IN FULL SWING

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21584, 21 November 1941, Page 5

IN FULL SWING

BATTLE FOR ROSTOV ENEMY’S HEAVY LOSSES EVACUATION OF KERCH (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlgtit) LONDON, Nov. 20 The battle for Rostov, northern gateway to the Caucasus, is in full swing. The Germans have brought up new forces which attacking on a wide arc running from Novochakhtinsk in the north, to the Sea of Azov. The spearhead of the attack is a mixed force under General Guderian, comprising a tank division, two infantry divisions and a cavalry unit. The Germans are losing heavily in men and equipment, but are pressing the offensive with great determination. In one sub-sector Soviet artillery, aided by special anti-tank units, defeated an entire battalion of infantry and large numbers of tanks. Russian forces elsewhere, under Commander Kreuzer, successfully counter-at-tacked and cut off and practically wiped out an infantry regiment. They also severely mauled other German forces attempting to relieve this regiment. The Germans immediately start to fortify every village that is captured, evidently aiming at maki ing them tenable for the winter, but [ in spite of these precautions the Russians recaptured two- fortified I villages. i The Red Star reports that the Ger- ! mans incessantly attacked the ap- ! proaches to Sebastopol, but were : beaten off.

The mid-day Moscow communique announces the evacuation of Kerch by the Russians by order of the High Command. Killed by Bayonets The Moscow newspaper Red Star says a German infantry division and between 70 and 80 tanks struck a new blow against Tula (110 miles south of Moscow) from the southeast after a heavy artillery and air, bombardment. In one area only 25 men of two German companies reached the Russian positions, where they were killed by bayonets. After a preliminary artillery barrage and bombing by 20 aeroplanes, German tanks, supported by motorised infantry, simultaneously attacked from three points, and bloody fighting continued all day. The Red Star added that hordes of drunken soldiers attacked Major Tereshkoff's units, but were mown down by machine-gun fire and rifle fire. Some of the heaviest fighting on the central front is now centred at Volokalamsk, 70 miles west of Moscow, where the Germans are flinging in large numbers of tanks. They have made some headway, but Major-General Rokossovsky's men have prevented a spectacular advance. The Russians also successfully parried a new German blow at Kalinin, 100 miles north-west of the capital. Wooden Tanks Used The Germans have been unsuccessful in the Mojaisk sector, in spite of the use of “three-p’y” tanks to give the appearance of great numbers. The Germans here sent a column of “alcoholised” infantry into action. The Moscow radio said yesterday: “In the region “T” the Germans attempted to advance, using not only real tanks, but wooden mock tanks, trying to give the impression of a fierce tank attack. This trick failed, one real tank and three wooden tanks being destroyed.” It is considered in London that the Germans are still searching for a weak spot in the central sector. It appears also that the Germans are renewing the offerisive in the Donetz industrial region.

DANISH MINISTER RELATION’S BROKEN’ OFF (Omcial Wireless) (Received Nov. 21, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Nov. 20 The Danish Minister to Iran, M. Fensmark, is reported in London authoritative circles to have broken off relations with the German-controlled Government at Copenhagen. His action is stated to be based on the complete disregard shown by the Germans for the terms originally imposed on Denmark and compelling the Danes to forego political neutrality by recognising Croatia and Manchuku, and, above all, by breaking off relations between Denmark and Russia. FUNERAL IN BELGIUM (United Press .uu>. -Fie.- Tr! ronyrleim LONDON. Nov. 19 The Belgians arranged an impressive funeral for six British airmen who were killed in a recent battle in which tour German aeroplanes were shot down, reports the Times correspondent in Belgium. A large crowd attended the burial and floral i tributes were sent from many locali--1 ties- * A tablet was placed on the graves inscribed: “In gratitude to those who gave their lives for our liberation.”