EAST FRONT BATTLES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 December 1943, Page 4

EAST FRONT BATTLES

GERMANS LEFT WITH LITTLE TO SHOW FOR COSTLY COUNTER-ATTACKS, RUSSIAN THREAT TO KHERSON. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.10 p.m.) LONDON, December 23. The Germans are attempting to improve their positions in the Jlobin, Beresina and Mosir areas, but their attacks in these areas and also in the Korosten and Kirovgrad areas, so far have not achieved significant results, says a Reuter correspondent. The whole situation in the Dnieper bend may be radically changed by the threat to which Kherson, after the liquidation of the German bridgehead there, now lies exposed. The Berlin radio says the Russians have renewed fierce attacks against the German bridgehead at Nikopol and are also strongly counter-attacking north-east of Jitomir.

The Paris radio reports that a great tank battle is raging south-east of Korosten and adds that the Russians have thrown in a large number of tanks in a bid to stem the German advance, but have been forced to yield ground.

THOUSANDS OF GERMANS

TRAPPED IN MARSHLANDS. DOZENS OF GARRISONS ■ SURROUNDED. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.20 p.m.) LONDON, December 23. The battle for Vitebsk opened with one of the greatest concentrations of modern weapons, the German defences being pounded by a . vicious Russian artillery barrage. The Berlin radio admits that the Russians east and north of Vitebsk succeeded in breaching the German lines, and the German-controlled Paris radio says the Russians have begun a new offensive on the Velish-Vitebsk Road, throwing in several infantry divisions and many tanks on a narrow sector. The radio claims that the attack has been held, on the whole, but that the German Command has withdrawn forces at certain points to positions held by fresh reserves. Reuter's Moscow correspondent says the battle in many sectors has become a duel of cold steel, in which the bayonet is playing an important part. Red Army infantry, with bayonets, on a narrow sector broke five successive German counter-attacks. As the Russians are nearing Vitebsk’s main defenGerman resistance is noticeably stiffening. The Germans are making as many as 20 counter-attacks daily. Russian cavalry forces, sweeping through deep minefields and barbed wire entanglements into the German rear, are cutting the enemy down with sabres.

The Russian advance has trapped thousands of Germans in the marshes south of Nevel, says the British United Press Moscow correspondent. Dozens of German strongholds have been encircled and the Germans, despite throwing in strong tank, infantry and air forces, have been unable to free their surrounded garrisons.