“BALTIC FRONT”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 December 1943, Page 3

“BALTIC FRONT”

SIGN OF SOVIET OPTIMISM LIKELY TO BE JUSTIFIED. IMPASSIVE EARLY SUCCESS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) RUGBY, December 20. The striking Russian gains recorded in last night's communique naturally focus attention on this northern sector, where for the first time troops of the “Baltic Front” are mentioned. Such a designation is thought to show considerable optimism on the part of the Russians, as it implies a hope and intention to advance to the Baltic, but it is felt in London that such optimism is sure to be justified. ■ The Moscow radio says: “The Soviet offensive was made more difficult by numerous lakes and a swampy terrain. Cloudy weather made action by the Soviet Air Force difficult, but the Soviet troops, having launched an offensive from three directions, broke through the enemy’s defence zone on the first day. In the first three days, over 150 localities were liberated, including the district centre of Yezerisch. The enemy constantly brought up fresh reserves and launched up to seventeen counter-attacks daily, but the Soviet troops continued their offensive, winning one position after another.” Little is known here of General Bagramya, commanding on the First Baltic Front. An Armenian, he was Chief of Staff to Marshal Timoshenko earlier in the war and commander of an army in the heavy fighting on the Byelgorod-Orel sector last summer. He holds the Order of Suvarov, First Class.