Press has no comment to make regarding Sicily.¹ It looks as if action started by Germans near Kursk had originally only local objective.² Russians however have thrown in large forces and anything may happen. Nobody in Berlin expected German offensive.

Fall in U-boat sinkings disappointing though it is confidently hoped to find means of combating improved British defences. The severity of recent air raids in the West make civilian population here apprehensive as they fear it will be Berlin's turn in the autumn. Phosphorus bombs used by British nearly as bad as gas and cause appalling injuries. A spot of burning phosphorus can maim or disfigure person for life. Hundreds have been literally burnt alive.