Pouring a constant stream of heavy shells across the vital Rupel Pass, Greek artillery" repulsed repeated thrusts by hundreds of German tanks, supported by dive-bombers that were harried by furious curtains of fre thrown up by anti-aircraft batteries. the officio) war communique revealed today.
Despite vicious German attacks, which were supported by concen: trated artillery fire, aerial bombing and tank onslaughts, the Greeks checked the German legions at the most important regions, the com: munique said. Western Thrace. however, was evacuated because of mili tary' strategy, the communique re ported.
Many German tanks were destroy ed as Greek gunners hurled shell after shell at the streams of plunging seo monsters and held all main forts. according to the official report:
Greek advances on the Albanian front continued, but in Thrace the Greeks evacuated certain regions for military reasons and also to avoid win necessary bloodshed, the commique said.
The regions evacuated, the Greek Headquarters indicated. were areas: held by small Greek unit "On the Albanian front, in strong offensive action the Greeks captured important organized enemy (Italian) positions, taking 500 prisoners and abandoned equipment." the official communique said, "Western Thrace, for military reasons and in order to avoid bloodshed, has been evacuated in time and in complete order by a few defending forces.
"Two forts in western Thrace. namely, Echinos and Nymphea, continue to resist the enemy attacks, preventing passage of heavy enemy material.
"Another enemy attack against Fort Lyse on the Greek-Bulgarian border of eastern Macedonia and which was supported by tanks was repulsed. Many tanks were destroyed by our artillery," the communique continued "In the highlands of Nevrokop, the enemy, after intense efforts, succeeded in entering Fort Perithori. After heavy fighting in the subterranean passages, the Germans, who entered,
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