MADE BY THE EIGHTH ARMY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 December 1943, Page 3

MADE BY THE EIGHTH ARMY

In the Adriatic Coastal Zone AGAINST STRONG GERMAN OPPOSITION COUNTER-ATTACK BY PANZERS THROWN BACK LONDON, December 3. In Italy, the Eighth Army has moved forward in heavilymined country on the east coast and by yesterday had penetrated to the outskirts of the coastal village of San Vito, seven miles from the Sangro River. Tanks advancing north along the main coast road were counter-attacked, before they reached San Vito, by panzers, which were driven off. Further inland fierce battles had taken place for stronglyfortified enemy positions. One of these positions was captured after fierce fighting which lasted 24 hours. The Germans report that they have given up Lanciano, in the coastal area, south of San Vito. Correspondents state that there are signs that the Germans are rushing’ reinforcements to the south. For the second day running Allied aircraft have put down a heavy barrage on enemy positions covering the main road to Rome, on the Fifth Army’s front. British troops have pushed forward in the face of machine-gun fire. A big force of American Liberator bombers raided the railway on the main line 30 miles from the Brenner Pass. R.A.F, Wellingtons did heavy damage to railway yards at one of the most important junctions in Central Italy. The American Flying Fortress crews who bombed the Üboat base at Marseilles yesterday reported good results. Escorting planes destroyed 11 German fighters. “There are persistent reports of a ‘break-through’ on the Eighth Army front, but there is still no solid evidence to confirm them, ’ ’ says the military correspondent of ‘ ‘ The Times. ’ ’ “ The number of prisoners so far captured is small for a front of this extent even if lightly held, as this undoubtedly was. The obvious interpretation of the Eighth Army push is what might be called breaking through a fortified line, but not breaking through a front. Those who range ahead of the news lay up for themselves disappointment.’’