The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 5

THE MANCHESTER GUARDIAN', TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1943 NAVAL CHIEF RETIRES Sir Dudley Pound SUCCEEDED BY SIR A. CUNNINGHAM THE MOSCOW CONFERENCE Wide Scope EUROPE'S MANY PROBLEMS RAIN SLOWS DOWN OPERATIONS ON RUSSIAN FRONT Local Engagements and Reconnaissance Moscow Commttniqu6 LAST- GERMAN TROOPS LEAVING THE CAUCASUS BRIDGEHEAD HARD FIGHTING FOR COS Germans 'In Strength' ENEMY'S RING OF AIR BASES From our Special Correspondent Cairo, October 4. The latest news from Cos although scanty -at least indicates that- fighting is still going on, but the information revealed by to-day's communique that the enemy landed' in strength indicates desperate fighting for our garrison. Strenuous attempts have been made ever since the island was taken to neutralise some of the many aerodromes and landing-grounds the enemy possesses around Cos in Crete. Rhodes, and Greece, but our own air bases are mostly far distant, and it has beenNan uphill struggle.

The R.A.F, continued its task yesterday, and in addition to shooting down sectors which may yet be completed OUTFLANKING THREAT TO KESSELRING i i Eighth Army's New Landing AMERICANS CROSS TRIBUTARY OF THE VOLTURNO Resistance Stiffens North of Naples Two important developments in the Italian campaign announced yesterday were a new Eighth Army landing at Termoli, on the Adriatic coast 45 miles north-west of Foggia, and the crossing of the Calore, a tributary of the Volturno, fay American troops north of Benevento, The Termoli landing a "leap-frog" operation 17 miles ahead of General Montgomery's main forces, which have now linked with the seaborne units greatly increases the outflanking threat to the German forces slowly falling back north and north-west of Naples. And, the forcing of the Calore must further reduce, if it does not destroy, the value to the enemy of the "Volturno line." War correspondents reported last night a stiffening of the enemy's resistance, more particularly in the Naples sector. The wrecking of the bridge across the Volturno at Capua, 1 8 miles north-west of Naples, in our latest bombing operations, might partly explain the Germans' anxiety to delay our advance in this area with greater resolution while they repair this interruption to their communications at a most sensitive point. The German News Agency last night made the extraordinary claim that Benevento itself is still in German hands. Last night's Moscow communique was tne snortest issued since the great Russian summer offensive opened in the middle of July.

It stated During October 4 our troops in the Gomel, Mogilev, and Vitebsk directions fought engagements of local importance and have thereby considerably improved their positions. On the other sectors of the front there were intense reconnaissance activities and artillery exchanges. On October 3 on all fronts our troops disabled and destroyed 67 German tanks and 53 German 'planes were shot down. Though it is too early yet to suggest that the campaign has ended the 'Red Army is on the edge of considerable successes on several NAZIS' ORDEAL IN Enemy Preparing or From our Special Stockholm, October 4. The Russians again failed to mention the southern parts of the front in last night's communique, not even claiming their undoubted progress during the past few days against the German-Rumanian bridgehead on the Caucasian mainland, including the capture of the town of Taman, which the Germans have announced as abandoned, Berlin reports to-day openly say that the whole of their bridgehead is now virtually liquidated voluntarily of course and that only rearguards now remain on the upper lip of Taman BayH niniing uiai me removal also ot tnese is impending.

One Berlin description of the withdrawal said that the Germans removed not only their troops but the whole of the local inhabitants to the Crimea, trausporting a large proportion by lunicuiar railway across the Kerch Straits The report adds that the German tenure of the Taman Peninsula and the operations along the Lower Kuban will be remembered as the most trying of the whole war. For over six months German troops have been in close contact with the Russians in the Taman marshes, tor mented: by myriads ot insects and by rats as large as guinea pigs with more diseases than on any other front and often obliged to wade chin-high or swim in muddy water and remain even lona periods under water, breathing through reeas, order to escape the observation of a watchful and cunnine enemy whose machine-guns instantly showered bullets on every spot where the reeds moved suspiciously. GOMEL NEARLY ENCIRCLED References to the lower reaches of the Dnieper and the adjacent plains show that the battle around Zaporozhe and Mil F. TANKS LANDED From C. Ray, our Eighth Army H.Q., October 3 (Night).

The Eighth Army has landed from the sea with tanks at Termoli. This little port is at the extreme north-cast end of a lateral road which crosses Italy from the north-east to the south-west, crossing the Volturno near Ciazzo and rejoining the river near Capua. Our land-patrols are in touch with the landing party, but so far there is little news here of the course of the fighting, except that we have taken sixty prisoners and have established a firm footing. The German line covering the road and the river runs from the Termoli area, west of Motta, through Monte- Admiral of the Fleet Sir Andrew Cunningham, Supreme Naval in the Mediterranean, has" been appointed First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff in place of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Dudley. Pound.

This announcement' was made by the Actaiiralty last night "Sir rjnHlov lmnn whnm fho KinB a month ago conferred the Order of Merit, asked the Prime Minister to relieve him of the appointment as he had had to enter hospital for an indefinite period. tie added "Nothing but would have caused me to offer my resignation so soon after the bestowal of this high award." In a tribute to Sir Dudley's work for the success of Allied arms Mr. Churchill said Your vast and precise knowledge of the sea war in all its aspects, your fortitude in times of anxiety and misfortune, your resourcefulness and readiness to run the risks without which victory can never be won, have combined to make your tenure as First Sea Lord memorable in the records of the Royal Navy." Mr. A. V.

Alexander has also paid a warm tribute to Sir Dudley Pound's services. It was reported last night that Sir Dudley is seriously ill. A fortnight ago it was announced that Sir Dudley Pound, who returned from the United States with the Prime Minister, was unwell and had gone to hospital. Sir Dudley, who was 66 in August, has been the service chief of the Navy throughout the war. He was appointed First Sea Lord and Chief of i the Naval Staff in June.

1939. The King conferred the Order of Merit on Sir Dudley on September 2 for his distinguished naval service. The only other holder of the order among living naval officers is Admiral of the Fleet Lord Chatfield. Before becoming First Sea Lord Sir Dudley had been Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean for three years. He was at Washington for the Allied talks in May end was with the Prime Minister on his previous historic journeys across the Atlantic.

THE NEW CHIEF From a Naval Correspondent Admiral of the Fleet Sir Andrew Cunningham, or "A as he is often called in naval quarters, was born in 1883, so is six years younger than Sir Dudley Found. He has had previous experience of the Board of Admiralty, having been Deputy Chief of tne btan irom 193B to 1933, when he relieved Sir Dudley Pound as Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet Except for an interval of six months last year as British Admiralty delegate at Washington preparing for the North "African landings, he has held that command ever since. Few officers have served for so many years in the and this experience stood him in good stead when Italy entered the war in 1940. Though inferior in force to the enemy. Admiral Cunningham at once seized the initiative, and at the Battle of Calabria his policy of attack, attack, attack soon overbore the vacillating strateev of his opponents.

Thenceforward the Italian fleet rarely ventured far from por.t and "November, 1940, its prestige received a blow from which it never fully recovered. Naval aircraft from Cunningham's two carriers, H.M.S. Illustrious and H.M.S. Eagle, torpedoed enemy battleships and cruisers ihy moonlight as they lay atetheir moorings in the harbour of Taranto. In the following year at the Battle of Matapan the Italian fleet for once allowed itself to be lured a considerable distance from port by the skilful strategy of the British admiral.

Only superior speed enabled the main fleet to avoid contact with the British battleships when they appeared unexpectedly on the sea. Three of the enemy's best cruisers, caught unprepared in a night action, were annihilated in a few minutes, while the new battleship Vittorio Veneto crawled back to port in a crippled condition. A single aircraft was the only loss sustained by the British fleet in this masterly victory. At the end of 1941" the intervention of Japan had greatly complicated the naval situation. To make matters worse the battleship Barham was lost and the other two capital shirs in the Mediterranean were both disabled.

In theso circumstances it was well that our Mediterranean Fleet was commanded bv a tried leader who could be relied on never to lose his nerve. Promotion to Admiral of the Fleet has seldom been better deserved. Though, like most destroyer officers, he is not overfond of shore jobs. Sir Andrew Cunningham's unrivalled knowledge of sea warfare as it is conducted to-dav marks him as the ideal First Sea Lord at the present time with the prospect of an active campaign in the Pacific looming ahead Text of letters on page 2 100,000 DAMAGE BY FIRE Twenty thousand pounds' worth of silver fox furs and furniture belonging to nearly 150 people, many of them Service-men, were among property valued at nearly 100,000 destroyed in a fire at Busby. Lanarkshire, yesterday.

Firewatchers discovered the outbreak in the works of the Scottish Battery Company. Ltd and when N.F.S. units arrived the nre naa spread to a iurnnure depository- Shortly after the fire was discovered a big explosion shook houses in the area' Firemen fought the flames for eight hours. ITALIAN GENERALS SHOT Italian quarters in Istanbul confirm reports that General Amico, the Italian general commanding in Albania, General Gonzaga. commanding the defences at Salerno, and Giovanni Roveda.

the Milan trade union leader, have been shot by the Germans. Reuter. BARROW STRIKE ENDS The strike of 9,000 employees of Vickers-Armstrongs. Ltd, Barrow, was settled yesterday, and' the men decided to resume work this, morning. Details oo page 3 GERMAN CHANNEL GUNS Yesterday's Berlin communique claimed that on Sunday night German long-range batteries shelled, the British coast and scored hits in Ramsgate, Deal, Dover, and Folkestone.

From our Diplomatic Correspondent London, Monday. The conference of the Foreign Ministers of Britain, the United States, and Russia, which is to be held in Moscow, will, it is fairly definitely understood, take place about the third week-end in this month. The opening' meeting of the Allied Commission for Mediterranean Affairs may take place earlier. It is a msasure of the importance the United States Government attaches to the Moscow conference that Mr. Cordell Hull, the Secretary ot State, intends to travel to Moscow to take part it If he feels strong enough to make the journey and it appears that only healtn considerations could now prevent it Mr.

Hull might pass through London on his way to Moscow. London would not merely offer a welcome halting-place in his long journey but it mignt also provide ths opportunity for the renewal of contacts between Mr. Hull and Mr. Churchill as well as for some useful discussions with Mr. Eden himself.

If, however, it does not prove convenient for Mr. Hull to visit London before the conference he might come afterwards. PREPARATORY WORK Much work has been done in London on the proposed agenda for the Moscow conference. It began with Mr. Maisky's visit to London several weeks back.

The conference should with the complementary political machinery of the Allied Commission write a new opening chapter in the political relations ot Russia with her western allies. All the common political questions arising from Russian collaboration in the problems oi Europe as a whole, and more specifically perhaps those of Western and South-eastern Europe, will, it seems, come within the range of the discussions. Such matters as Russia's policy to wards Germany, the future. of Italy, the Soviet attitude towards Poland and the Balkan States would undoubtedly be among them. The fact that the conference will be in Moscow, where Marshal Stalin will be at hand, will enable the problems before it to be treated with the full authority of the Soviet Government.

The Allied Commission on which France as well as Britain, Russia, and the United States is represented is to be seen as a political instrument of future Allied policy. Its sphere of operations is to be the Mediterranean, and it may first meet at Algiers. But its permanent headquarters are more likely to be on the European mainland possibly in Italy and its work may be broadened. Since Russian interest was directed so strongly to some aspects of Allied policy in -the Mediter ranean some matters have already been reviewed. There is much more clarity, for example, about Amgot.

which is to operate in former enemy countries but not in those of allies. RUSSIAN'S PRAISE Anglo-American Successes Washington, October 4. Mr. Andrei Gromyko, the new Soviet Ambassador, presented his credentials to President Roosevelt to-day. He told the President that the Soviet Union has full confidence that the United States and Russia will be able to continue End strengthen the friendly relations after the war.

Praising the remarkable success of Anglo-American arms in North Africa and Italy, Mr. Gromyko said These campaigns have created a favourabla military and political situation for inflicting decisive blows upon the hated enemy." The President said he fully shared the envoy's confidence that "the unity of purpose which binds our countries and peoples together in the war will be translated into close and everlasting collaboration, together with other like-minded countries in the establishment of a just and enduring peace. "The Government and people of the United States." Mr. Roosevelt added, "bend every effort to bring to bear as speedily and effectively as possible the might of our armed forces against that of the enemy." The Ambassador said he recognised that Russia's allies were taking an increasingly greater part in the struggle, and added For the delivery of the final blow the exertion of the total strength of our countries and of all the United Nations will be required." Reuter. U.S.

TAXATION Big Increases Proposed Washington, October 4. Mr. Henry Morgenthau, Secretary of the United States Treasury, presented to Congress to-day a tax programme calling for an additional $10,500,000,000 a year (2.625.000,000). Mr. Morgenthau proposed that $6,500,000,000 should be raised from income tax by increasing the rates and lowering the married men's exemption from $1,200 to $1,100.

Under Mr. Morgen-thau's proposal between S2.000.000.o00 and 33.500,000,000 will be refundable after the war. At the same time Mr. Morgenthau suggested a broadening of the social security system by the provision of temporary disability payments and increased insurance benefits. Mr.

Morgenthau seeks Sl.100.000.000 from the corporations by raising their tax rates. $2,500,000,000 from stiff increases on liquor, beer, tobacco, travel, soft drinks, and chewing-gum taxes, and $400,000,000 from estate and gift taxes. It was indicated that smaller corporations would be given favourable Mr. Morgenthau said It will be necessary for the people to take in their belts. The cold, hard facts of fiscal necessity demand it.

Our willingness to spend the necessary funds will continue to have its effect on the lives of our men in battle. Mpnev expended to help our allies would help to keen the enemy engaged on dozens of fronts all over the world. It also saves untold lives and helps to shorten the war. I am sure the American people agree that it is worth while." Reuter. NO MORE ISOLATION Boston.

October 4. Mr. William Green, nresident of the American Federation of Labour, told delegates at the annual convention to-day that the United States must abandon isalatmn fnv mm uA world familv of natimwi was warmly applauded. by sudden thrusts it is apparent that the autumn rains are beginning to affect operations along the front. Lively fighting, however, is obviously still going on in places, for Sunday's total of German tanks destroyed is still substantial.

White Russian guerrillas are still as active as ever deep in the enemy rear. Near Minsk, capital of White Russia, guerrillas have routed a force of 2,000 Germans in an eight-hour battle, said Moscow radio last night. Many German trooDS and ammuni tion trains on their way to the front have been blown up. KUBAN MARSHES Retreat in the North Correspondent Melitopol is still raging without record able and it is impossible vet to sav whether the Crimea's immediate fate is, sealed. The position on the Middle Dnieper appears to be unchanged essentially, with some sort of Russian bridgehead still maintaining a stand on the right bank.

The Russians have captured a further twenty places between the Rivers Sozh and Dnieper, making the envelopment of Gomel from the north more compact. If they have not yet completely encircled Gomel there is certainly only a narrow passage still open on both sides of the railway, and it can therefore be expected that the Germans will be forced to abandon Gomel any day. Fifty more places have been captured in the Mogilev area, but the Russians have apparently not got appreciaoly nearer Mogilev itself. The position towards Orsha and Vitebsk has not changed, and Russian reports claim nothing beyond reconnaissance in force. Various reports of the beginning of a German withdrawal from the northern half of the Russian front, from Vitebsk to Leningrad, have not received trustworthy confirmation and appear to be premature though preparations for an eventual retirement are certainly in full sng.

ADAPTING THE "STALIN LINE" These preparations include brisk work on the so-called Stalin Line, stretching from the Finnish Gulf to the Black Sea. This was the rather elaborate defence system the Russians constructed during the five years preceding the war, and it runs roughly, parallel to the frontiers of the Baltic States and Poland, ending near Odessa. Its construction entailed the denudation of a wide forest belt and the removal of the local population. The system naturally faced westwards, and it is doubtful whether 'it is adaptable to the opposite direction except in parts. It is reported that the Todt organisation's activities indicate a deviation from its course of the upper part of the Stalin Line, which kept outside Estonia.

In Estonia the Germans constructed a great number of new barracks, explaining when this work began that it was for additional labourers. The barracks are now being used to house thousands of civilians whom the Germans are transferring on a large scale from the region between Estonia and Leningrad. One cluster of barracks near Narva is designed to accommodate 20,000 and is believed to be destined ultimately for retreating German troops. The Times' 'Manchester Guardian' Service whole area and German forces made considerable gains of territory to the east." Another Berlin account said that a group of Soviet tanks had broken through the German lines "in the battle zone of the Middle Dnieper." German Grenadiers were able to repulse the following infantry," it asserted, and the Soviet tanks are now facing annihilation." Attacks against the German bridgehead on the east bank of the river at Zaporozhe were only "repulsed in part." The German commentator Sertorius said that during the week-end operations against several Soviet nests of resistance on the Western Dnieper were continued systematically and successfully." and he claimed that the Germans succeeded in considerably narrowing down a Russian bridgehead north-west of Dnepropetrovsk. Only in the area of the mouth of the Pripet the Russians tried -to sally.

with strong forces out of their bridgehead but they were repulsed." Reuter. bombs were dropped in a concentrated pattern on vital targets. As the Fortresses left they saw columns of smoke and fire rising from the city. BOMBERS OUT AGAIN A large force of heavy bombers crossed the South-east Coast last evening, flying in the direction of France. Beginning at dusk, the noise of the engines continued for more than an hour.

ENEMY BOMBS Some high-explosive bombs were dropped by enemy 'planes at one place in East Anglia last night. No damage or casualties were reported. It became known last night that two more enemy aircraft were destroyed by our fighters in offensive operations on Sunday, making a total of 26 for the day. IRAJF. raid on Kassel on page 61 CLARK GABLE'S AIR MEDAL Captain Clark Gable has been awarded the Air Medal "for exceptionally meritorious achievement while participating in five separate bomber combat missions- over enemy-occupied con tinenfal it was announced vesterdav bv United States Army Eighth Air Force Headquarters.

Gable's latest raid was on antes, trance in wis raid he manned a Flying Fortress nose gun for part of the way and took pictures for a film he is making for gunnery training purposes. enemy aircraft over Cos hits were scored on shipping and airfields. Following is the lull text of to-day's joint communique The enemy landed in strength on Cos on October 3 Sunday and secured several important points. Fighting continues. "Enemy shipping off the Island of Cos was attacked from the air throughout Sunday, many hits being scored.

Beaufighters, Baltimores, and HiSdsons took part in these operations. Two Ju. 87's attempting to bomb the airfield on the island were destroyed by cur fighters, and others were damaged. "Liberators and Halifax aircraft attacked the airfield at Calato Rhodes) during the night of October 2-3. Bursts were observed in the aircraft dispersal areas, tsomoers also attacked Herak- Jion (Crete) airfield on Sunday night A large fire was started.

irom all operations six of our air craft are missing." 'The Times' 'Manchester Guardian' Service GERMAN CLAIMS The German News Agency claimed last night that German forces, attacking from landing craft, had captured all important military installations on the island. "More than 200 British troops were captured and a number of others killed," it said, adding that resistance was encountered at only a few points. Part of the British forces fled into the mountains Among the booty captured were four British bombers." The Germans dronned 2.000 para chutists on Cos on Sunday and simul taneously landed troops from Rhodes by sea, according to a Turkish report, quoted by Reuter's special correspondent in Istanbul. CORSICA FREED Bastia Taken Mopping Up the Remnants German resistance in Corsica, first department of France to be freed of the Nazis, is at an end. Moroccan Goumiers entered the northern port (and former capital) of Bastia yesterday morning, fourteen days after the first French Commandos landed to join the island Patriots.

The French High Command, giving this news last night, indicates that only mopping-up of isolated German detachments on the coast around the tip of Cape Corse Peninsula now remains. The liberation of Corsica is achieved," it says, and gives the following details of the final stage of the operations This morning our troops entered Bastia. Yesterday evening motorised shock detachments cleared up all the western coast and the northern part of Cape Corse up to Luri. In the centre Moroccan riflemen captured Puriani four miles southwest of Bastia in spite of bitter enemy resistance and advanced rapidly towards toe sea. Farther to the south they occupied Borgo and its aerodrome, Vescovato Ibetween Folelli and Borgo, and Cater-ragio Iclose to Alerial.

French artillery, with direct hits from its advanced positions, destroyed dumps of material and munitions accumulated on the quays and embarkation beaches, as well as embarkation barges lying in Bastia harbour. Mopping-up continues actively along the coast Reuter's special correspondent at Allied Headquarters reported last night that between 1.000 and 1.50O prisoners are expected in the final stage of the Corsican campaign. Boats standing by to evacuate the Germans were smashed as they were being loaded, and many German troops were killed. BOOBY-TRAP AT H.Q. HOTEL The discovery of a booby-trap left by the Germans in a Naples hotel Drobablv saved the lives of Lieutenant General Mark Clark.

Commander of the Fifth Army, and other high American and British officers, cables an Associated Press war correspondent with the Fifth Army. Engineers found the explosive while they were inspecting the building where General Clark intends to establish Fifth Army Headquarters. Reuter. GERMANS ON DNIEPER FIGHTING A 17-MILE JUMP ALONG THE ADRIATIC From our Special Correspondent Breaches of the German defences on the Vitebsk front were admitted for the second time in 24 hours by the German News Agency last night. Main battles on the central front, the agency said, continued in the area west of Smolensk as Tar as north-west of Demi-dov, where the Russians were attacking on a broad front.

The majority of the attacks, Berlin claimed, were repulsed in front of the main German line, but one local breach was held and sealed off and measures to eliminate all others were immediately taken and are still going on." Of Kiev the German News Agency said that bitter fighting on both sides of the city went on all day yesterday. It claimed that small breaches in the niain German lines were eliminated by counter-thrusts. Near the confluence of the Pripet with the Dnieper, fifty miles north of Kiev, there were successful German offensive operations. Although the Soviets hastily brought up reserves they were dislodged from the 5 i5 Ifo 35 flb ROADS i RAILWAYS AT TERMOLI Special Correspondent sarchio south-west of Benevento, Cancello, and Acerra, to Giugliano, north of Naples, and sharply west to the cqast. The line swings north of Benevento, which the Americans entered yesterday.

The German line would seem to be held by units which include a parachute division, the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division, the 26th Panzer Division, and, between Naples and the Volturno River, the Hermann Goring Division. The Herman Goring and the 26th Divisions took heavy punishment at Salerno. Our progress, already hampered by demolitions, has been made more difficult by rains, causing floods and heavy going. The capture of Benevento hv UnitpH States troops threatens the inland flank of such defensive positions as the uermans -may have favoured along the une oi tne volturno iver. One cross ing of the Calore River near Benevento is already in our bands.

ENEMY FIGHTERS UP The Allied air attack yesterday was again mainly directed against the enemy communications north-west of Naples. For the second time within a week enemy fighters, were encountered in the Isernia area, about 55 miles i.urui pi j.apies ana lour out of a tormauon or aDout ten were shot nown. The important road bridge at Capua, a few miles north of Naples, was destroyed by direct hits from United States Marauders. The bridge was formerly a railway bridge, and after recent bombing it had been converted into a road bridge by planking. At Isernia the Marauders wrecked the road juncuon and scored tuts on a railwav bridge and on a large building which expioaea ana Durst into flames.

Other targets successfully attacked were Castelvolturno, on the Gulf of iiaeta, zo mues north-west of Naples, and roads and bridges near Arce. 65 miles north-west of Naples. United States Lightnings patrolling the German air transport evacuation route between Corsica and Leghorn destroyed one of seven Me 109's they met. IN FIGHTING ENEMY Sertorius advance of Montgomery's right wing was ffftfotivAlv elnwiul A covering forces at Serracapriola. The enemy therefore tried a sea-borne enveloping manoeuvre.

landing a formation of about 1.000 men not far from iermoli: Fighting between the British landing forces and German detachments still continues." Summing up, Sertorius added: "No doubt the stage of delaying fighting is not finished yet." A report claiming that Benevento is still in German hands was issued last night by the German News Agency (says Reuter). The capture of Benevento was reported in Sunday's Allied communique. The German News Agency said: American forces supported by motor-ised artillery and tank formations, are proceeding towards Benevento from Avellino, in the Apennine mountains. The town itself is securely in German hands." Other news and official reports on next page Algiers, October 4. The Eighth Army on the eastern sector of the Allied front in Italy has captured Termoli, on the Adriatic coast.

Advance troops of General Montgomery's forces made a landing at the town, 17 miles along the coast from the main position of the Army, and took it by surprise. The enemy made several counterattacks, all of which were success-iully beaten off and a number of enemy prisoners was captured. The advance force has now been joined by the main body of the Eighth Army. Southward from the coast the Eighth Army made a simul taneous push forward inland and captured Motta, a small town on the road which, leaving Foggia, runs through Lucera westward across Italy. Still farther to the south, Montemiletto also has been captured.

Enemy resistance is reported to be stiffening along the Fifth Army front in the Naples sector. General Clark's forces continue to press forward north of Naples and north and west of Benevento. In both areas the enemy is ruthlessly demolishing roads and bridges in his slow retreat and sowing the line of his withdrawal copiously with mines and booby-traps. 75 ENEMY FIGHTERS SHOT DOWN Fortresses' Daylight Attack on Frankfort "ONLY REARGUARDS CONTACT WITH Seventy-five enemy fighter 'planes were shot down by the American Eighth Air Force in simultaneous attacks yesterday in Western Germany. France, and over the North Sea.

The main operation, carried by Flying Fortresses, was against an aircraft component factory at Frankfort, with subsidiary raids on other targets in Western Germany and on an enemy airfield at St. Dizier in France. Liberators at the same time were engaged over the North Sea. A joint communique from the Air Ministry and United States Headquarters states that long-range Thunderbolt fighters supported the Fortresses deep into enemy territory and withdrawal support was provided by squadrons of Spitfires. Strong opposition was encountered by both Forts and Liberators.

which together destroyed 56 enemy fighters. The remaining 19 fell to the Thunderbolts. The Americans' loss in all the operations was 15 heavy bombers. A British United Press correspondent, writing from a United States bomber base last night, said the German fighters used their new rocket bombs against the Flying Fortresses which raided Frankfort. The bombers had to fight their way through considerable opposition from the fighters, but they dropped hundreds of tons of bombs and incendiaries on tne city.

Visibility was good, and Jhej The German commentator Sertorius last night that Kesselring was fighting in Southern Italy in a way which could be described without exaggeration as a minimum use of German forces." Only rearguards are in actual fighting contact with the enemy, and immediately behind them the sappers are doing their demolition work. The rearguards are only slowly giving ground towards the north-west and by using the ground, which is naturally suited to delaying tactics, are again and again causing considerable delays to the enemy. During the week-end German disengaging movements continued according to this plan. "Between Naples and the Volturno River British tanks which tried to press oh somewhat more strongly encountered German cavalry forces already at Giugliano, a few miles north-west of Naples, and were repelled with eon siderable ensualties. "In the Adriatic coastal ares Jhe.