With the fall of Smolensk, the Germans extended their breakthrough to the sou beast. east and yest northeast. In strenuous marches and determined fighting these German forces covered the flanks of the German wedge which was exposed to incessant attacks by the Russians, the communique related.
The Russians were then encircled. The main forces were broken up German panzer units. but sufficiently strong groups of Bolsheviks remain- Unit to offer the Germans battle, the communique continued.
The German air force effectively cooperated in overcoming Russian bunkers, artillery positions and tanks, the communique reported.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.