British Drive Sikes Off Italian Forces in Western Desert
British armoured units reported to have cut off two Italian divisions at Sidi Barrani and formed a wedge between them and troops to the west. Fighting raged along a 30 mile front as Royal Navy bombarded one side of a triangle while armor and infantry attacked the other two. A Cairo HQ spokesman denied plans were delayed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Sidi Barrani
Britto
Noeturn
Sidi Berrani
Maktila
Jbeiwa
Royal Navy
Cairo
Eneus
Italians Stymied Near Sidi Barrani in Desert Action
In a late December air and ground offensive Allied forces repelled Italian attempts near Sidi Barrani. Allied squadrons claimed multiple enemy aircraft destroyed and disrupted troop transport as Italian raids on Alexandria suffered heavy losses amid winter conditions.
British pivot in North Africa urged as war news says Italy may fall back
The report cites British plans to cut off the northern army and force a massive Italian withdrawal in Libya while praising Italian industry and the Hepar system. It notes General Wavell and Lt Gen Wilson leading operations, with air losses confirmed as 15 ships sunk and four more likely lost since December 9.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Daily Express
Egypt
Cienera Wavell
British forces in Western Desert prep for further action
In London the Prime Minister outlined in the House of Commons that the preliminary phase of campaign in the Western Desert has progressed. He noted British and Imperial detachments have been deployed and emphasized reinforced measures to confront Italian and Greek threats in the region. General Wavell has received additional reinforcements and orders to broaden operations against Axis forces.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Henry Mau Vd Wilson
Plewert
Mt. Hill
Hen of Commons
London
Cherehill
House of Commons
Sidi Barrant
Greece
France
Saerming
Naval casualties reported from HM Herwick action
Official confirmation lists six ratings killed and eight wounded after the Medi teean incident on November 28. The submarine Rainbow casualties, reported due November 20, tally six of: redacted plus three ratings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Cass
HM Herwick
Rainbow
International tension remains as blackout ends
The Australian press reports London officials stating there is no slackening of international tension. Officials say the blackout cancellation does not ease global strains.
French advance over 73 miles into Libyan desert
French forces report a long rapid advance from Sidi Barrani across the desert with contact on a wide front. They claim 500 prisoners and material captured in the first defended area, an Italian general killed, deputy captured, and further coastward successes near Sidi Barrani to Burg-Bog. Mediterranean fleet and RAF supported.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aingle
Sidi Barrani
Sidi Barran
Warer
Sidi Barrant
Burg-Bog
Aig Tate
Mediterranean Fleet
RAF
Bengbati
Italan
Suortantul
18 Italian aircraft downed in Western Desert action
Prime Minister reports to the House of Commons on Sir Archibald Wavell’s Western Desert operation. An RAF communique says 18 Italian planes were destroyed, four probably downed, with two RAF crews saved. Free French forces also taking part boosts Allied morale.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
House of Commons
Archibald Wavell
Western
Desert
Westminster
Csiro
British Forces Press On in Western Desert Clash
London reports say British troops press near Bug Bug and Sidi Barrani as fighting rages in the Western Desert. Italian positions are described as failing to hold and Libyan units retreating toward Sidi Barrani, while an Abyssinian railway is claimed damaged by FLA bombers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rome
Sidi Barrani
Aden
FLA
Addis Ababa
Djibouti
German Threat Cast on French Resistance and Collaboration
German radio from Stuttgart criticizes French public for resisting and delaying in aligning with Marshal Petain's pledge of Franco German collaboration. It hints at grave consequences if Germany must rethink its policy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Vichy
Stuttgart
Marshal Fetain
Germany
Duchess of Windsor Price 10 Reveals Hospital Stay
An incomplete note references a price and a statement by Derwent A Rane about possible continued hospital care. The fragment hints at a stay related to the Duchess of Windsor era and a cover story context.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hospi
U S Plan For Food Relief Rejected By Britain
The British Ambassador in Washington announced that Britain rejected plans led by Mr. Hoover to ship food to German occupied areas. He said such aid would aid the German war effort and prolong slavery, though medical supplies via approved bodies could pass to occupied and unoccupied France.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U.S
Washington
America
the Marquess of Lothian
Britain
Hoover
France
Mosley detention urged be made subject to trial or execution
In the Commons Mr E B R Stokes labels defence requirements reasonable yet poorly administered. He calls for Mosley to be given reasons for detention or tried. suggests trial in open court or execution if guilty, and asks why only one organisation faces action while others are ignored.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
E B R. Stokes
Lab
House of Commons
Oswald Mosley
Earl Winterton
Daily Worker
Council For Aliens
Gifts to Britain by American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has sent Britain £257,000 in cash and over 2,006 pounds worth of medical supplies and comforts in the past six months. Materials include 110 ambulances nine field kitchens 45000000 surface dressings and ten complete X ray units.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
American Red Crosses
Britain
Parliament Debate on State Powers and Enemy Suspects
A heated Commons session featured Mr Morrison arguing for strong state action against enemies and cautioning against legal aid for detainees. He contrasted Britain with Hitler's Germany, claiming harsh measures could have prevented releases and calling for vigilant, decisive governance despite liberal traditions.
Honour Conferred on NZ Airman K R Park
Air Vice Marshal K R Park born in Thames New Zealand receives the Order of the Bath for distinguished service in a recent operation. He served with the Anzacs in the last war, commanded the fighter group most engaged against Luftwaffe and helped defend Britain during critical air operations over the coast of France. He flew Hurricanes at very low altitudes under anti aircraft fire while studying the battle situation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
K. R. Park
Thames
New Zealand
Europe
Park
Effeer
Britain
Penkirk
French
Value of Democracy in Roosevelt Message
President Roosevelt told the Farm Bureau Federation Conference that democracy proves its value amid war, linking arming to freedom and the abolition of enslaving forces. He urged equitable wealth distribution, support for the underprivileged, and security for workers and farmers to uphold democracy worldwide.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Baltimore
Roosevelt
Farm Bureau Federating Conference
United States
Hitler Speech Fails to Move German Workers Says Observer
British wireless dispatch notes Hitler's address to arming workers yielded little enthusiasm as he defended Nazi policies and promised higher living standards if Germany wins. Commenters warn the talk reveals his overextended ambitions and a growing rift with occupied and allied peoples while Britain readies for invasion defense and continued resistance.
Engineers’ Holiday Dispute Triggers Stop Work Rally
In Sydney, 4000 engineers held a stop work meeting at the Town Hall demanding seven clear holidays beyond Christmas Boxing Day and New Year. About 700 striking and 2000 idle across munitions and shipyards, with potential for a January general strike after a split with employers over the recent award. Representatives of sheet metal workers blacksmiths and electrical trades pledged support if a strike resumes. Employers say they honor the award and accuse engineers of breaking laws and a ministerial pledge to seek arbitration in future disputes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sydney
Garden Island
Ludge O'Mara
German Warships In Roeder Inspection Report
London December 10 reports Admiral Roeder inspected the battleship V on Tirpitz and noted two other battleships nearing completion armed with reinforced steel.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Auradin
Roeder
Quiet over London as Nazi bombers absent
London reports say no major air raid damage with only two bombs falling and no casualties. Earlier in the day bombs hit the Essex coast causing some damage and injuries. Dover endured heavy shelling, while London’s shelter service ferried food and supplies to civilians. The Berlin communique claims several British planes attacked occupied territories with some damage, and two merchant ships totaling 14 500 tons were sunk by U-boats.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Essex
Air Ministry
London
Berlin
Occupied Territories
Germany
Drastic new Australian taxes proposed by House committee
Canberra December 11 a select committee of the House of Representatives recommends drastic new taxes as an alternative to the War-time Companies Tax Bill. Private companies would be taxed on undistributed profits, public and proprietary firms taxed at 3 pence per pound, and the sliding scale super tax retained where it yields more than the new rate.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Canberra
Australia
House of Representatives
B&b
Canberra approves new company tax plans with war time tweak
Cabinet accepts select committee proposals on the War-time Companies Tax Bill. Public companies face a higher rate from 2d to 3d in the pound with a 1d super tax and £5000 exemption. Private firms taxed on full undistributed profits, not 75 percent. Estimated yield rises to £5,500,000, about £1,250,000 above the original bill.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Canberra
Members Toil Through Overnight Canberra Session
Members of the House of Representatives labored through an all night session ending at 6 in the morning and resuming at 10 30. They debated the sales tax and later processed the Wire Netting Bounty Bit. A second all night session seems likely with a continuation planned for tomorrow night or Friday.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Canberra
House of Representatives
War Department to call up 20000 reserve officers
The War Department announced the call up of 20000 additional reserve officers to active duty by June. The measure expands military manpower as the nation mobilizes for ongoing conflict.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
War Department
British forces capture 2000 Italians in Western Desert
London reports 2000 Italian prisoners taken in 24 hours raising total to 6000 since dawn action began. In Commons, Under Secretary Butler answers Tangier questions amid submarine repair delays. German Messerschmitts approach coast but retreat as Spitfires patrol the sky.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Western Desert
House of Commons
Mr. Butler
Tangiers
al Commons
Messerschmitts
Southeam
Westralian Theft at Norseman Gold Mines N L
In Kalgoorlie on December 11 a theft occurred at the Norseman Gold Mines N L with 289 fine ounces of gold missing after a gold precipitation press leak was observed. Officials suspect non mechanical causes and ongoing investigations are underway to locate the missing bullion.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kalgoorlie
Norseman
N.L
Havoc in France From RAF Night Attacks Seen Across Channel
Residents along England s south east coast witnessed the fires from RAF raids across the Channel. Huge smoke plumes and flames lit the dawn and were clearly visible at daybreak. The French coast glowed red through morning haze and drizzle before the mist partially returned.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
England
RAF
Channel
Straits
NAZI Spies Hanged After 16 Day Hearing
Joel Waldner and Karl Meier were hanged at Still Prison after a 16 day police court hearing. Jurors drawn by ballot kept secret the trial details while police guarded proceedings to prevent leaks. An officer said one suspect believed he served Germany while the other sought reward from Hitler’s regime.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Joel Waldner
Karl Meier
Tonills Prison
Adt
Hitler
Turn of Tide in Egypt Signals Allied Momentum
Turkish political circles see the British offensive in Egypt as the start of a turning tide against the Axis. They predict Germany will focus on winter efforts to bind conquered nations into a solid bloc. The British move drew more attention than Hitler’s speech.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aneaba
Egypt
Axis
Germany
Spy menace warned as agents blend with crowds
An officer warned that spies in Britain operate by day and hide equipment for night use observing military targets in civilian life. He stressed vigilance amid foreign presence and warned many in services and factories hold valuable information. Over 100 spies arrested in the war, 12 shot, one hanged, one died by own hand.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Erest
Berlin
Britain
Home defence enlistment restriction to be scrapped soon
The War Cabinet plans to end voluntary enlistment for home defence and militia except in specialised units. Unmarried men up to 35 will register for service and be called for training to fill a 13 900 manpower gap. Older groups may train later while existing volunteers may withdraw whenever they wish.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Canberra
War Cabinet
Military Board
Goebbels Threat Signals Nazi Policy Aims in Europe
Berlin dispatch reports Goebbels warning reporters of pressure on Britain and asserting the war will end soon without a rapid offensive. He says a Nazi victory exists and focus shifts to a new European order and relations with the United States.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Berlin
Goebbels
Mega
Heytaum
Britain
Europe
Amerirag
Alleged Deserter Sentenced in Robbery Case
William Henry George Dean aged 21 was sentenced to a month of hard labor at East Ham for robbery from Mrs Mary Oldrey. The deserter from the A S was said to have travelled to England on his own account and was aided after meeting someone in an air raid shelter.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
William Henry George Dean
A.S
England
East Ham
Mary Oldrey
C mm
Italians' Plight in Albania Desperate Final Evacuation Effort
Desperate Italian defense on the Albanian front with rumors of a Greek reinvasion. Reported Italian fortifications at Durazzo aim to cover a full evacuation while 50,000 Italians in the Dodecanese may surrender due to food shortages.
Greeks Push North West Capture Mountain Height
Athens reports continued offensive success along a 150 mile front with Greeks seizing a high mountain position and advancing north west from Pog fader. Italian retreat concentrates along the coast toward Himare and Elisura Tepelini amid rising claims of a new Greek defense line.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Athens
Argyrokastron
Himare
Epirus
Elisura
Tepelini
Italians Retreat Under Fire in Aegean Front
A Greek government spokesman in Athens said Italian columns are retreating under machine gun fire north of Argyrokastria with the right wing falling back steadily. Heaviest fighting was reported north of Pogradec where Italians are entrenched. Greeks in the coastal sector reached Piqueras, 15 miles north of Saranda. Some Italians are stated to ...
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Athens
Argyrokasira
Pogradec
Piqueras
Saranda
Comforts Distribution Debate at Australian Fund Conference
Melbourne delegates heard General Sturdee deny criticism of the Australian Comforts Fund distribution. General Blamey via cable defended past troop shipments and urged uniform comforts delivery through state committees. The conference tasked the secretary to ensure kits reach overseas personnel and to adopt a standard embarkation kit with a Christmas hamper for every service member abroad.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Melbourne
Sturdee
Town Hall
Thomas Blamey
Middle East
Blamey
Tabrie Ctlde
C. McKernan
McKiernan
Umite
McKiernen Asid
Air
Missing £750 Notes Burned in Factory Incinerator
Two sisters Agnes and Elizabeth Donald run a delicatessen in Allawah Sydney. They hid £750 in notes in a biscuit tin for a house purchase. A factory carter removed empty tins and the money was later found missing. Believed burnt in the incinerator at William Arnott Pty Ltd Homebush.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sydney
Agnes
Elizabeth Donald
Railway Parade
Allawah
William Arnott Pty. Ltd
Homebush
Gome
Britain reports unemployment by November figures
In Britain on November 11 there were 34 101 men and boys unemployed and 33 110 women and girls unemployed, a reduction from October 14. The totals show 66 787 men and boys employed and 45 77 women and girls unemployed, with shifts reflecting a gain for men and a drop for women.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Britain
Secree
Rniy Ai
RAF Air Resistance Offensives Near Viona
British Air Forces in Greece report that in bad weather on Monday RAF bomber reconnaissance near Viona hit the south jetty and a building area near the harbour. The sortie faced anti aircraft fire but no fighter opposition and all aircraft returned safely.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Greece
RAF
Viona
Italian Journal Attacks War Reporters From Front to Desk
The Italian Journal Vie Dellaris, tied to the Air Ministry, criticizes war correspondents for staging front reports in editorial rooms. It accuses them of framing the war as sport and portraying the enemy as unprepared. It asserts Greeks are a strong, worthy foe.
Greek military warns on details for next phase
A spokesman in Athens warned that precise details of Greek operations, especially in the north, would not be issued for a few days. He said time is needed to prepare for the next stage of the advance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Athens
Canned Fruit Export Pact Reached Between Government and Canneries
In Canberra December II the government secured a deal with canneries to process and export the entire available pack. The agreement assigns cannery responsibility to exploit all markets and fulfill orders to Britain by September 30. The government shares financial risk up to 200 pounds to enable the agreement.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Canberra
Britain
Government to aid China stabilization fund credits
The secretary for foreign affairs told the House of Commons that sterling held in China could be restricted to use within the sterling area. The government would provide 80,000 pounds to the Chinese stabilization fund and, with Commons approval, a further 5,000,000 pounds credit for purchases within the sterling area.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Wader
R.L. Buvler
House of Commons
Commons
German Experts Aid Taranto Salvage Efforts and Net Barrier
The Telegraph reports German experts assisting in salvage of the half submerged Taranto battleship. Protection includes a triple net barrier around the wreck. A German submarine with blowing machines lies alongside to vent water from damaged compartments as German planes assist Mansa lini's sea warfare. Bombers from the Fleet Air Arm recently downed included a Junkers fa from a six plane formation that failed to reach any ship.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Taranto
Mansalini
Fleet Air Arm
Junkers Fa
Australia’s airmen in two wars noted by minister
The Minister for Economic Warfare Dr Hugh Dalton said that in the last war Australia had 100 airmen in the total air force. In this war Australia has 87 000 airmen with 27 000 going up in the air. An Australian squadron of 26 young men came to this country with 51 becoming RAF instructors. all are missing and 12 won the DFC.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Hugh Dalton
In & H
Australia
RAF
Df.c
Also Mentioned on This Page
Australian Associated Press
Derma Barrant
Soolare
Mossanes
Bue-Rug
Ital
Alexandria
Times
Calra
Eit
Eoe
Maodi
Mr. Ward Prive
Libya
Italy
Crete
Cot
Abyssinia
Wilson IV
MR. Churchill
Naval Personnel
Ankers Rt
Peop Sito
Turkey
Cance
British Official Wireless
Bug-Bug
Matkila
Advace
Duchess OF Windsor
Commons Criticiem
Mosley
Home Security
Herbert Morrison
Home Office
Holland
Norway
American Red Cross
Agatralian Asociated Prew
Quisling
Nazi Germany
Morrison
Beverley Baxter
Joseph Kennedy
Mr. Morrison
Mr. Baxter
President Roosevelt
British Offical Wireless
Herrier
Uandom
Broa
Ietory
Big Aggresson
Iepéech
Prem Gang
Hig
Rom Cern
Belgium
Reich
Netherlands
Leatt
Labour
I. E. Holt
Capital
Australian Associated Free
Dover
London Transport Board
New Shelter
Rbefoert
R.A.F
Turn OF
Goeberls
Australian Appociated Press
Albania
Durazzo
Dodecanese
Mussolini
Mokra
Shkumbi River
Librash
Elbasan
Korea
Moseopotye
Comforts Distribution
General Blamey
Sydney Sisters
Palermo
Greek Orthodox Church
China
Sterling
Preas
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