12 Mar 1945
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 21 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Cairns Post
Location
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Date
Mar 12, 1945
Page
1
London reports that by 10 p.m. last night all organised resistance ceased on the Canadian Army front opposite Wesel. Allied forces moved to the Rhine under cover of smoke while shuttling troops across the east bank. The S.H.A.E.F. communique says the German bridgehead west of Wesel was virtually eliminated with only mopping up left.
Allied advances along the Rhine drive the Third Army toward Coblenz while Ninth Army batteries shell positions beyond the river. Reports from Reuters and AP describe German attempts to break the bridgehead and American units under General Bradley tightening control west of the Rhine. Officials estimate 23,000 Germans trapped in a pocket between the First and Third armies, with Wesel and surrounding roads severed to block escape routes to the Rhine.
A fragmented account notes a late ceremony at Vera Mandy involving Seer Foeemes and the Mas Pees. The readable text is limited but indicates a formal gathering with ceremonial elements and attendees linked to Vera Mandy and the Mas Pees.
Lawmakers prepare for a banking bills debate this week as opposition parties seek to form a special committee to examine the bill clause by clause. The government faces pressure from opposition groups while committee action and party lines shape the proceeding in the House of Representatives.
Announcement by General Evant reports that a ministerial exchange between Australia and France is completed or in progress. The Australian delegation includes Coronel Wi A Madgson. France will send a French diplomat to Australia, with M. Poerre Ange listed among officials.
March 18 dispatch reports Japan has seized full administration of French Indo China with Governor Decoux in protective custody. Tokyo claims French troops remain. martial law and curfew imposed as Japanese plan to seal border, increase supplies, and deter escapes. Shanghai disarmament cited as Tokyo crew claims percentage.
Amid heavy fighting on Iwo Jima the Marines push forward as the Fourth Division drives the island’s center. About 751 Japanese attacked in a bold assault, 56 killed. Tokio radio reports indicate continued American progress despite enemy resistance along multiple craters and paths.
Report from London cites alleged treason charges against a French general amid wartime actions. The dispatch notes Sixth Division advances southwest of Montalbait Ta Batangas region, with combat teams aiding offensives and bombing campaigns. It describes heavy bombardment, destruction of enemy materiel, naval engagements near Hong Kong, and air patrols targeting bases and transport hubs.
Belgrade reports Marshal Tito pledges to reunite non incorporated territories, reestablish state unity, and guarantee private initiative. Government backs wartime reconstruction, state intervention, and broad freedoms while aiming to maintain friendly ties with Russia, Britain, and the United States.
An Anglican controversy in London involves debates over burials and church rights, with the Archbishop of York and other church authorities weighing in on free church burial practices. The dispute touches on legal bases and church authority amid broader tensions within Anglican ranks.
An observer described the incendiary strike on Tokyo as the greatest show on earth. General Lemay and allied officials touted the mission as highly successful, noting fires across 18 square miles from the Imperial Palace to the waterfront, with precise reconnaissance photos confirming extensive destruction.
The piece argues that war duration may extend beyond 35 days with Allied optimism challenged by evidence of German internal decay and morale loss. It notes the Volksturm as a factor and cites German reports insisting they will never capitulate while suggesting bridges and command cohesion are degrading.
In Brisbane the Amtraling Paderatad Union of Locomotive Enginemen voted to accept a recent shipyard wage agreement but demanded a 5 per day raise for overtime. The union called on the Federal exievilbe Se to review the move and review the penalties for night work as a measure to secure better terms.
German commentators claim the Russian drive toward Berlin is in full swing as Moscow stays silent on the sector. The focus is said to be 40 miles east of Berlin, near the capital’s outer defenses, with battles described along the Baltic coast and Pomerania. British and French forces are said to advance toward the Polish seaport of Gdynia, north of Danzig.
Soviet forces drive toward Stettin as German defenses crumble along the Oder, with heavy artillery and winter conditions shaping the siege. Reports claim gains toward Danzig, narrowing bridgeheads at Kustrin while Russians contend with stiff German counterattacks and harsh weather in Pomerania.
Disjointed report from Canberra discusses tax remission proposals and expenditure, noting Labour Party members argue theTreasurer, Me 7B Causey, caused changes in the tax exemption threshold. The text mentions a £10 10 tax figure and social service funding concerns amid a contentious budget session.
London reports General Ebentewer lauding allied coordination and perfect team play during wartime operations. The dispatch notes joint efforts of Ninth, First and Third armies achieving significant strikes, with Allied formations aligning across fronts amid wartime austerity and campaign pressures.
In a vast Allied operation the Reich’s defenses were struck across the front. Ammunition depots and key transportation hubs were hit as bombers and fighter escorts conducted raids at night and in daylight. Reports describe heavy bombardment focusing on the Reich’s southern and central regions with widespread smoke and fire. No details on casualties or exact locations are confirmed.
Fragmentary report notes proposed shifts in Transylvania involving Romania and Hungary with reference to territories near 1800 square miles and populations around 9,000. The text is garbled but suggests a future territorial realignment affecting regional governance and borders.
March 18 14 40 report says Vice Admiral Emin assumes command of the Pacific for service force handling, relieving Vice Admiral William Cain aboard ships. The update reflects a routine command change in the theater.
A Paris roundup targets Gestapo torture operatives amid wartime arrests. The operation detained suspects tied to torture and coercion, with authorities claiming several gang members died in custody or during the crackdown. Key figures or dates are unclear from the fragmentary text.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.