Frentano. Advanced units of the Eighth Army are now operating from the high fivemile ridge which was taken by storm. They are expecting to meet the first thrusts from the main German coun-ter-attacks, which are likely in the near future. All counter-attacks so far have been thrown back. A correspondent says the Germans continue to fight stubbornly and hard fighting is still expected. He adds that the Eighth Army troops, with reinforcements and supplies, are crossing the Sangro on a wide front. Reuter’s correspondent, commenting on the position, says there is another lateral road four miles ahead of the Eighth Army, but it is not apparent whether the Germans intend to make a stand in this position. General Montgomery stopped his carin the battle area and said: “It is a good show. We have broken through the German defence line and the Adriatic Axis. I am prouder than ever of the Eighth Army men.” The Associated Press Algiers correspondent states that the Fifth Army has advanced three miles.