The Soviet army is in retreat as German forces, spearheaded by mechanized columns, press their offensive east towards Moscow and Leningrad.

The Germans have held Smolensk, 230 miles west of Moscow, for four days, and have repulsed fierce Red Army counter-attacks.

There are large numbers of casualties on both sides.

The German air force struck the city of Hull, on England’s northeast coast, yesterday, inflicting heavy damage in residential areas.

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